The Mount Holyoke College Fearless First Cording Ceremony is a recognition ceremony honoring college students who self-identify as first-generation and/ or low-income graduating seniors.

Sponsored by the First Gen Network, the Office of Community and Belonging, Division of Student Life, and FLIP (First Generation Low-Income Partnership), this year's ceremony will be held on Saturday, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm in Blanchard Campus Center Great Room.

During the celebration, we will honor graduating seniors through student, faculty/ staff reflections, refreshments, and a gift (an honor cord) for all seniors who register.

Attire is semi-formal.

What is a first-generation college student?

At Mount Holyoke College, first-generation is defined as a student in which neither parent has earned a four-year degree. However, the College recognizes that the definition of first-generation is fluid and embodies a diverse group of individuals who hold multiple identities. First-generation students can be self-defining domestic or international students who:

• are the first to attend a four-year university and attain a college degree
• did or do not have parents, guardians, or family systems to assist them in navigating the college process.
• have current parents or family systems who did not attend a traditional four year institution and attain a college degree

First-generation college students can include domestic and international students; students from any income status (low, middle and/ or upper), or international students in which one or both parents did not attend college in the U.S.

If you are a first-generation and/ or low-income graduating senior and would like to participate in the ceremony, please submit the form no later than Thursday, March 30, 2023, 11:59pm US EST.