Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM
These are the previously published dates. Check the organizer for a new edition.
Check the organizer’s latest schedule ↗Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen opens career conversations at KU
The route from a college classroom to a career is the subject of Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen, a University of Kansas networking event at the Jayhawk Welcome Center on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Questions are the starting point
The gathering brings first-generation working professionals and KU alumni from different industries together with students for informal conversation. Students can ask about education and career paths, meet other first-generation students and practice making professional connections. Appetizers and mocktails are planned.
A useful question to bring might be how someone chose their field or which experiences helped them move from college into work. The event also offers a chance to learn about campus resources, whether a student is just beginning to explore careers or is further along in their studies.
Further reading: Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails & Mingle | University Career CenterUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Part of a wider week
Mocktails and Mingle follows the I am First Too Poster Unveiling, a TRIO-sponsored recognition of first-generation KU faculty and staff. The unveiling is at the Kansas Union Ballroom; the networking event is in a different building, with 15 minutes between their scheduled times.
Both are part of KU’s November 8–13 First-Generation College Celebration Week. The national celebration falls on November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which helped establish college-access and support programs.
Hawk Link, a program partner, helps students navigate university processes and find resources. Its initiatives include the Mentored Scholars Program, which supports first-generation students through mentorship and educational experiences, and the Tri Alpha honor society for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students.
Further reading: Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Hawk Link | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Two First-Gen Week gatherings
The poster unveiling and networking event are scheduled at separate campus venues.
Monday, November 9, 2026 · Kansas Union Ballroom
- I am First Too Poster Unveiling
Monday, November 9, 2026 · Jayhawk Welcome Center
- Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen — networking with first-generation professionals and KU alumni, meeting other First-Gen students, practicing networking skills and connecting with campus resources; appetizers and mocktails are listed.
Before you go
Choose the appropriate sign-up
KU’s First-Gen Week page offers separate registration options for students and networkers. Registration requirements and admission terms are not specified; contact the University Career Center at [email protected] or 785-864-3624 to confirm.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Getting to the Welcome Center
Parking and entrance
Mocktails and Mingle is at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, 1266 Oread, Lawrence, KS 66045. The center says it has no dedicated parking and recommends the Mississippi St. Garage.
The building has a front entrance ramp and elevators serving all levels. The venue also lists an induction-loop system in event spaces A and B; the room for this gathering is not specified. For access questions, contact [email protected].
Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Jayhawk Welcome Center - KU Alumni ↗
Before you make a plan
Do I need to be in a particular major to attend?
No. KU says students from all majors and class levels, including first-year and graduate students, are welcome.
Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Is registration required?
KU offers separate registration options for students and networkers, but does not specify whether registration is required. Contact the University Career Center to confirm.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Can I attend the poster unveiling as well?
Yes. It is scheduled before Mocktails and Mingle at the Kansas Union Ballroom. Allow for the change of venue; the schedule leaves 15 minutes between events.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Location & Google Maps
Jayhawk Welcome Center
1266 Oread, Lawrence, KS 66045
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.