University of Notre Dame professors and staff are identifying themselves with their t-shirts to show their support for first-generation students.
More than half of the nation’s undergraduates are first-generation college students, according to 2015–16 data from NASPA. Although they make up the majority of students, first-generation students often face barriers to completing their degree, with only 56 percent earning a certificate after six years, compared to 40 percent of continuing students.
A sense of belonging in college, one of the top predictors of student persistence, is tied to long-term outcomes after graduation.
First-generation faculty members and staff can help build a community that appreciates and understands first-generation students, to help combat feelings of isolation, according to Forward Pathway, an education center that compiles and visualizes data about US colleges. But previous research shows that first-generation students are hesitant to approach and engage with faculty members because they are unaware of the benefits of this interaction.
Within Higher Ed It includes four strategies that institutions have used to connect first-generation community members and encourage dialogue between students and staff.
- Organize an intellectual panel
As first-generation students themselves, doctors and higher education leaders often have advice for first-time college goers. Panel discussion is one of the ways institutions have provided insight and support to students.
During New Jersey’s first-generation college celebration week, Brookdale Community College faculty and administrators who were first-generation students themselves shared their educational and career journeys, challenges and tips for success with students. The event included an audience Q&A so attendees could get advice and insights from the panelists.
Similarly, Elon University in North Carolina hosts a faculty panel for first-generation students where faculty validate students’ experiences and share their feelings about being first-generation.
- Create conversations
First-generation and mixed-generation faculty can introduce community members and celebrate first-generation identities, and empower students as they plan their lives. Virginia Tech hosts an engineering-specific integrator and a first-generation general integrator for communication and discussion.
Colleges and universities can also match individuals to connect and share informal dialogue on campus, perhaps sparking a mentor relationship.
To celebrate National First-Generation College Week, Wichita State University faculty and staff can sign up to volunteer and meet first-generation Shockers for a walk and talk. During that time, the participants shared their college journey. Anyone who participated in the event received WSU First-Gen Shockers socks to show their first-gen pride.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, hosted a first-generation happy hour, First-Gen on Tap!, that connected students and teaching faculty with staff. Proceeds from purchases at the event also helped establish the first generation scholarship.
- Share proof of work
Many institutions ask faculty and staff to share their thoughts on their academic careers as first-generation students in blogs or short presentations.
Temple University gathered stories from six faculty and staff to reflect on their time in higher education and how the Philadelphia-based university supports first-generation students. Similarly, the University of California, Davis, asked professors to reflect on how being first generation influences their teaching.
The University of Texas at San Antonio invited faculty and administrators to participate in the First Gen Fest speaker series this fall, sharing their experiences in a short talk.
- Offer first generation sales
First-generation identity is hidden, requiring students to disclose, which may be uncomfortable or upsetting. Universities can create visual signals for staff to demonstrate their first-generation status and encourage interaction among students.
The University of Notre Dame has provided first-generation faculty and staff with t-shirts to wear while teaching during First Generation Week and Low Income Week and beyond to show their support for first-generation students, according to a university press release.
How does your college or university celebrate the success of first-generation students? Share it here.
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