FROM ROOKIE TO PRO: SUPPORTING FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SUCCESS BRETT L. BRUNER, M.S. DIRECTOR OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE/PERSISTENCE & RETENTION FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY TERESA L. CLOUNCH, ED.D. ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS/DIRECTOR OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS BAKER UNIVERSITY

OVERVIEW  Learning Outcomes  Introduction of Presenters  Why are you here?  Who are First-Generation Students?  Dr. Clounch’s Story – From Headstart to Hooding  The FHSU Experience  Application to Your Campus

LEARNING OUTCOMES  As a result of attending this session, participants will:  Define what “first-generation student” means on their campus.  Articulate the transitional & retention challenges of first-generation college students.  Identify 1 new strategy or 1 strategy to enhance an existing strategy on their campus to support first-generation students and/or their parents & families.

INTRODUCTION OF PRESENTERS Dr. Teresa L. ClounchBrett L. Bruner

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

WHO ARE FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS?

WHO ARE FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS? DR. CLOUNCH – FROM HEADSTART TO HOODING  Familial Connection  College Preparation  Collegiate Experience

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE  Process of defining a “first generation” student (2014)  FHSU definition: “A student who either has both parents with a high school education or less or with 1 or both parents with some college but not a bachelor’s degree.”  Fall 2014 = 52.6% of FT/FT/OC students (n = 981)  Retention Risk

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE  Fall 2014 – Attempt at a Student Organization – Fort Hays Firsts  “You don’t know what you don’t know.”  Student interest  Lack of identity/purpose in organization.  “Where do we begin?”

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE: BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!  Transitional Issues Faced by First-Generation Students:  What does it mean to be first?  How do I discuss finances with my family?  How do I reconnect with my family & friends?  Where do I go from here?  The Struggle to Be First: First-Gen Students May Be Torn Between College & Home

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE: EXAMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES  University of North Carolina Carolina Firsts Office of Undergraduate Education & Retention  Loyola University New Orleans (LA) First in the Pack Office of Enrollment Management  Bellarmine University (KY) Pioneer Scholars Program Academic Resource Center

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT  Dedicated UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar section  Programmed co-curricular experiences with program coordinator (Graduate Assistant for First Year Experience & Orientation)  Integration of careers and future with alumni & campus mentors

THE FHSU EXPERIENCE: VISION FOR THE FUTURE  Parent & family programming  Better utilization & infusion with the Future Tiger Program (sibling orientation program)  The Lighthouse Project commencement pinning & recognition ceremony

APPLICATION TO YOUR CAMPUS: BRAINSTORMING SESSION  How do you define “first-generation student” at your campus?  What data do you have to identify the key characteristics of your first-generation student population?  What programs, events, or services do you have in place to support first-generation students in the transition to campus life?

FROM ROOKIE TO PRO: SUPPORTING FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SUCCESS BRETT L. BRUNER, M.S. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY TERESA L. CLOUNCH, ED.D. BAKER UNIVERSITY