FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Virginia Krolczyk FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

What is “First Generation” A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a Bachelor degree. This means that student is the first in their family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree. Being first-generation is a very proud accomplishment FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Struggles Endured Applying to College Filling out the FAFSA Seeking Scholarships Determining a Career Path Understanding Return on Investment Asking for Guidance Coping with Transition Completing Studies FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Uncertainty looms over which college is the best choice. Applying to College Many first generation students are confused on “how” to fill out a college application. They tend to underestimate their abilities and skills when filling in required fields. Uncertainty looms over which college is the best choice. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Filling out the FAFSA First gen students sometimes are not aware they need to do this. This is a very complicated and cumbersome process. If assistance exists; they do not necessarily know how to seek it out. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Seeking Scholarships Students are unaware of the monies available through local, national, and academic levels. Students do not always grasp that this money does not have to be paid back. Students doubt their ability to fill out these sometimes simple applications. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Determining a Career Path First generation students sometimes do not have a clue as to what field they want to pursue. Once a career path has been selected; they may not fathom what specifically is needed to acquire such degree. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Understanding Return on Investment It may be unclear with a particular degree what career can be sought. First gen student’s tend to doubt capabilities. Perception and reality of profession may be skewed. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Asking for Guidance Social anxiety looms on all students; but with these students it is intensified Being the first to attend college, they often don’t know what questions to ask. They worry too many questions may be viewed as the inability to succeed. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Coping with Transition Do not know what to expect of a college campus. Simply matters easily become complex . Deadlines, process, and procedures can be very overwhelming. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Completing Studies Language sometimes can be a barrier Knowing what or how to study presents challenges. May need assistance in identifying learning style to achieve personal best FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Concerns of Families Financial Burden Campus Safety Social and Emotional Differences Academic Incongruence Understanding Process and Procedures Course Selections Connecting with Peers and Professors Staying focused on goals FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Financial Burden Parents worry that their child will endure a lot of debt with the inability to pay it back. There is a sense of guilt if unable to assist financially. Uncertain how to guide student to seek funding. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Campus Safety If the student is a female, there is a looming fear of sexual assault. Overindulgence of binge drinking/substance abuse possibly leading to death. Unable to protect from random acts o violence ie: shootings [Sharing campus safety statistics may ease some of these concerns.] FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Social and Emotional Differences First gen parents view their child as having a disadvantage compared to peers. If far from home, they worry about undue stress and the child’s fear of managing it. Misconstrue being busy as being despondent. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Academic Incongruence Parents worry about their inability to academically assist their kids. Parents sometimes feel intimidated by the knowledge their child is gaining FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Understanding Process and Procedures How will their child know: Which classes to register for. How to register. Days, times, and locations of classes. Convoluted terminology. How to apply for graduation. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Course Selections First gen students/families may not comprehend certain courses are only offered certain times of the year. May not realize a grade or GPA can place a student on academic probation. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Connecting with Peers and Professors Worry student may not know how to become involved in campus functions. Fears student might exhibit apprehension in seeking help. Concerned about students self-esteem. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Staying Focused on Goals Families of first gen worry freedom/independence may interfere with educational goals. Also worry about the student’s inability to find balance between academia, social, and health. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

In Summary First Generation Students fear what they do not know. The better informed these students and their families are, the less fearful they will be. When fear is reduced, risks are more likely to occur. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

The #1 factor Being connected to someone that can mentor, guide, direct, and befriend the student so comfort and ease exists when questions of doubt or ambiguity arise. This connection spiritually and emotionally makes all the difference in completion and success. FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation Students to ask Representatives Are scholarships automatic, based on GPA/test scores, or does a student need to apply? If a scholarship is received from the college, is it automatically renewed or does a student need to reapply each year? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation Students to ask Representatives What is the deadline to fill is out the FAFSA? What is an award letter? Is someone available at the college to help understand the award letter sent by FAFSA? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation Students to ask Representatives How much is each credit hour? How many credit hours make up one class? How many credit hours are needed to obtain a Bachelor’s degree? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation Students to ask Representatives What is the student to teacher ratio? Is tutoring available? Are professors available outside the class? What activities/groups/organizations are available? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation Students to ask Representatives How do I determine which program should be pursued? Upon graduation, does the college assist in finding a job? How does repayment of a student loan work? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

What questions can I answer for you? FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk