First Generation: Welcome to the Combat Zone By Carmen Tym Robin McMillion Sandra Barone Jeff Webster

Who are First Generation? First generation are less prepared for the rigors of college (Barone et. al., 2004). “93%” of students whose parents had gone to college completed, compared to 49% who had parents who did not The 49% were marginally qualified to go to college.

In 1999 I-200 ended racial preferences in admissions Percentages of first generation declined sharply I-200 and Affirmative Action

Changes post I-200: % of Enrollment Decline

What was I-200? This Initiative ended racial preferences (mandated by affirmative action amendments) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) had expanded Affirmative Action Basically an executive order that excluded discrimination based on “race, color or national origin” under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance” (Executive Order 11246)

What was happening in 1964? HUGE DISPARITIES: So in the 1963 Civil Rights bill brought before Congress President Kennedy pointed out: “The Negro baby born in America today… has about 1/2 as much chance of completing high school as a white baby born in the same place 1/3 as much chance of completing college 1/3 as much chance of becoming a professional man Twice as much chance of becoming unemployed 1/7 as much chance of earning $10,000 a year a life expectancy which is seven years shorter And the prospects of earning only half as much."

Additional Amendments In 1967 an amendment was added to prohibit discrimination based on sex In 1971 a revision to Order No. 4 - required all contractors to develop “an acceptable affirmative action program.

Mandated Equality It was under these conditions that Affirmative Action came in to being Conditions were so severe for people of Color, that laws had to be passed just to create equal opportunity

Overturning Affirmative Action Two landmark law suits were filed in the 90’s that challenged the race mandate: The passage of ”I-200 according to Eyman “had done an 'intervention” by putting an end to racial preferences. So in 1998 the passing of I-200 expressed that we no longer need to legally mandate equality—but is that true?

President McCormick Remarks Initiative 200… marks the end of an expansive era at U.W. Thousands of students who otherwise may never had gone to college had a chance to gain an education. However, diversity remains--now more than ever--an important value to the educational mission of the U.W. Learning how others think, what values they hold, how they relate to our own values, is a crucial component of the educational process. Students who learn from one another in a diverse environment are better prepared… The University is determined to…promote the diversity of this campus.

First Generation Issues Have less access to the Internet (A Shared Agenda, 2004). Lack knowledge of: time management college finances budget management the bureaucratic operations of higher education (Thayer, 2000) Are intimidated by the educational system Do not understand when things can be flexible and when it cannot (Padron, 1992; in Hsiao, 1992)

Issues Cont… Perceive less support from their families for attending college (Thayer, 2000) Families may discourage them from going to college Are also susceptible to doubts about their academic and motivational abilities Think they are not college material.

Ultimately… Overcoming these personal challenges is crucial to a successful transfer to a four-year college (Striplin, 1999)

Group Discussion…. Are there aspects can you relate to in terms of first generation? Are there any challenges that stand out from lecture that are similar? What challenges are unique to your circumstances? What ways have you thought of to overcome these challenges? Summarize the gist of your groups shared experience in a few words and be ready to share in about 10 minutes

Assignments Due Week 1 A.One page Write-up (Turn in via label in subject- Your Name and Essay#1) What challenges are you facing these first few days? How are you preparing to challenge them? B. Time Management Sheet (Due Thursday) Video for thought