First-Generation Student Success McKendree Firsts

What’s First-Generation? First-Generation students are the first in their families to earn a four-year degree.

Who are First-Gen Students? Neither parent has attended college or neither parent has completed a four-year degree (First Generation Students: Program, Resources & Support Webinar, 6/9/2010).

Across the United States 30% of incoming students in 2009 were First-Generation Students. (USA Today, 3/29/10)

At McKendree University 44% of incoming freshman at the Lebanon campus were first-generation. (McKendree administered CIRP Freshman Survey, 2009)

Why the concern? 89% of first-gen students drop out, stall out, or fail out. (USA Today, 3/29/10)

First-gen students are 4X more likely to fail or quit before earning their degrees than are non-first-gen students.

The good news? McKendree University’s retention rate is better than the national average,

but we knew that, didn’t we?

More good news First-gens “have a better chance of earning a bachelor’s degree if they start postsecondary education at a four-year college rather than a two-year college.” (College Student Journal. March, 2002)

The better news? McKendree University is committed to helping all students succeed and reaching out to first-generation students.

First-Gen programs help ALL students Schools which focus on issues of first-gen students and create programs for first-gen students find the strategies…

First-Gen programs help ALL students …also benefit non-first-gen students, but not vice-versa. (Thayer, 2000)

McKendree University’s Office of First-Generation Student Success established July, 2010

Services of the office of First-Generation Student Success Referrals to on-campus services ▫Helping students find the sources available to them such as $$, tutoring, tech help, advising, etc.

Services of the office of First-Generation Student Success Referrals to off-campus services ▫Helping students find transportation, housing, childcare, and other necessities Increased academic assistance available through Academic Support Center and the Writing Resource Center

Services of the office of First-Generation Student Success Training, seminars, and webinars (like today!) On-line academic assistance to off-site students at Kentucky campuses, Scott Air Force Base, and Accelerated Instruction at McKendree (AiM)

Services of the office of First-Generation Student Success Ten new Scholarships! Funded by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Walmart Foundation $1,000 scholarships---ten of them---will be awarded in March

Purpose Help our students earn their degrees

First-Gen characteristics May not know the “language” of higher ed  FAFSA?  Dean’s List?  Prerequisite?

First-Gen characteristics Report they don’t have money for college REALITY: First-gens don’t know how to access money

Good news! “The FAFSA has been more simplified and President Obama has helped with a new bill…to overhaul student loans and make it easier to borrow federal funds.” (Washington Post, 4/16/10)

More good $$$ news ALL students can fill out the FAFSA as soon as January 1, EVEN IF THEY HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEIR TAXES FOR THE NEW YEAR YET.

First-gen characteristics Often less academically prepared ~Due in part to high schools not preparing these students for college ~Also due to first-gens not imagining themselves as college students while growing up

Good news ~The McKendree Academic Support Center has hired MORE tutors in more subjects. ~The Writing Resource Center has hired MORE writing consultants and is open more hours. ~On-line services available to students who aren’t on the Lebanon campus.

First-gen characteristics First-gen students often report they feel like IMPOSTERS, and when they need extra help, this can validate their feelings of not belonging in college!

Motivators for first-gen students Helping out the family financially Bringing honor to the family Gaining respect from others Better life and “making it out” (First Generation Students: Programs, Resources & Support, 6/9/10)

Overcoming the Imposter Phenomenon The solution is to build strong relationships professors, staff, and other students. Students need to: Get involved! Visit profs during office hours! Attend university events!

Advisors need to: Use “intrusive advising” and initiate contact in order to build relationships with students Expect questions about general college experiences Refer students to the office of First-Generation Student Success for more help

Professors need to: Teach and review study skills, note taking, writing papers Reach out to students Be proactive Encourage students to attend university events

First-Generation Student Success The key is building relationships. First-generation students need to be taught how to utilize the sources which are already available to them.