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

Who are First Generation? According to Barone et. al. (2004) research indicates that first generation are less prepared for the rigors of college As stated “93%” of students whose parents had gone to college attended, while only 49% of students whose parents had not, were marginally qualified to go to college.

In 1999, following the passage of I-200, to end 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 as mandated by affirmative action amendments In 1964 The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI expanded Affirmative Action As stated “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance” (Executive Order 11246)

What was happening in 1964? The Civil Rights bill was brought before Congress in 1963 According to President Kennedy, “The Negro baby born in America today, regardless of the section of the nation in which he is born, has about one-half as much chance of completing high school as a white baby born in the same place on the same day; one third as much chance of completing college; one third as much chance of becoming a professional man; twice as much chance of becoming unemployed; about one- seventh 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 The fact that conditions were so severe for people of African American descent, 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 and the individuals won on the basis of reverse discrimination. 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 Initiative 200 becomes law today, Dec. 3. In some important respects, it marks the end of an expansive era at the University of Washington, during which thousands of students who otherwise may never had gone to college had a chance to gain an education. Thirty years of affirmative action in admissions are now history. However, diversity remains--now more than ever--an important value to the educational mission of the University of Washington. In an increasingly heterogeneous society, 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 to live in such a society. For this reason, the University is determined to do everything we can consistent with the law to maintain and promote the diversity of this campus.

First Generation Issues Underserved students have less access to the Internet, an important tool for exploring college opportunities (A Shared Agenda, 2004). First-generation students are likely to lack knowledge of time management, college finances and budget management, and the bureaucratic operations of higher education (Thayer, 2000) A dean of a community college observes that a large percentage of first-generation students are intimidated by the educational system, and do not understand when it can be flexible and when it cannot (Padron, 1992; in Hsiao, 1992)

Issues Cont… First-generation students are likely to perceive less support from their families for attending college (Thayer, 2000) Families of first-generation students sometimes discourage them from going to college and this can lead to alienation from family support. First-generation students are also susceptible to doubts about their academic and motivational abilities; they may 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…. What aspects can you relate to in terms of first generation? What challenges have you overcome and how? What challenges are you facing now of any kind? How will you overcome them? Summarize your groups experience in a few words and be ready to share in about 10 minutes

Assignment A.One page Write-up (Turn in to Digital Drop Box) What challenges are you facing these first few days? How are you preparing to challenge them? B. Time Management Sheet (Due Thursday)