CAROLINA FIRSTS:Innovative programs to support first generation college students

NACADA 2010 National Conference

Introductions

Cynthia Demetriou, Retention Coordinator

April Mann, Director of New Student & Carolina Parent Programs

OverviewStudents whose parents did not attend college are at a

disadvantage when it comes to postsecondary access.

For those who overcome barriers to access and enroll in postsecondary education, first generation college students (FGCS) remain at a disadvantage with respect to staying enrolled and attaining a degree (Choy, 2001).

Lower-income FGCS are disadvantaged not only by their parents’ lack of experience with and information about college, but also by other social and economic characteristics that constrain their educational opportunities (Lohfink & Paulsen, 2005).

Research has found that for undergraduates the ability to understand course material is necessary, but, alone, it is not sufficient for success.

University students must also master the “college student” role.

FGCS have been found to have variations from non-FGCS in understanding the college student role. This can negatively influence their ability to meet expectations and succeed in postsecondary education (Collier, 2008).

ActivityHow do you define first-generation college students (FGCS) on your campus?

What does it mean to be a FGCS?

What is a FGCS?

At UNC-Chapel Hill, a FGCS is a student from a family in which neither parent has earned

a four-year undergraduate degree.

Nearly 20% of undergraduates at UNC-Chapel Hill are first generation college students.

Institutional Research on Retention2004 Retention StudyFGCS are at-risk for not persisting.

Parents who did not attend college tend to have lower incomes, making college attendance appear financially prohibitive.

FGCS do not have the advantage of the informed guidance and reassurance that college educated parents can provide their students in negotiating the challenges of getting through college.

Graduation rates for first generation college students were significantly lower than those of students with at least one parent who had earned a college degree.

Being a FGCS is one of the strongest predictors of failure to persist at UNC-Chapel Hill (Retention Study, 2004).

To address this need, UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a number of innovative programs to encourage the persistence and graduation of FGCS.

Challenges to Student Success

CHARGE: The committee will encourage FGCS retention and graduation by recognizing, supporting and implementing collaborative initiatives designed to enhance students success including academic success, wellness and engagement.

Academic Advising Admissions Office of Undergraduate Education Dean of Students Scholarships & Student Aid Student Academic Counseling Housing & Residential Education The Learning Center New Student & Carolina Parent Programs School of Education Diversity & Multicultural Affairs Counseling & Wellness Services Faculty

University–wide Committee

Re-envisioning FGCS at Carolina

We proudly call our first generation college students "Carolina Firsts.“

We are the FIRST public university and students who are FIRST in their family to attend college are a point of pride for our institution.

Celebrate FGCSCarolina Firsts contribute to the great diversity, cultural and

intellectual life of our vibrant undergraduate community.

Goals for Working with FGCS:Encourage student success by: 1. Celebrating the successes of FGCS

2. Providing FGCS with role models within the university community

3. Ensuring that FGCS are aware of and utilize campus

resources

As a Result of the 2004 Study

University-wide Committee

Focus Groups Student Organization

Carolina Firsts Student OrganizationAdmissions EventsMonthly MeetingsSocial EventsRepresentation on CommitteeMentoring ProgramAdvocates for FGCSConnect students with resources

Admissions EventsExplore Carolina Panel DiscussionsOvernight Campus Experience

Website

Graduation RecognitionCreating a new traditionCelebrating with familiesCreating role modelsPins on graduation garb

Parent’s CouncilPC Biannual MeetingGrantsFGCS RepresentativesLetter to parents of FGCS encouraging Orientation

attendanceParticipation in Admissions events

Communicate the needs of FGCS to academic advisors, faculty and staff

Professional Development Lunch SeriesWebsiteAdvisor Staff MeetingsOrientation

ActivityHow can academic advisors encourage success for FGCS?

What do academic advisors need to enhance the success of FGCS?

Improvements2004 Retention Study

Within 5 Years:

75% of FGCS graduated

87% of students from families with at least a 4 year-degree graduated

2010 Retention Study

Within 5 Years:

79% of FGCS Graduated

89% of students from families with at least a 4 year-degree graduated

Developing a program at your institutionResearch: Who are your FGCS?What are the characteristics of successful FGCS at your

institution?What are the challenges your FGCS face?Celebrate FGCSShare the stories of FGCS (including students, faculty and

staff!)Collaborate across units and departmentsInvite students to participate in your efforts

Discussion•Innovative programs at other institutions

•Opportunity for sharing

ReferencesChoy, S., National Center for Education Statistics (ED), W., & MPR Associates, B.

2001). Students Whose Parents Did Not Go to College: Postsecondary Access,Persistence, and Attainment. Findings from the Condition of Education, 2001.

Collier, P. J., & Morgan, D. L. (2008). "Is that paper really due today?": Differences infirst generation and traditional college students' understandings of facultyexpectations. Higher Education: The International Journal of Higher Educationand Educational Planning, 55(4), 425-446.

Lohfink, M., & Paulsen, M. (2005). Comparing the Determinants of Persistence for First-Generation and Continuing-Generation Students. Journal of College StudentDevelopment, 46(4), 409-428.

Retention Study Group. (2004). Promoting success for Carolina's undergraduates:Factors related to retention and graduation. University of North Carolina atChapel Hill: Enrollment Policy Advisory Committee.