The W continues focus on first-gen students with conference attendance
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Representatives from Mississippi University for Women’s Student Success Center recently attended the Conference for First-Generation Student Success, sponsored NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), held June 23-25 in Anaheim, California.
The W has identified first-generation students as an area of focus, and the conference offered a chance to not only hear from industry professionals regarding the various subjects associated with first-gen students, but also network with the 1,800 student affairs administrators in attendance who offered advice on what has worked and not for their respective schools.
“This conference and ones like it not only help universities identify the barriers that may hinder first-generation college students but also are an opportunity to share best practices to support them. Additionally, one track of this conference was focused on how to assess the programs a university may implement for their effectiveness,” said Dr. Clear Moore, director of the Student Success Center at The W.
Moore, along with curriculum developer Kelly Hollowell, attended the conference. According to the conference’s website, it focuses on barriers faced by first-generation students across the country, while offering evidence-based practices and other support approaches universities can take to remove those obstacles.
“First-generation college students face barriers to college success that their continuing generation peers may not face. Acknowledging their grit and determination combined with supportive holistic programming can help them reach their educational goals,” said Moore.
The W is unique in that, as of fall 2023, a majority of its freshmen identified as first-generation college students. This means that neither parent obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
However, The W’s focus is on not only identifying the students but retaining them and making sure they have the tools for success.
“Based on a survey of incoming freshman last fall, over half identified as first-generation college students. Nationally, there is a 29% completion gap between first-generation and continuing generation students. However, they are trailblazers for their families and supporting them to the finish line will impact their economic mobility for generations to come. After finishing their degree, graduates will earn on average 59% more than their high school educated peers and 35% more than those with an associate’s degree,” said Moore.
Beginning for the 2024-25 academic year, The W now includes a first-generation status marker on the application for enrollment to collect more accurate data from incoming students. Multiple programs and incentives for retention are being implemented under the banner, First in Flight.
Moore said, “With the increased focus on first-gen success, we have established a number of supports called First in Flight, which include a new scholarship for First-Generation Student Ambassadors, several new upcoming partnerships to support first-gen success like the recently announced Lowndes FYRST and an expanded first-gen celebration in November.”
More details about programs and partners will be released as it becomes available.
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NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. As the leading voice of student affairs, NASPA drives innovation and evidence-based, student-centered practice throughout higher education, nationally and globally.