Many theories that student affairs professionals learn and practice, both in past and present, have been created and applied to understand the development of students with historically privileged identities (Patton et al., 2016). While theories of student development have expanded to include students with minoritized identities, there are still…

Much of the research on first-generation college students (FGS) tends to focus on comparing this population of students to its continuing-generation peers and focuses on in-college experiences. This research looks to answer: (1) are there demographic and pre-college characteristic differences between full-time, FGS at different institutional…

This study discusses the dilemma facing low-income and first-generation potential college students, and how the College Reach-Out Program (CROP) can help. The problem to be addressed in this study was how low-income and first-generation potential college students perceived their lived experiences in CROP on their college readiness, academically,…

The present study used Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994; Lent et al., 2000) to examine the influence of college STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program participation on engineering persistence among first-generation college students (FGCS) in engineering. Data for the present study came from a larger…

First generation college students continue to grow in number on college campuses across the United States. As college becomes more accessible, students who would be first in their families to attend and graduate with a four-year degree are taking advantage of their opportunity at higher education. However, the experiences of those students are…

Learning analytics systems are software designed to aggregate student data to be analyzed for the purpose of delivering information to students, with the goal of increasing student success, academic goal completion, and retention. Despite being identified as stakeholders and beneficiaries of learning analytics, student perceptions make up a small…

The aim of this study was to explore family relationship experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) as they transition to and persist through college. The sample includes eight undergraduate FGCS (aged 18-22). Seven participants identified as female, and one identified as Questioning. Participants' descriptions of their social class…

Previous research shows that low-income and first-generation college students are less likely to obtain the benefits associated with attending graduate school. No-loan programs, which typically administer financial aid through institutional grants, are designed to improve access and success among students from low-income backgrounds, but we know…

COVID-19 is a deadly pandemic that caused many colleges and universities to send students home and move courses online or to a hybrid of online and in-person learning. This qualitative study provides research on the impact of COVID-19 on the motivators and barriers of first- generation college students (FGCS). The study used a sample of FGCS…

Success in a complex labour market requires astute planning, preparation and foresight, particularly within the context of the massification of higher education, increasing graduate competitiveness, and a discourse of employability which places the onus of employment on the individual. A cohort experiencing noticeably weaker graduate employment…

This research presents a model for implementing and assessing a service-learning first-year seminar course and living community. The study investigated students' attitudes and perceived benefits of the three aspects of their first-year program experience - community service participation, servant-leadership development, and living community…

"Social Belonging" interventions for college students aim to reduce the impacts of negative stereotypes that may burden students in underrepresented groups and affect their persistence in college. There are different variations of "Social Belonging" interventions but they all have in common a goal of influencing students' sense…

Few studies investigate Latinx first-generation college student (FGCS) success. The bulk of existing literature focuses on obstacles this population encounters. It is vital to produce studies that focus on both challenges and strengths in order to support this population's success. College counselors may help students navigate obstacles and…

The purpose of this dissertation study was to investigate how female first-year, first-generation college students' values, attitudes, and beliefs were influenced by their interactions with their peers, family, and institutions during the first-year transition period. The goal of the research was to provide insight on what their feminine…

This book is a complete guide for students on how to make the most of intensive, experiential research outside a college classroom. Engaging in research as an undergraduate can lead to successful and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Being successful in an undergraduate research experience…