“Recalculating” - Helping First Generation Students Navigate Online Higher Education

Abstract

Empowerment has been noted as an obstacle faced by first-generation students, that they aren’t realizing their potential. Given that many first-generation students have the duty to provide financial support for families and for themselves, it is important that higher education institutions offer support to assist first-generation students. For many first-generation students, the prospect of navigating their way through college may be daunting. Institutions that have established support systems for first-generation students can alleviate the stress and anxiety that they may encounter. We share our process for researching and implementing various strategies and supports for first-generation students in an online higher education setting. Specific resources and strategies that can be implemented at other institutions to support first-generation students are discussed.

Presenters

Dena Aucoin
Faculty, Professional Studies, Purdue Global, Michigan, United States

Misty LaCour
Professor, Education and Communication, Purdue University Global, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Adult, Community, and Professional Learning

KEYWORDS

Adult Learners, Formal Learning Opportunities, Informal Learning Opportunities, First-Generation