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For many students, the path to higher education is a well-worn one, paved with family who have gone before them and can give advice. But for first-generation college students, the journey can feel like navigating a completely new world without the benefit of a map. These students often bring resilience and potential but face unique challenges that can impact their engagement with campus resources and ultimately, their success. At Hamline University (Hamline), we recognize the strengths and needs of our first-gen population and are committed to creating a supportive environment where they can not just succeed, but thrive. First-gen students make up 44% of the fall 2024 cohort; up significantly from the 30% in the fall 2013. This post explores some key strategies for fostering engagement among first-gen students, with a focus on the resources and initiatives we’ve created at Hamline.
Before we dive into solutions, let’s refresh our understanding of the specific hurdles first-gen students may encounter:
Navigating the Unknown:
The college experience can be a complex system of jargon, processes, and unwritten rules; a “hidden curriculum” that can serve as a barrier to our first-gen students.
Financial Strain:
First-gen students are more likely to come from lower-income backgrounds, making financial concerns more pressing. Balancing academics with work, and family, and worrying about tuition can lead to stress and decreased engagement.
Imposter Syndrome:
Many first-gen students experience imposter syndrome, a feeling of not belonging or being "good enough" to be in college. This can lead to greater self-doubt.
Cultural and Social Adjustment:
The transition to college can be challenging for any student, but first-gen students often find that adjustment more difficult when campus culture differs significantly from their home community.
Addressing these challenges requires a deliberate and multifaceted approach. Here are some of the initiatives that Hamline has undertaken:
Proactive Outreach and Support:
Hamline recognizes the importance of early intervention. Hamline doesn’t wait for students to seek help – we reach out proactively. Starting prior to the first day of class students are connected with the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) and encouraged to connect with staff to get their questions answered.
Demystifying the College Experience:
Hamline reaches out to students early in their college career to help clarify policies and processes on campus. This includes thorough direct outreach to first-gen students from the First Generation Scholars group, which sponsors various workshops and events on campus focused on first-gen students.
Building Community and Belonging:
Facilitating connections between first-gen students is critical to building community. The Piper Academic Community (PAC) (a Minnesota state grant-funded program supporting first-gen, Pell-eligible, and/or students of color as they transition to college) offers first-gen students a chance to go on an overnight retreat during the fall semester. That experience is transformative in connecting students and the faculty and staff who join them during the event.
Making Teaching Relevant to Students’ Lives: Creating a classroom environment that is relevant and welcoming to all students is critical. During professional development days, faculty and staff receive training around the pedagogical and curricular changes they can make to better serve students in and out of the classroom.
Celebrating Success:
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of first-generation students is an important part of the year at Hamline. Our branch of Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society promotes scholarship and leadership in our first-gen student population. The First Generation Engagement Committees hosts a series of events from a fall welcome to a senior pinning ceremony. First-generation college students at Hamline are acknowledged and celebrated each step of the way.
Fostering engagement among first-gen students is not the responsibility of one department or individual at Hamline. It requires a collaborative effort from all faculty, staff, administrators, and the entire Hamline community. By understanding the unique challenges first-generation students face and implementing the strategies outlined above, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. We all work together to level the playing field and empower first-generation college students at Hamline to achieve their full potential.
For more information on Hamline University's approach, please visit their website here.
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