Journal of First-generation Student Success

The Journal of First-generation Student Success accepts practice articles grounded in research and literature and, reciprocally, research articles that speak to practice. While traditional scholarship will be encouraged and accepted, articles prioritizing innovative solutions and advanced thought that dispute deficit-based conversations while propelling an asset-based, evidence-driven national narrative, are welcome.

Through the deep intersectionality of the first-generation identity, the large presence of first-generation students at institutions, and the necessary engagement of both academic and student services areas for success, this journal offers many opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The Journal of First-generation Student Success (JFGSS) accepts manuscripts that offer new and innovative perspectives and interventions in the context of the postsecondary success of first-generation students. The Journal contributes to the scholarship of those in the higher education field seeking a research-based approach to best practices and practitioners interested in utilizing research to inform their work.

Researchers, practitioners, education leaders, college access partners, and doctoral candidates are invited to submit manuscripts of original work conducted by the submitting author(s). Proposed work or simple conceptualizations of issues are not accepted. Manuscripts under review by JFGSS should not be under consideration by other journals.

The Journal accepts submissions on a rolling basis and is published three times per year, in April, August, and November.

AI-based Tools and Technologies

In accordance with the standards set by our publisher, Taylor & Francis, the JFGSS policy on the use of AI-based tools and technologies for content generation is as follows:

Authors must be aware that using AI-based tools and technologies for article content generation, e.g. large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and chatbots (e.g. ChatGPT), is not in line with our authorship criteria.
All authors are wholly responsible for the originality, validity and integrity of the content of their submissions. Therefore, LLMs and other similar types of tools do not meet the criteria for authorship.
Where AI tools are used in content generation, they must be acknowledged and documented appropriately in the authored work.

Review Process

Submissions to the Journal of First-generation Student Success are accepted on a rolling basis. All manuscripts are subject to a closed, peer-review process (this language reflects a shift to employ inclusive language rather and move away from the industry term “blind review”). Once submitted, the first author will receive confirmation that the submission has been received. Authors are able to track the progress of their submissions in the ScholarOne system.

Reviews may take up to four weeks, or longer, depending on the volume of submissions. Please see the Submission Guidelines section for greater detail on submission types, review process, and technical requirements. For more information, please contact the Co-Editors, Kem Saichaie, Ph.D., and Rashné Jehangir, Ph.D., jfgss@firstgenforward.org.

2022-2025 Term

Genia Bettencourt, Ph.D., University of Memphis
Roshaunda Breeden, Ph.D., Eastern Carolina University
Brett Bruner, Ed.D., Wichita State University
Matthew Cooney, Ph.D., Governors State University
Renee Trueman, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Rocio Hernandez, Ed.D., Ventura College
Quortne Hutchings, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Jonathan Lewis, Ph.D., UAspire
Gregory King, Ph.D., NWEA
Radomir Mitic, Ph.D., University of North Dakota
Delma Ramos, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Geneva Sarcedo, Ph.D., University of Colorado Denver
Krista Soria, Ph.D., University of Idaho
Susan Taffee Reed, Ph.D., Dartmouth College
Charmaine Troy, Ph.D., Georgia Tech University
Terry Vaughn III, Ph.D., Pell Institute/Council for Opportunity in Education
Victoria Vetro, Ed.D., Montgomery County Community College
Jason Wallace, Ph.D., Mississippi State University
Mary Wallace, Ph.D., University of Alabama Birmingham
Brittany M. Williams, Ph.D., University of Vermont

2023-2026 Term

Zayd Abukar, Ed.D., The Ohio State University
Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D., Clemson University
Trista Beard, Ed.D., University of Southern California
Jennifer Beck, Ph.D., Wartburg College
Lamesha C. Brown, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Amy Collins-Warfield, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Rochester
Yasmine Dominguez-Whitehead, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Martha Encisco, Ed.D., California State University Fullerton
Oscar Felix, Ph.D., Colorado State University
Amy Goodburn, Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Jeffrey Grim, Ph.D., George Mason University

Africa Hands, Ph.D., University at Buffalo
Jillian Ives, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Georgianna Martin, Ph.D., University of Georgia
T. Mark Montoya, Ph.D., Northern Arizona University
Avery Olson, Ph.D., California State University Long Beach
Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron, Ph.D., George Mason University
Nicole Pulliam, Ph.D., Monmouth University
Christian Steinmetz, Ph.D., University of Virginia
Reena Viswanath, Ph.D., Augusta University
Laura Wagner, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, University of California, San Francisco
Anthony Walker, Ed.D., Tarrant County College District

2024-2027 Term

Candice E. Brooks, Ed.D., University of California, Davis
Florencia Cornet, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Lisa Cullington, Ph.D., Sacred Heart University
Carolina E. Gonzalez, Ph.D., Bank Street College of Education
Cassandra Harper, Ph.D., University of Missouri
George Pacheco Jr., Ph.D., West Texas A & M University

Pietro Antonio Sasso, Ph.D., Delaware State University
Blake R. Silver, Ph.D., George Mason University
Matthew Joseph Smith, Ph.D., Valdosta State University
Jennifer Trost, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Chevalla Wilson, Ph.D., Northern Virginia Community College

How do I submit my manuscript?

All manuscripts must be submitted via the Journal of First-generation Student Success submission site, ScholarOne. Submissions will not be accepted by individual editors, editorial board members, or FirstGen Forward staff. Links to the submission site are also found on FirstGen Forward’s Journal webpage.
The JFGSS publisher, Taylor and Francis, offers a robust website for author support. The website includes a Review Guide, video library, YouTube Channel, and Frequently Asked Questions section which allow you to access information in your preferred delivery mode and at your convenience. For technical assistance with the ScholarOne submission portal, please contact the Taylor and Francis support team.

How do I find guidelines or instructions for authors for my manuscript?

Submission Guidelines are outlined on the Journal for First-generation Student Success website.

What if I have a specific question about my proposed submission?

In order to accurately track and respond to questions about submission topics or types of manuscripts, please email jfgss@firstgenforward.org. Please note the Co-Editors and Editorial Board members have been directed to forward any direct inquiries to jfgss@firstgenforward.org to ensure that consistent responses are provided.

What types of submissions will the Journal accept?

JFGSS is interested in publishing innovative, interesting, and relevant articles that span the full range of possible forms. Please consider the following suggested manuscript types to convey your topic:
- Theoretical Manuscripts,
- Review Manuscripts,
- Empirical Research Articles,
- Book Reviews, and
- Notes from the Field.
Any and all of the following manuscript types can be utilized in sharing knowledge about first-generation student success. This delineation of manuscript types is not meant to limit but rather assist you in crafting a manuscript that is successfully reviewed and published. More details about the submission types are provided in the Submission Guidelines.

When will I know if my article has been accepted? What happens next?

An acknowledgment email will be sent to the first author as confirmation that the submission has been received in the system. The Editors and Editorial Board will review submissions on a rolling basis as received. The review process may take from four to six weeks to receive a response based on current information; this estimate may vary depending on reviewer and editorial team capacity. Authors will be able to track the progress of their manuscript by logging into the submission site, ScholarOne.

Who is the JFGSS audience?

JFGSS accepts articles that are relevant to faculty, researchers, scholars, student affairs educators, and academic leaders. Not all articles will speak to all constituencies all the time. The Co-Editors are committed to publishing an array of articles that, at various points, will speak to all educators who work in both the academic and student affairs areas of higher education.

How do I become a reviewer or editorial board member?

Applications for Editorial Board positions typically open on or about August 1 and close on October 1. Those interested in serving as reviewers can contact jfgss@firstgenforward.org, and a member of the editorial team will reach out. Reviewers and editorial board members must have terminal degrees.

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