Strategize ways to engage and support your first-generation undergraduates.
Overview
Many college campuses are celebrating that their first-generation (first-gen) undergraduate student population has grown exponentially in the past five years, with some reporting 24-40% of their student body identifying as first-gen. At the same time however, we know that institutional and external barriers can create roadblocks on the path toward graduation—such as the COVID pandemic’s recent and disproportionate impact on first-gen students.
This virtual conference is designed to give you a variety of tools to better support your first-gen population and give them the best chance for success. Our speakers will highlight their own experiences and approaches in responding to the needs of first-gen students throughout the pandemic and its continuing aftermath. They will also discuss the strengths that first-gen undergraduates bring to our campuses and address ways that institutions can proactively meet first-generation students where they are. You will learn how to:
- Take an intersectional approach to break down barriers to academic success.
- Create connections with families to foster holistic student support.
- Build a network of career resources to help students navigate an uncertain job market.
- Define success and develop holistic forms of program assessment.
- Explore funding models to support first-generation initiatives on campus.
Throughout these three days, we will examine comprehensive models of how institutions help their first-gen undergraduate students thrive on campus and complete their degrees. The speakers bring a diverse set of perspectives from each of their unique institutions—ranging from community colleges to public research universities. You will learn what makes each program exceptional and successful, and will then have opportunities to begin creating or improving your own support system for first-gen students.
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for professionals who offer academic support to first-gen students and lead student success initiatives—whether from community colleges two-year or four-year institutions. In addition, we recommend attendance from leaders in the following areas:
- Academic Affairs
- Student Affairs
- Enrollment Management
- Admissions
Follow Through With Success Coaching
Have you ever gone to a training only to find that you came back with great ideas but don’t have the time, support, or skills needed to make the changes?
Academic Impressions has produced thousands of trainings and we have learned that utilizing a coach after attending a conference helps provide accountability and bridges the training with the on-the-ground work of getting the job done.
As a result, we are now offering success coaching on select conferences.
- Purchase this training + 3 one hour follow up success coaching calls
- Work with an assigned coach who has extensive experience in higher ed.
- Get individualized support to help you follow through on what you’ve learned.
- Workshop your plans, run your ideas by someone and get additional help/practice.
To get success coaching, simply purchase the Conference and add Success Coaching during registration.
The Academic Impressions Online Learning Experience
Intentionally Designed
Online Learning
Our virtual trainings go far beyond just replicating PowerPoint presentations online: these experiences are intentionally designed to give you the kind of robust and dynamic learning experience you’ve come to expect from Academic Impressions. These trainings provide you with an active learning environment and an online space where you can explore ideas, get inspired by what your peers are doing, and understand the range of possibilities around a certain topic. You will leave these sessions with practical solutions that you can take back to your team or task force.
What you will get:
- A dynamic, interactive, and high-touch virtual learning experience designed to engage and set you up for growth
- Seamless online face-time, networking, group work, and Q&A opportunities from the comfort of your own workspace
- Practical takeaways and hands-on knowledge
- Guidance from vetted subject matter experts
See What Our Attendees are Saying
AGENDA
All times Eastern
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
In our first session, we will begin with the deceptively simple task of defining what it means to be a first-generation student and why it is important to craft a definition in the first place. Definitions, which impact qualification for programs and aid, vary across institutions, agencies, and governments. Some first-gen students may not be aware of the first-gen identity and how it can help them to navigate their college journey. Our speakers will introduce themselves by sharing their takes on the definition and what it means from their own personal experiences, as well as their institutions. Participants will then be encouraged to introduce themselves and where their institutions currently stand.
1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Setting up first-gen students for success begins before the first day of class. In this session, you will learn how community colleges and four-year institutions have provided programs prior to the beginning of the term that help first-gen students connect to their new environment and prepare for the exciting journey ahead of them. Our experts will give you insights into the organizational structure of their first-gen support programs and how mentoring programs can contribute to first-gen success.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
One of the more nuanced challenges that many first-gen students face is that of how to acclimate to college. Being the first in your family to go to college is an exciting and admirable accomplishment. However, many of these students find themselves missing a “hidden curriculum” that can include how to study and manage time, how to access resources, how to interpret college jargon, and how to be involved and get the most out of the college experience. This session will highlight successful programs that have shown a positive impact on helping first-gen students thrive, not just survive, in college.
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
As we conclude our first day together, you will have an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and connect with other attendees around shared challenges and opportunities.
All times Eastern
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Feel free to join us during this optional session to informally chat and network with your peers.
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
While there are several experiences common to most first-gen students, it is nevertheless important to recognize the vast diversity among first-gen students and their needs. In this session, we’ll examine an intersectional approach to celebrating and supporting first-gen students with a special focus on strategies to support the success of Black first-gen students in the context of both the pandemic, its aftermath, and racial injustice. While this opening session is dedicated to an intersectional approach, this lens will be woven throughout the entire program.
1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
From providing provisional admission with support to reducing the time to degree completion, institutions that are successful with first-gen students provide a myriad of resources that engage and support students. Our experts will share examples of successful programs that have provided academic support to help first-gen students overcome hurdles and obtain their degree, as well as new strategies they’ve had to implement to support students facing challenges during the pandemic and its aftermath.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
You will have an opportunity to workshop what you have learned during the morning sessions and consider how you might adopt or adapt similar practices. The speakers will be available for discussion and consultation.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
One of the keys to retaining first-gen students is to make the family feel welcome and connected to the student’s educational experience. We will discuss how to engage parents as partners in student success and how to help both the student and their family through this transition, including: creating activities that help to bridge cultural gaps, including parents in activities, and giving students tools for communicating about their college lives. Our speakers will share the evolving family challenges students face as they navigate a socially distanced college experience and remote learning.
All times Eastern
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Many first-gen students may not have a broad understanding of the variety of industries or job options available upon graduation. In this session, you will hear how other universities have helped first-gen students explore their many career possibilities and make informed decisions about their degrees. You will also learn how students can tap into their existing strengths in order to be prepared for an uncertain future.
1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. ET
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. ET
In this session, our speakers will share their knowledge and hands-on experience obtaining funding to support their first-gen initiatives, including national recognition programs like First-Gen Forward and First Scholars. They will discuss defining and redefining success beyond graduation and retention for a more holistic approach to assessment and will then share how their institutions have utilized assessment data on the impact of their first-gen support programs to make the case for additional programming and resources.
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ET
This final working session will allow you the time to plan your first next action steps upon finishing the conference. You will share and receive feedback from your peers and the conference speakers. We will also tie these action steps back to the priorities you identified in the introductory session. You will also have the chance to ask additional questions about funding opportunities.
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. ET
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. ET
Institutions often struggle to support first-gen students, as many of these students hide their status or are unaware that they may qualify as first-gen. By helping students to self-identify, your student support teams are better able to connect them with first-gen faculty, alumni, and other students. Hearing from others who have had similar experiences and learning how they coped with and managed various difficult challenges can be the catalyst the first-gen student needs in order to feel valued and understood, and to complete their degree successfully.
NOTE: We encourage you to share examples of your first-gen “swag” or other communications when we discuss how to identify and celebrate first-gen faculty and students on your campus.
4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
SPEAKERS
Cynthia Mosqueda
Faculty Coordinator, First Year Experience & Promise Program, El Camino College
Cynthia Mosqueda was the first in her family to graduate from college and credits much of her success to the experiences and relationships in the California Community College system. She is passionate about helping first-year students succeed through the transformational power of education. As an immigrant and first-generation Latina, the community college environment provided her with an outlet to both excel and find her passion for student affairs and counseling.
Julie Nash
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Julie Nash is the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs where she provides leadership in student and faculty success. She oversees the University Library, the Honors College, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, and the Advance Office for Faculty Equity. She has expertise in accreditation, curriculum, pedagogy, and leadership.
Daphne Rankin
Associate Vice President for Summer Studies and Special Programs, Virginia Commonwealth University
Daphne has extensive experience in student transition, retention, and success. Her team at VCU has developed You First at VCU, a network of programs and initiatives for first-generation students that addresses academic success, social integration, and family support.
La’Tonya Rease Miles
Partner and Director of Scale & Support, Career Launch
"LT" Rease Miles specializes in student development among diverse and underrepresented populations. Her established programs for first-generation college students—at UCLA and at Loyola Marymount University—were national Best Practices models, transforming both universities into First-Gen Forward institutions.
The recording for this virtual conference will not be shared. Please only register if you are planning to attend the live sessions.
Questions About the Event?
Sarah Adams
Learning & Development Manager,
Academic Impressions