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#CelebrateFirstGen: Supporting First-Generation Students

This content is brought to you by the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD), a volunteer membership organization committed to equipping and challenging faithful professionals to infuse their Christian faith into student development practice and scholarship. Thoughtful content such as this is made possible by volunteer contributions and the financial support of membership dues. Interested in becoming a member for more awesome content just like this? Join today by clicking here!

What does it mean to be a First-Generation student? This was the title of the presentation I co-presented to a group of student peer advisors in mid-September as our campus approached week four of the current academic year. At the end of the presentation, one of the students, surprised by the percentage of the First-Generation student population on our campus at Hope College, asked a follow-up question: “With this percentage of First-Generation students on campus, are the numbers increasing nationwide?” Great question. 

Let’s dive into it.

According to FirstGen Forward (established in 2017 as an initiative of NASPA), a 2023 study reported that during the 2019-20 academic year, 54% of undergraduate students in the United States had parents (one or both) that did not earn a bachelor’s degree. Of the student population whose parents did not have a bachelor’s degree, 60% of these students were the first of their siblings to go to college. These numbers reflect institutions “eager to broaden and diversify their enrollments; to improve access, equity, and graduation rates; and to fulfill their educational and societal missions, colleges are seeking more-effective ways to help and support these students throughout their education” (The Chronicle of Higher Ed, n.d.). If the first generation population has increased at your institution, you might be asking how to best support these students. The following are several ideas, proposed particularly through the lens of the co-curricular experience on campus. These ideas are a mix of what’s worked on our campus at Hope College and new ideas that could spark new programs and initiatives on your campus to widen the support in First-Generation student support.

Shared Experiences: Building Belonging Together

1GenHope represents a student-led group on Hope’s campus, which focuses on organically creating spaces for First-Generation students to build belonging together. Programming is focused on three pillars: Connection, Information, and Community. In an attempt to meet these goals, I constantly asked myself: How can I create lanes for First-generation students to access departmental resources? (e.g., partner with the Global Engagement office to promote the value of studying abroad). Simultaneously, student leaders can focus on student-led programming and creating opportunities for belonging. 

Our first 1Gen programming event was on January 24th, 2023 – a game night hosted by student leaders with three students in attendance. Fast forward 464 days and our last event of the year was the 1Gen End-of-Year Celebration. That night, we had 34 First-Gen students & two staff members. It was incredible to see such growth in less than two years. Our programming, from apple picking to hosting brunches during campus breaks, or celebrating our graduates at the end of the semester with our 1Gen stoles, has provided a variety of opportunities for students to feel supported and find belonging with students who might have similar life experiences. It’s even more special knowing it’s 100% student-led. Students create ideas, collaborate with peers, and find ways to support and build community together. This growth is a reminder that even the smallest beginnings can create lasting change.

It’s even more special knowing it’s 100% student-led. Students create ideas, collaborate with peers, and find ways to support and build community together. This growth is a reminder that even the smallest beginnings can create lasting change.

“First in the Family: Welcome!”: 

The First in the Family orientation session at Hope College has been my favorite opportunity for engagement. The goal of this session is simple: invest and engage with the families of First-Generation students. During this session, we provide a breakdown of campus lingo and discuss topics like the “hidden curriculum” of college. General information is also presented to families to help answer questions such as campus student employment and how to apply for leadership roles, study abroad and opportunities off campus, essential dates within the academic calendar (e.g., registration, campus breaks, midterms), and more. 

Lastly, we divide parents and students into two groups and have our First-generation student leaders lead a community-building activity with new students. At the same time, I facilitate a conversation with families regarding the types of support their students will receive on campus and how we might work together to ensure the success of their students. I leave ample space and time for any questions they may have. There is a common misconception that First-Generation students lack family support when the exact opposite is true. Family is, in most cases, the foundation of their success. As you initiate this conversation with a family of First-Generation students, continuing the conversation throughout the semester is pivotal. This could be through your alumni engagement office and/or a monthly newsletter sent to families of First-Generation students. Keep the conversation going; see the families as your partners and biggest encouragement to the students.

First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC): 

FGCC is an annual celebration commemorating President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (FirstGen Forward). Since then, colleges and universities across the country have held celebrations on November 8th to signify and celebrate the identities and accomplishments of First-generation students on their campuses. How can you do this well? 

NASPA’s FirstGen Forward provides us with ten ways to celebrate your First-Generation students on November 8th. Here are a few highlights:

  1. First-Gen Alumni Reception. Host a notable First-Gen Alumni reception to welcome back your First-Gen graduates and to have them engage with your current First-Gen students.
  2. TRIO Programs. Celebrate the legacy of your TRIO Programs on your campus. In partnership, host a November 8th dinner with current First-Gen students and your TRIO Program, focusing on these students’ stories.
  3. Table Swag. Host a tabling event on your popular spots on campus on November 8th to pass out First-Gen swag such as T-shirts, pins, and stickers. Help celebrate your students, staff, and faculty who are or were a First-Generation student.
  4. Student Org. Create a student organization focused on First-Generation student success at FGCC. This group could focus on community, networking, belonging, and more.

At the 2023 ACSD conference, I presented on “1GenHope: First-Generation support at Hope College.” An attendee asked, “Where do I begin?”

The answer is to start small and build from there. It could be as simple as tabling, hosting a dinner, or asking the First-Generation students on your campus about their experiences. It will make a difference.

References

Picture of Stanley Duncan

Stanley Duncan

Stanley Duncan currently serves as the Phelps Scholars Program Coordinator & Summer Bridge Co-Director at Hope College. His background in higher education includes receiving his M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development from Taylor University, and he has served in numerous areas such as Residence Life, First-Gen Student Support, Career Advising, and First-Year experience. His passion lies in illuminating the pathways to purpose for students around him.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simmons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!