Six Ways to Attract First-Generation Students to Campus

Participation in collegiate activities, including student organizations, on-campus service, and faculty-supervised research, is considered a high-impact practice, associated with higher persistence and graduation rates, as well as better overall outcomes among college students.

Latest data from Inside Higher Education and Generation Lab suggest that first-generation students are being left behind in on-campus learning, highlighting inequalities in who benefits from co-curricular activities on campus.

Student Voice Poll, May 2024 found that nearly half (47 percent) of first-generation students were not involved in any activities, including student clubs and organizations, research opportunities, paid work or volunteer activities on campus, a figure 20 percentage points higher than students of the next generation. (26 percent).

About 17 percent of first-generation college students said they considered participation in extracurricular activities and activities to be somewhat unimportant or not at all important to their overall well-being, both during college and after graduation.

Colleges and universities can implement policies and programs improve participation in high-impact practices for first-generation students.

1. Identify affordable housing. When asked what can motivate students to participate at on-campus events, first-generation students indicated that living closer to or on campus could improve their attendance (29 percent). Previous studies show Students living in residence halls are more engaged, report a greater sense of belonging, and earn higher grades compared to their peers, so providing access to housing may improve the academic performance of first-generation students.
2. Create career connections. Thirty-two percent of first-generation students say they would participate in on-campus activities if they saw a greater connection to their career. However, a third (35 percent) of first-generation students do not have career center experience. Colleges and universities can create more intentional connections between the career competencies developed outside of school and how they prepare students for life after graduation. Coastal Carolina University there is a program called Pathway 1954 that provides students with a road map for developing transcripts for extracurricular activities and developing their interpersonal skills.

3. Build a flexible schedule of extracurricular activities. According to Student Voice respondents, the top initiative that could improve their interactions on campus is greater convenience in choosing when and where events and activities take place. First-generation students often work or work. responsibility for helping their familieswhich may require their time and resources. IN Pepperdine UniversityStaff help overcome barriers to first-generation student participation by encouraging them to meet with their peer mentors by making an appointment online or stopping by the office. This helps build community and reduces barriers to interaction.
4. Provide funding for student work. One in five (21 percent) first-generation students indicated that working off campus interferes with their ability to study on campus, and another 5 percent said working on campus is a barrier. In addition, 20 percent of respondents indicated that additional opportunities for paid work on campus would increase their engagement with their institution. Providing opportunities for paid experiential learningsuch as research or study abroad, can address students’ financial concerns and deepen their experience while enrolled.

5. Highlight opportunities for students. Like their next-generation peers, first-generation students are often unaware of the breadth of space they can contribute to campus. Peer Mentoring could be one way to introduce students to navigating campus and uncover the college’s hidden curriculum. Many institutions have first generation orientationbut continuing the conversation can ensure that students are not left behind.
6. Build community on campus. Sometimes first-generation students can feel lonely or experience impostor syndrome while pursuing higher education. A quarter of first-generation Student Voice respondents said they would be more involved if they felt more of a part of the initiative. College leaders or practitioners who are themselves first-generation graduates can serve as role models to help students navigate their transition to college. Seton Hall University hosts “First Generation Fridays” throughout the academic year, which include in-person events, social gatherings and social media posts to recognize first generation students, faculty and staff. Penn State launched a first-year seminar aimed at first-generation students in the College of Agricultural Sciences, helping students connect with their peers and ease the transition to higher education.

How does your college or university encourage the success of first-generation students? Tell us more here.