Engaging Families of First-Generation Students in the College Experience
10:30-11:30 a.m., Friday, Oct 6, 2017
Presenters
Priscilla Childress, Missouri State University
Joseph Morris, Missouri State University
Session abstract
First-generation students face a host of challenges that continuing-generation students do not, including guilt associated with leaving their families, insecurity about academic ability, lack of support from family members and higher attrition before graduation. Educating family members and engaging them in their student’s college experience can mitigate these challenges. This will ultimately lead to higher retention and graduation rates and greater levels of success for first-generation students.
Learning objectives
- Participants will learn about the effects of family engagement and disengagement in students’ college experience.
- Participants will learn best practices for positively engaging family members in their student’s college experience.
- Participants will develop strategies for implementing these practices at their home institution.