HED 6265 - First Generation College Student Experience

Credits: 4

First-generation (G-1) college students are defined by the National Center for Education Statistics as “undergraduates whose parents never enrolled in a postsecondary education.” This course is a practical and theoretical overview of what it means to be the “first in the family” to go to college. Students will be exposed to the practical perspective to university life of G-1 students, highlighting the many resources available on college campuses necessary for G-1 students to succeed. Topics covered will include the challenges of balancing life and school; financial aid and financial literacy; educational and experiential learning goals; importance for students to understand academic discourse and university in order to succeed as first generation students; family dynamics; cultural and social capital; and imposter phenomenon.