As academic librarians engage in Open Educational Resources (OER) creation and adoption programs, exploring student perceptions of OER provides information that can be used to revise and improve OER, to inform faculty perceptions, and to contextualize the benefits of OER in relation to student financial concerns. This case study explores how…

Retention, persistence, and academic achievement for first-generation students have become increasingly prevalent with increasing access to higher education. Beyond access, the most discernible challenge relates to their identity as a first-generation college student and the lack of mentorship from their parents in navigating the college…

Low-income first-generation students represent a significant portion of U.S. undergraduates, and they face unique challenges that other students do not, which can influence their decision to stay within their programs. Therefore, a better understanding of what resources a program can provide to support these students and what drivers can keep a…

Despite efforts to foster a more equitable gender representation, Australia's higher education sector and workforce continue to be highly segregated. This article focusses on the gendered experiences of first-in-family (FIF) students--many who are from low-socioeconomic communities--transitioning to Australian universities. In terms of the…

The purpose of this case study is to explore the strategies and approaches success coaches use towards validating first-generation, low-income college student success. This case study was conducted at Terrace University (pseudonym), a public, four-year institution within the Midwest. Since 2008, Terrace University has sponsored Terrace Promise…

This study sheds light on the assets First Generation Students of Color bring with them to a Research I University and highlights the role a small learning community plays in helping them identify and activate their assets. Through a qualitative case study consisting of five synchronous online focus groups and document analysis, I delve into the…

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities within higher education. This study examined how first-generation students, compared to their continuing-generation peers, navigated institutional resources such as programs and academic advising during the pandemic. To examine institutional resource barriers, usage, and helpfulness for students, the…

Objective: To examine the association of perceived stress [PS] with physical activity [PA] and sitting time [ST], before and during COVID-19 among US college students. Participants: 592 students from a large Western university (19.08 ± 4.62 years, 76.69% female, 79.39% White) were recruited. Methods: Self-reported online survey was completed in…

Authors describe the college's First-Gen Student Network, a cohort of faculty, students, and practitioners committed to equity, access, and success of first-generation learners. Optional biweekly meetings address a range of topics, including financial aid and opportunities for employment.

Students select, research, organize, and effectively present information (oral and written) using appropriate language, voice, articulation, and nonverbal communication in a mock interview setting.

The purpose of this study was to examine how undergraduate peer mentors at Texas A&M University perceive their development of leadership behaviors through their peer mentor experience. Participants were first-generation college students serving as mentors to first-generation college students at Texas A&M University. A qualitative approach…

Financial security is cited among reasons why first-generation college students (FGCS) pursue higher education, yet the literature advocating the pursuit of a bachelor's degree for its perceived value in the employment marketplace fails to include the need for career exploration and planning during the college years. The purpose of this grounded…

Formative assessments (FAs), such as muddiest point activities can capture students' areas of confusion or struggle on given content that may otherwise be overlooked with the common FAs, such as quizzes, homework, and clickers. The few reported studies indicate mixed results on the effects of implementing the muddiest point in undergraduate STEM…

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the rhetoric that low-income, first-generation college students in the United States use to describe and understand their social class and class-based experiences. We focused on the rhetoric associated with these descriptions given the complexity in naming and situating class-based experiences…

Community College student-parents shared their personal, academic, and career experiences in association with conducting and presenting psychological science (STEM) research. Raelynn began, "I never would have imagined myself being into research … I would think that it would be kinda like my old self before school … Would have thought, oh…