First-generation students (FGS) are a population that has received increasing attention, but the term "first-generation student" has been inconsistently defined. Such inconsistency creates challenges not only for research, but for students themselves, many of whom may find they meet the FGS definition in one institutional context, but…

First generation students face persistent barriers in achieving postsecondary success. Emerging research has suggested possible benefits of deeper learning pedagogy for the promotion of social-motivational and academic skills among underrepresented students. We examined the effects of first-generation students' experiences with deeper learning…

This report provides insights that can help colleges and universities understand how to best serve their students. These findings present a student perspective on the challenges and factors affecting their motivation to succeed, along with directions on how institutions can respond with timely and relevant actions. The findings in this report are…

First-generation college students (FGCS) are trailblazing new higher education pathways for their families and communities, yet often are not retained and do not graduate at the same level as their continuing-generation peers. FGCS succeed by utilizing campus networks of faculty, staff, and peer leader advisors, yet FGCS do not always trust the…

First-generation college students (FGCS) are significantly less likely to complete degrees compared to continuing-generation students. Among the multifaceted causes for this disparity, many FGCS possess limited social and cultural capital in academia, resulting in lower rates of help-seeking and resource utilization. In this study, we conducted an…

The power of being a first-generation college student was a life-changing experience. The barriers that existed for first-generation students were often fearsome. However, being a first-generation student was also a time of excitement because first-generation students had unique viewpoints, and it was a significant time of self-development. Higher…

There has been a notable increase in the number of first-generation students pursuing a college degree. However, there is a mismatch between the number of first-generation students entering college and the number of them continuing their mission through college. Given the college completion disparity for first-generation students, it is essential…

Social support and psychological distress should be regularly measured when conducting assessments with college students. However, the psychological impact of stressors experienced by college students is subjective and major differences exist between first- and continuing-generation college students where first-generation students typically…

The purpose of this research is to explore the differences in perceived opportunities and potential barriers leading to inequality in our higher education system. To do this, we examine differences in satisfaction and expectations that exist among college students based on three key heterogeneous characteristics - gender identity (male vs.…

The Research-Aligned Mentorship (RAM) program at Farmingdale State College is changing the trajectories of racial minority students, students of low socioeconomic status, and first-generation undergraduate students. This article reviews the RAM program from 2016 through 2022. During that period, Farmingdale welcomed seven cohorts of RAM Scholars,…

Although access to higher education has increased over the last several decades, success gaps in higher education between first-generation and continuing-generation college students persist. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of first-generation college graduates who are leaders in higher education to learn about what helps…

Student mental health has declined in recent years, particularly among minoritized and first-generation students, yet research on their help-seeking behaviors is limited. This study aims to address these gaps by examining help-seeking attitudes, styles, and sources in college students, with a focus on minoritized groups. A total of 206…

Background: Social support is assumed to play a key role in motivation at university, particularly for disadvantaged students, such as first-generation and community college transfer students. However, longitudinal research investigating reciprocal associations between social support and motivation is lacking. Aims: We examined such associations…

First-generation college students (FGCS), defined as students whose parents did not earn a baccalaureate degree, encounter distinct obstacles navigating academia. Barriers faced by FGCS, including lack of financial security, lower sense of belonging, and inadequate mentorship, are often compounded by the intersection of other marginalized…

Objective: The prevalence of illnesses related to VPDs is higher among older adults and college students experience them despite decades of vaccine availability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College Health Association (ACHA) emphasizes that all students should provide vaccine proof or receive immunizations prior to…