FIRST

GENERATION

STUDENTS

Dr. Virginia Krolczyk

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

What is “First Generation”

A first-generation college student is defined

as a student whose parent(s)/legal

guardian(s) have not completed a

Bachelor degree. This means that student is

the first in their family to attend a four-year

college/university to attain a bachelor's

degree. Being first-generation is a very

proud accomplishment

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Struggles Endured

Applying to College

Filling out the FAFSA

Seeking Scholarships

Determining a Career Path

Understanding Return on Investment

Asking for Guidance

Coping with Transition

Completing Studies

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Applying to College

Many first generation students are confused on “how” to fill out a college

application.

They tend to underestimate their abilities and skills when filling in required fields.

Uncertainty looms over which college is the best choice.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Filling out the FAFSA

First gen students sometimes are not

aware they need to do this.

This is a very complicated and

cumbersome process.

If assistance exists; they do not necessarily

know how to seek it out.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Seeking Scholarships

Students are unaware of the monies

available through local, national, and

academic levels.

Students do not always grasp that this

money does not have to be paid back.

Students doubt their ability to fill out these

sometimes simple applications.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Determining a Career Path

First generation students sometimes do

not have a clue as to what field they

want to pursue.

Once a career path has been selected;

they may not fathom what specifically is

needed to acquire such degree.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Understanding Return on

Investment

It may be unclear with a particular

degree what career can be sought.

First gen student’s tend to doubt

capabilities.

Perception and reality of profession may

be skewed.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Asking for Guidance

Social anxiety looms on all students; but

with these students it is intensified

Being the first to attend college, they

often don’t know what questions to ask.

They worry too many questions may be

viewed as the inability to succeed.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Coping with Transition

Do not know what to expect of a college

campus.

Simply matters easily become complex .

Deadlines, process, and procedures can

be very overwhelming.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Completing Studies

Language sometimes can be a barrier

Knowing what or how to study presents

challenges.

May need assistance in identifying

learning style to achieve personal best

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Concerns of Families

Financial Burden

Campus Safety

Social and Emotional Differences

Academic Incongruence

Understanding Process and Procedures

Course Selections

Connecting with Peers and Professors

Staying focused on goals

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Financial Burden

Parents worry that their child will endure a

lot of debt with the inability to pay it back.

There is a sense of guilt if unable to assist

financially.

Uncertain how to guide student to seek

funding.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Campus Safety

If the student is a female, there is a looming

fear of sexual assault.

Overindulgence of binge drinking/substance

abuse possibly leading to death.

Unable to protect from random acts o

violence ie: shootings

[Sharing campus safety statistics may ease

some of these concerns.]

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Social and Emotional

Differences

First gen parents view their child as having

a disadvantage compared to peers.

If far from home, they worry about undue

stress and the child’s fear of managing it.

Misconstrue being busy as being

despondent.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Academic Incongruence

Parents worry about their inability to

academically assist their kids.

Parents sometimes feel intimidated by the

knowledge their child is gaining

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Understanding Process and

Procedures

How will their child know:

Which classes to register for.

How to register.

Days, times, and locations of classes.

Convoluted terminology.

How to apply for graduation.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Course Selections

First gen students/families may not

comprehend certain courses are only

offered certain times of the year.

May not realize a grade or GPA can

place a student on academic probation.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Connecting with Peers and

Professors

Worry student may not know how to

become involved in campus functions.

Fears student might exhibit apprehension

in seeking help.

Concerned about students self-esteem.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Staying Focused on Goals Families of first gen worry

freedom/independence may interfere

with educational goals.

Also worry about the student’s inability to

find balance between academia, social,

and health.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

In Summary

First Generation Students fear what they do not know.

The better informed these students and their families are, the less fearful they will

be.

When fear is reduced, risks are more likely to occur.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

The #1 factor

Being connected to someone that can

mentor, guide, direct, and befriend the

student so comfort and ease exists when

questions of doubt or ambiguity arise.

This connection spiritually and

emotionally makes all the difference in

completion and success.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation

Students to ask Representatives

Are scholarships automatic, based on

GPA/test scores, or does a student need

to apply?

If a scholarship is received from the

college, is it automatically renewed or

does a student need to reapply each

year?

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation

Students to ask Representatives

What is the deadline to fill is out the

FAFSA?

What is an award letter?

Is someone available at the college to

help understand the award letter sent by

FAFSA?FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation

Students to ask Representatives

How much is each credit hour?

How many credit hours make up one

class?

How many credit hours are needed to

obtain a Bachelor’s degree?

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation

Students to ask Representatives

What is the student to teacher ratio?

Is tutoring available?

Are professors available outside the class?

What activities/groups/organizations are

available?FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

Questions for First Generation

Students to ask Representatives

How do I determine which program

should be pursued?

Upon graduation, does the college assist

in finding a job?

How does repayment of a student loan

work?FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk

What questions can I answer

for you?

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS Dr. Krolczyk