What are some ways to support first-generation college students in academic advising?

Success starts here with understanding and understanding starts with listening. Be patient, pause; make no assumption and listen. Humble yourself by elevating your student. By providing voice, lifting the spirit and extending hope, the new journey commences on a path of success. It is this first step (if we are sincere) when we listen more than we speak, guide more than convince and learn more than teach.

I work with a lot of first gen student who are thinking about law school. I find that I need to help them see their own potential. They have unrealistic beliefs about how polished and accomplished actual lawyers are; observing court helps them realize that they, too, can do this job. They worry about spending their time earning money to live rather than having unpaid internships; I help them see that they are building valuable skills in every job they do. I help them to see that the qualities--ambition, work ethic, and grit--that got them into college as first gen students are the same qualities that will help them succeed in law school.

Break down the jargon of the academy for incoming first gen students. "Registrar", "Bursar" ,"Commencement", "Syllabus", "Convocation", "Discipline" (as in area of study), "Electives", and many other words and phrases may be new or take on a different meaning in the collegiate context. As advisors, we must orient students to the norms of the academy.

These measures assist first-gen students in navigating their academic journey successfully: 1. Mentoring Programs: Establishing mentoring programs where experienced first-generation students or alumni act as mentors to share their experiences. 2. Targeted Information: Clear details on courses and financing options. 3. Workshops and Training: Essential skills workshops for academic success. 4. Social Support: Communal spaces for building a supportive network. 5. Financial Guidance: Offering resources for financial planning and assistance with scholarship and grant applications. 6. Accessible Communication: Ensuring that academic counseling is provided in an accessible and inclusive manner to overcome potential language or cultural barriers.

Start slowly by encouraging and motivating. This is my 20 years of experience in the education of physics and science. Start with a simple example and go ahead step by step along with encouragement and motivation.

[Proverbs 9:10-11] 10 The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of WISDOM: and the KNOWLEDGE of the HOLY is UNDERSTANDING. 11 For by ME (GOD) thy Days shall be MULTIPLIED, and the Years of thy LIFE shall be INCREASED.

A key issue here is that many of these students are afraid of authority figures. I always spend time breaking the ice and helping these students feel at ease so they can more easily trust me and come to me with their concerns. Dealing with their issues is important but so is time for celebration. I always motivate these students to believe more is possible. And to actively reach for the stars. This, they say, has helped them achieve more than they ever believed was possible!

Being empathetic is key. Youngsters, and anyone for that matter, do not care to know how much you know until they are convinced about how much you care. From my experience, it is very helpful to keep communication simple and clear enough to get new entrants into post secondary education on board. Resources and support systems must also be accessible. Adaptation and progress become a piece of cake for this generation of learners once confidence is built.

Totally agree. One of the important things nowsadays is to help these learners to feel safe when sharing and I do believe that strong rapport is key. It's great to know that someone has your back.

The first generation college students should be mentored in such a way they can set up a realistic goal in their life. A comprehensive road map for their academic success needs to be shown to them in order to enable them tread along that safe path. Since the first generation students do not get a chance to be guided by their parents, the teacher should take the parental role in all other areas besides academics, in their life. They should be taught the complexities of both the academic and job market. They should be counseled to become job seekers as well as job givers. Finally, the first generation college students should be prepared to face the challenges they come across in the future.

An example I have is guiding them to do more without pressure is helped. Giving them required information and allowing them to choose what they are interested to do makes them feel confident and comfortable in the long run.

If you’re in college or university and come from a working-class background, you’ve already shown drive and resilience. What you don’t know is the breadth of your options. My parents knew the professions, sure, but I had no idea of how to be a journalist or an academic. I knew I liked playing in my high school band but I had no idea what the options in my university were or whether they were open to me. That knowledge - of all the possibilities - is what you don’t have and what institutions and mentors can do a better job of encouraging first generation students to explore.

If I think about a student as a first-generation student, there is a danger that I will assume facts not in evidence. It is better to treat all students the same and figure out their real issues. The question to ask is "Where do you see your challenges in your current program?". And, if the student is unable to answer that question, a simple, "Why did you choose this program and where would you like it to lead?" starts the conversation.

I try to get these students to meet with people in industries they are seeking future employment in. For me, I try and directly connect them to people in government or the military and if possible get them hands on experiences or even internships. The more you meet people and see what their jobs actually entail, the more possible anything seems.

Build your network through networking. What this means is reach in on LinkedIn to professors, staff and colleagues who have experience or networks established to keep connected. Make a professional impression on professors and staff, with intentions and work ethic to have you remembered. An incredibly high percentage of jobs are attained through referencing and referrals via one's network.

For those who are extroverted, connections come easier. They are more inclined to join in. It’s a comfortable space. For those who are introverted, connection is equally important, but it will be better in singles or small groups. Tailoring the advice for communication, community engagement and networking to the individuals preferences is crucial.

They feel not understood and not supported by family, even though there may be one family member who wants them to "go to college." As a mentor, I create a safe space for them to share, validate WHO they are, and empower them to change the trajectory of the history of their family. They are breaking ground in their family. They are legacy. Supporting them emotionally is so important I have learned. Helping them find resources they may have no idea even exist that they can take advantage of, through their own University at no cost! Once they realize the resources and we give them the support to ask for help! There is help and support around you - it fosters their sense of belonging. That it is a strength to ask for help and accept help.

Being first in anything is never easy. While others may have been raised or at least familiar with the process of pursuing the next level of education, those who are first in their family may not have the generational knowledge. Fostering a sense of belonging will help increase their confidence and allow them to thrive socially and emotionally. This is one big way to prevent attrition.

O desenvolvimento individual e sua consequente introdução nos grupos de alunos que cursam o ensino superior pode ser melhor desenvolvido e consequentemente ajudar àqueles que se sentem deslocados, por meio de exemplos e ações concretas, devemos desenvolver dinâmicas onde os alunos podem por meio de troca de experiências, conhecimentos, fragilidades e características individuais mostrar aos colegas que todos somos iguais e que podemos nos desenvolver e atuar de forma a participar de forma efetiva neste ambiente.

Nurturing a profound sense of belonging in our inclusive classrooms is, to my mind, extremely important. For those students who stand as the first in their families to attend college, the significance of academia goes beyond acquiring a degree. It is a quest for empowerment, a desire to bring meaningful change, and an aspiration to attain success mirroring their peers who carry the torch of generational academic legacies. Through our words and actions as educators, fostering a profound sense of belonging, we contribute not only to the academic success of our students but also to the broadening of equity and inclusivity in education.

Self-regulatory behaviours can be learnt and it is never too late to address these as an important cognitive device. The strategies suggested are important, especially when inclusion and diversity are increasingly a priority for learning institutions.

One key aspect to work on here is their inner self belief. So many of these students are self deprecating and fee they have fluked their way in. Imposter syndrome can lead to mental health issues so working on a students self belief is so important.

Las habilidades de autogestión y de reconocimiento emocional permiten a cada ser identificar sus ritmos de aprendizaje, acción y desarrollo. En estudiantes universitarios estas habilidades son determinantes para la formación profesional y posterior vida laboral. Asimismo, la vida universitaria debe ofrecer escenarios de frustración para desarrollar resiliencia, la cual permitirá una perspectiva crítica de las acciones a nivel personal, familiar y profesional.

Provide clear information about college processes, offer guidance on course selection and degree planning, connect them with mentors or advisors, address financial concerns, promote campus resources, and foster a supportive community. Emphasize study skills, discipline, and time management to navigate the academic environment. Regular check-ins can identify challenges early, allowing for proactive support tailored to their unique needs. Used AI in making this. As I was also a first-generation student, all good advice. However, personally , wished I knew more options and were encouraged more to try things outside my comfort zone. But, the biggest help for me was having a mentor. Someone of a similar age dealing with similar problems.

Empowering college students for self-direction and resilience is key, particularly for bridging education and industry careers. Our project focuses on immersive, in-person learning and flipped learning strategies, offering a dynamic mix of classroom instruction and self-paced study. Crucially, it includes practical workshops for students to apply their learning, fostering real-world skills. This hands-on approach equips students with essential tools for independent, resilient career navigation, preparing them not just theoretically, but for actual industry challenges.

In many countries, the majority of university students do not live in dorms, let alone whole campuses where everything is already organised for them. They need to survive the rental housing market which can be brutal in general and much more so for a demographic vulnerable to predatory practices due to lack of life experience or funds for legal assistance. It was easily the worst aspect of my experience as a first-generation university student. Some legal education about lease contracts and tenants' rights would be very helpful.

First gen students should be assisted in all aspects (social, financial etc) to reach their full potential. There is a number of first gen students who did great, but in most cases first gen students straggle to find their path.

Teachers are the best guides/advisors for the students. Especially those teacher who have gained substancial experience over the world in academics and teaching are the best people from whom the students can take advise. Even parents may not be able to show them the right direction. Many of my students are in good position, earning three times a salary. I am proud of these students. Student-teacher relationship is devine.

Mentorship matters. Align students with an adult working within the field of their choice. Have them do monthly check ins, field visits, and encourage them to build useful relationships.

It’s important to be open and transparent with First- generation college students. You really have to take the background of the student into consideration. Some students learn college skills while in high school, where other students learn college skills in college. It’s extremely important to help them create a guide for themselves because this is new territory for them. Put focus and emphasis on important departments in a college and use that as the foundation and work your way up from there. Have mock interviews with the student so they know how to approach and even handle certain issues that arise.