Six ways to engage first-generation college students on campus

Engagement in collegial activities, including student organizations, campus work, and faculty research, are considered high-impact practices associated with higher persistence and graduation rates, as well as better overall student outcomes.

Latest data from Inside the Higher Edition and Generation Lab suggests that first-generation college students are lagging behind in their on-campus experiences, highlighting equity gaps in who benefits from on-campus extracurricular activities.

May 2024 Student Voice Survey found that nearly half (47 percent) of first-generation college students were not involved in any activities, including student clubs and organizations, research opportunities, gainful employment, or volunteering on campus, a rate 20 percentage points higher than college students continuing generation (26%).

About 17 percent of first-generation college students said they perceived participation in extracurricular activities and events as somewhat unimportant or not at all important to their overall well-being both during and after college.

Colleges and universities can implement strategies and programs improve participation in high-impact practices for first-generation students.

1. Find affordable housing. When asked which could encourage students to take part in classes at on-campus events, first-generation college students indicated that living closer to or on campus could improve their attendance (29 percent). Previous research shows students living in residential care are more engaged, report a greater sense of belonging, and earn higher grades compared to their peers, so providing access to housing can improve the success of first-generation students.
2. Create professional connections. Thirty-two percent of first-generation college students say they would participate in on-campus activities if they saw a greater connection to their career. However, one-third (35 percent) of first-generation students have no experience working with career services. Colleges and universities can create more intentional connections between the professional competencies developed outside of school and the way they prepare students for life after graduation. Coastal Carolina University runs the Pathway 1954 program, which provides students with a guide map for developing extracurricular transcripts and developing their interpersonal skills.

3. Create flexible schedules for extracurricular activities. The most important initiative that Student Voice respondents say would improve their engagement on campus is greater convenience in scheduling the time and location of events and activities. First-generation college students often work or work responsible for helping their familieswhich can strain their time and resources. On Pepperdine Universityemployees help break down barriers to participation for first-generation students by encouraging them to meet with peer mentors by booking an appointment online or dropping by during office hours. This helps build community and reduces barriers to engagement.
4. Allocating funds for students’ work. One in five (21 percent) first-generation college students indicated that working off campus hindered their participation on campus, and an additional 5 percent indicated that working on campus was a barrier. Additionally, 20 percent of respondents indicated that greater opportunities for paid work on campus would increase their commitment to their institution. Providing opportunities for paid experiential learningsuch as research or study abroad, can solve learners’ financial problems and deepen students’ experiences during their studies.

5. Highlight opportunities for students. Like their continuing education peers, first-generation college students are often unaware of the range of spaces they can participate in on campus. Peer mentoring may be one way to better familiarize students with navigating campus and reveal hidden agendas. Many institutions have first generation orientationbut constant conversations can ensure that students are not left to their own devices.
6. Build community across campus. Sometimes, first-generation college students may feel alone or have imposter syndrome as they navigate higher education. A quarter of first-generation Student Voice respondents said they would be more engaged if they had a greater sense of belonging. College leaders or practitioners who are themselves first-generation college graduates can serve as role models to help students navigate college. Seton Hall University hosts First Generation Fridays throughout the academic year, which include in-person events, community meetings and social media posts to recognize first-generation students, faculty and staff. Penn State launched a first-year seminar for first-generation college students in the College of Agricultural Sciences that helps students connect with their peers and ease the transition to higher education.

How does your college or university encourage first-generation students to succeed? Tell us more here.