Research has shown that first-generation college students (first-gen students) can experience an array of challenges from financial setbacks to anxiety about social inclusion to doubting one’s abilities. To provide a network of support and celebrate their successes, the Student Life First-Generation Programming Committee at Rhodes College has been working to create more intentional programming for its first-gen students. The group is led by Melissa Campbell, dean of student success, and Jazmine Rodriguez, dean of belonging.
The college defines a first-generation college student as one whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of another family member’s level of education. Rhodes has more than 200 first-gen students. The First-Generation Programming Committee collected data from students at the beginning of the fall semester.
“Through that survey, we learned that there is a desire to build community with other first-gen students and to participate in mentorship opportunities with faculty and staff,” said Campbell. “We’ve also collected data from faculty and staff eager to get more involved in mentorship opportunities, and we are strategizing how we can utilize our campus community to broaden our impact. As a first-gen graduate myself, it’s a great feeling to be part of the journey and help other first-gen students write their college story.”
The goal of the First-Generation Programming Committee is to foster a sense of belonging on campus, and programming includes:
- Family webinars held this summer on financial aid and navigating Rhodes as a new student
- A meet-up luncheon on Move-In Day held this fall to give first-gen students and their families a chance to meet each other, faculty, and staff
- Creation of a First-Year Experience Seminar section cohort of first-year, first-gen students to build a sense of community among themselves
- Social luncheons with themed activities and prizes held on the first Friday of each month this semester
“As we work toward the goal of creating meaningful mentorship opportunities, it’s important for us to remember that we all learn through experience, listening, and asking questions,” said Rodriguez. “Good mentors can help guide students using critical thinking while pointing them to resources available on campus. More than likely, another student has a similar concern or issue, and so mentors coming together and sharing their experiences enhances first-gen programming for the future.”
“Rhodes faculty and staff are here to help all students when facing challenges, and we love sharing in their excitement and pride as they achieve academic goals and move on to life after Rhodes,” added Campbell. “We also love hearing from alumni on how their liberal arts education has helped prepare them for life after college.”
On Nov. 8, Rhodes will participate in the National First-Generation College Celebration.