Creating Support Resources for First-generation Graduate and Professional Students

Please Note: Time zones are in Eastern.

As an ever-increasing number of first-generation students choose to pursue graduate and professional degrees, institutions and student affairs practitioners must respond to the unique needs of these students. This presentation will highlight how colleges and universities can improve their support and programming by recognizing the inherent challenges our institutions present.

The presenters − each of whom has developed and led programming for first-generation graduate/professional students − will discuss 1) the various definitions of a first-generation graduate or professional student, 2) the gaps in knowledge in current research and practice, and 3) ways to build programs and resources through strategic partnerships throughout the institution.

Learning Outcomes

By participating in this session, attendees will be able to:

• identify and recognize the need for support services for first-generation students at the graduate and professional school level;
• recognize the differences between supporting graduate and professional school students; and
• take away examples of models and best practices to their campuses.