Telling Their Stories: First-Generation College Students' Academic and Social Integration at a Midwestern University

• In Event: First-Generation College Students

Abstract

This qualitative study highlights the voices of 37 First-Generation College Students (FGCS) pursuing their bachelor’s degree at a four-year university. We heard their stories of resilience despite being at greater risk for non-completion due to competing expectations, responsibilities, and family obligations. This study uncovered strategies FGCS used to tailor their academic and social resources to provide feedback to university personnel about supports used and others they needed in order to persist to graduation. The findings indicated these FGCS relied on a network of personal connections in addition to university services to support their unique journey through academia. These holistic supports mitigated several pre-entry deficits to help them adapt to higher education demands despite a lack of on-campus social integration.

Authors

• Jean A. Patterson, Wichita State University

• Nirupama R Akella, Georgia

• Melinda Rangel, Tabor College

• Miranda Stegman, Wichita State University

• Deborah Stubblefield, Wichita State University