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Friday Event Agenda & Session Options

9:15 - 9:30am

Welcome

Start the day with Flying First co-founders Dr. Penny McPherson-Myers and Amy Ruymann.

9:30 - 10:45am

Foundations of Flourishing First-Generation Students

Kevin George

First-generation college students can flourish and thrive with the foundational elements provided in and out of the classroom through intentional efforts from faculty, staff, and student leaders at university campuses. This session will explore research and best practices on supporting the well-being and resilience of first-generation students, while providing interactive activities to share opinions and thoughts regarding systemic opportunities for students to flourish.

Also available 2:00pm - 3:15pm on Thursday

9:30 - 10:45am

Please Bother Me!: Supporting First-Generation College Students Through Moments of Shame

Dana Kemery, Ed.D. and Dyron Corley, Ed.D.

Throughout the semester, first-generation college students may experience personal and academic difficulties prohibiting them from being successful. Often times, students will not avail themselves of the assistance offered by support staff and faculty thinking they may be a burden. By not seeking assistance to address their struggles, students can instead take on shame impacting their academic performance, self-esteem, and role development as a college student. Using case studies, participants will experience supporting a student through the shame recovery process. During this presentation participants will explore the concept of shame, discuss Van Vliet’s (2008) rebuilding approach, and apply tools to help individuals process and manage experiences that could lead to a shame response.

Also available 3:30pm - 4:45pm on Wednesday

9:30 - 10:45am

Building First-Generation Campus Advocates: Who, When, How?

Claude Taylor, M.A.; Bobbie Edgar, M.S.Ed.; and Liz O'Brien, M.S.Ed.

In this virtual roundtable session learn how three high touch point student-centered offices collaborate together to support first-generation students at Monmouth University. We will share best practices from our experiences for how to build partnerships and advocates across campus. Then we will participate in a breakout session to help support your current needs. The goal is for first-generation advocates to learn who you need to build relationships with and how to start that dialog.

Also available 5:00pm - 6:15pm on Wednesday 

9:30 - 10:45am

Career Pathways for First-Generation Students and Parents - Silver Linings in a Pandemic

Maud Fried-Goodnight, Ed.D.; Veronica Chainey, P.S.M.; and Iris Torres, M.S.

This presentation will emphasize projects which insured a successful transition during the pandemic to online services which included laptop and Hot Spot loan programs for low income students. RCSJ Cumberland received a Title V Las Vias grant in 2015, a Title III STEM Pathways grant in 2016 and a NSF Adelante Juntos grant in 2020. These programs enhanced Latinx student success to demonstrate increased Retention and Persistence, and college completion at remarkable rates. Based on the work of these programs, the institution was able to double its Latinx graduation rate within the past 5 years. Their work focuses on developing student persistence, resilience, and leadership for success. These programs collect and share rich data to inform decision making at the institution, and at with sister institutions at conferences. During this pandemic year the college has graduated Latinx students at the highest rates, and students have benefited from the strong, focused and strategic support provided by the Adelante Juntos, Title V Las Vias, and HSI STEM Pathways projects. In this presentation, project leaders will present key innovative interventions which have had the greatest impact on student success including: The Advising Syllabus, Summer Bridge Program, the Peer Mentor program, the Succeeding in College Math series, the use of Social Media to sustain, and enhance student engagement during a pandemic, the World Classroom, the successful transition to online services, online forms, Starfish Success Centers, Instagram Live, Las Vias Advisors Live and other Silver Lining Outcomes.

Also available 5:00pm - 6:15pm on Wednesday

9:30 - 10:45am

Supporting First-Generation Students Through A Pandemic And Beyond

Erin Hannah and Aly Baker

Using the Rowan Thrive Framework, which includes six dimensions of well-being, this workshop will use a holistic approach to first-generation student well-being. This workshop will use first-generation student data to help understand the first-generation experience, and then offer concrete ideas to assist both faculty and staff in supporting first-generation students, specifically during this challenging time. We will also discuss how motivational interviewing techniques can be employed, empowering students to create their own solutions to their problems.

Also available 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday

11:00 - 12:15pm

Panel Discussion

Adapting Amid Change: The Perspective of Rowan's Medical Community

Russel J. Buono, Ph.D.; Amanda White, Ph.D.; Eleni Papadopoulos; Amanda Fakira, Ph.D.; Ernest Wallace, Jr.; Ekrem Cetinkaya; and Thomas N. Ferraro, Ph.D. (moderator)

The year 2020 has created unprecedented challenges and demands in the medical field. Join first-generation faculty and medical students of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Rowan School of Health Professions in this panel discussion focused on their personal experiences, obstacles, and successes during this difficult time.

11:00 - 12:15pm

Waiting on Superman

Roderick T. Heath, Ed.D. and Shaun Andrews, M.A.

African American men’s history of their journey has strong correlations with the term-damaged goods. Throughout the years, African American men have played an essential part in the growth of America. In 2020, the Black Lives Matter Movement, police shootings, and COVID-19 have created the perfect storm for highlighting the systemic racism that has plagued African American men for centuries. The fight for freedom, rights, and education have been at the forefront of the economic power struggles from elite establishments that control the narrative, or often the trajectory, of Black men’s personal growth within American society. This session will discuss the non-cognitive factors that have hindered first-generation African American males from reaching their full potential academically and financially.

11:00 - 12:15pm

Normal and Resilient... How Government Cheese and Music Can Change Your Life!

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.

The world is causing many to experience frustration, pain, uncertainty, and unrest. It is normal for individuals to feel as though they are the "only ones" with those feelings. This can be especially challenging for first-generation students as they navigate their college careers. This engaging session will utilize real-life experiences and humor to help participants develop the skills and tools needed to be confident, resilient, passionate, and prepared to overcome any obstacle they face in college or life.

Also available. 5:00pm - 6:15pm on Wednesday

11:00 - 12:15pm

First to Start, First to Finish: A Destination Without a Road-Map

Angie Diaz, M.A. and Viviana Zambrano, M.Ed.

Participants will gain insight as to why first-generation college students are resistant to seek support while navigating university systems for the first time. Attendees who are first-gen will achieve an understanding of how their cultural background impacts their decision-making when in need of assistance academically, professionally, and personally. The presentation will also address how generational trauma can contribute to the roadblocks for first-gen scholars to initiate outreach for aid in different aspects of their college career. Administrators will also obtain information on how to provide adequate support to this population that is not as forthcoming to request help when experiencing challenges in their daily lives. The presentation will provide research, case studies, interactive activities, helpful tips, and tools to navigate conversations with students about their academic and lifelong journey of being the first and maybe the only in their families to pursue an advanced degree. By the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to recognize the resources available on their campus. They will also recognize the hidden signs of how first-generation college students are impacted by trauma and their overzealous resilient attitude.

Also available 3:30pm - 4:45pm on Wednesday

11:00 - 12:15pm

Advocacy & YOU: How to Successfully Promote Support for Opportunity Programs in Higher Education

Danielle Jones

2020 has been a challenging year, which includes the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, political tensions, and an eventful presidential election. Advocacy, grassroots outreach, and community organizing have taken on a new dynamic, challenging an individual to utilize technology and innovative approaches for advocating to stakeholders in an online, remote environment. Complicated by a lack of civic education taught in elementary and secondary education, how confident are first-generation students in advocating for support for opportunity programs when enrolled in post-secondary education? Do first-generation students understand the power of their voice when advocating for opportunity programs, such as TRiO, Head Start, GEAR UP, and EOF? Similarly, are college/university faculty, staff, and professionals equipped to inform first-generation students and families about the history and importance of opportunity programs? Using Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) Ecological Systems Theory, this presentation aims to highlight the impact of systems in a first-generation student’s development and education. Subsequently, a first-generation student’s lack of exposure and interaction with their government can negatively impact their confidence in being an effective advocate for opportunity programs. At the end of this presentation, attendees will learn about the necessity of advocacy, plus how to interact with elected officials and stakeholders. Tools and resources will be provided on the legislative process in New Jersey. Furthermore, attendees will be empowered to incorporate civic engagement and advocacy initiatives in campus programming in support of opportunity programs.

Also available 3:30pm - 4:45pm on Wednesday

11:00 - 12:15pm

Proof in the Pandemic: A Tainted Experience for the First-Generation College Student

Diane Mussoline; Joan Pardo; and Tiffanie Williams

For many first-generation college students, the pandemic exacerbated many of the challenges and obstacles they continue to face and try to overcome - financial hardships, lack of college readiness, inadequate tools and family obligations. Although higher education has made strides in supporting first-generation college students throughout the years, the pandemic exposed the gaps of how we needed to improve our efforts to ensure the success of this population. There was an urgent need to develop intervention and preventative strategies to address pandemic related loss, mental health and increase student interest and engagement. The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester Campus quickly transitioned from an on-campus pre-summer college program to creating a remote pre-summer college program for qualifying EOF students. The aim of the remote pre-summer college program was to build a virtual community for incoming EOF students that focused on transitioning graduating students from high school to college in a time where their world felt upended due to coronavirus. The success of the summer program proved that with early intervention, preventative strategies, and collaboration efforts we could help first-generation college students adapt to altered college expectations in order to succeed.

Also available 7:00pm - 8:30pm on Wednesday

12:30 - 1:45pm

Panel Discussion

Adapting Amid Change: Rowan Glassboro Faculty Perspectives

Ralph Dusseau, Ph.D., P.E.; Valerie Davis-LaMastro, Ph.D.; Grant Shoffstall, Ph.D.; Jamie Yingst, M.A.; Angela Cirucci, Ph.D.; and Sierra Lomuto, Ph.D.

Please join our Rowan University first-generation faculty panel to discuss the challenges that accompany being first-generation as both educators and students. We have all shifted from the traditional learning and teaching atmosphere to this pandemic-driven "Zoom U" way of education – this change has had unique effects on first-generation students and how faculty approach teaching. Let us share what these times have been like and how we can improve our approach to better serve first-generation students.

2:00 - 3:00pm

How First-Generation College Students Cope with the Pandemic

Harriet Hartman, Ph.D.

This presentation examines the results of a fall 2020 Rowan survey, as well as a survey comprised of several US colleges, both studying the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on college students. The presentation will compare how the pandemic has impacted the mental and academic well-being of students, their future plans, and social and family relationships, comparing first-generation and continuing-generation college students. Participants will gain insight into the complex experiences of first-generation students during the pandemic and identify factors that may impede or facilitate their success.

Also available 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday

2:00 - 3:00pm

Why Stumble into Academic Success? Use Pedagogy that is Intentional

Jenice Sabb-Dumas, Ed.D.

Too often students 'stumble' into academic success. Instead of tailoring academic activities to promote student success, we often create activities that deliver content with the expectation of student academic success. Why not design activities that are intentional in their design to promote academic success. This workshop will share information from my research that views student academic success from a student persistence and constructivist lens. Participants will discuss how academic pedagogy and student experiences can engender student academic success, particularly in STEM majors. Participants will walk away from this session with information that will support the development of classroom pedagogy to enhance the student’s learning experiences and assist with persistence in the sciences.

2:00 - 3:00pm

Go from Surviving to Thriving with Self-Leadership

Akua Nyame-Mensah

First-generation students face a number of difficulties. With the right resources and support, first-generation students can build the internal and secure the external resources they need to overcome their challenges and succeed at college. There are three critical elements to being resilient in an ever-changing and connected world as a first-generation student. (1) Taking time to get to know yourself and build your confidence: Recognizing that we are always evolving and taking the time to reflect and develop awareness of how our desires and vulnerabilities have shifted. (2) Recognizing that we do not live in a vacuum and learning how to ask for help: Even when it is hard, being open to engaging with others by staying curious and open-minded. (3) Being kind to yourself and working through any guilt you have: Recognizing that you are setting expectations for yourself and others, whether they are spoken or unspoken. I will host a conversation around these three elements and share practical and inquiry-based coaching tools and techniques that can be used by first-generation students immediately to shift how they approach engaging with uncertainty.

Also available 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday 

2:00 - 3:00pm

"We'll Take it From Here": A First-Generation Students' Approach to Engagement During a Pandemic

Kalitza Bruno; Sukhdeep Kaur; and Aneldys Perez

Sense of belonging and engagement are important aspects to the success of first-generation college students. COVID-19 has forced institutions to reimagine what engagement looks like in the virtual space. To address this challenge Rutgers University-Camden (RUC) created the First-Generation Student Ambassador program to adapt to these changes. An initiative for students by students, 4 students took on the role as leaders to create safe and virtual opportunities for first-generation college students to engage in fun and informative activities to foster a sense of belonging. By using technology like Zoom and Instagram the student ambassadors implemented academic, well-being, and social programs to help students stay connected and successful. This session is geared to students and staff who are interested in learning about how the ambassador program was created, the programming that has been developed by students, and the leadership skills developed by the student ambassadors. Participants will be able to take some of the ideas discussed and implement them at their home campuses.

Also available 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday

2:00 - 3:00pm

The Effects of Food Insecurity on Mental Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Charise Breeden-Balaam, MSW, Ed.D.

There is current research that suggests that COVID-19 has increased levels of food insecurity which has led to poorer mental health. This webinar will identify food insecurity and its various levels and teach participants effective and practical approaches and techniques to help support their students subjected to these two experiences.

Also available 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday

2:00 - 3:00pm

Factors Influencing First-Generation Students' Ability to Obtain a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology: An Intersectional Approach

Lauren Wallace, Ph.D. Candidate; Ebru Yucel, Ph.D. Candidate; Juliana D'Onofrio, Ph.D. Candidate; and Jim Haugh, Ph.D.

Although first-generation college students aspire to obtain graduate education, we know they are less likely to earn these advanced degrees compared to their non-first-generation counterparts (Engle & Tinto, 2008). There are several identified reasons for this discrepancy including differences in social identity from their families, financial barriers, and lack of social support (Gardner & Holley, 2011; King, 2017; Michalski et al., 2011). For example, it has been described how, "many of our families have difficulty understanding why anyone would go to school after finishing college" (Cook-Morales et al., 1995). The first half of this symposium will provide insight and discussion on previous literature relative to first-generation students aspiring to obtain doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. Next, presenters will transition to a panel discussion with attendees regarding their roads to successfully being admitted into a clinical psychology Ph.D. program. Our objective is to present students with various pathways to achieving this goal and how we overcame certain challenges as first-generation students while acknowledging intersectional factors at play.

Also available 7:00pm - 8:30pm on Wednesday

3:30 - 4:00pm

Closing Remarks

Penny McPherson-Myers, Ph.D. and Amy Ruymann, M.S.

Friday Event Agenda & Session Options