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Thursday Event Agenda & Session Options

11:00 - 12:00pm

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 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Friday 

11:00 - 12:00pm

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 9:30am - 10:45am on Friday

11:00 - 12:00pm

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 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Friday 

11:00 - 12:00pm

"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 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Friday 

11:00 - 12:00pm

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 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Friday

11:00 - 12:00pm

Networking Opportunity

Supporting First-Generation Community College Students

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other community college professionals to discuss and share best practices related to supporing first-generation community college students. 

12:30 - 1:45pm

Panel Discussion

Adapting Amid Change: The Rowan Glassboro Student Experience

Student Panelists: Brigitte Bedoya; Melissa Banuelos; Cynthia Lascarez; Amber Drewry; Logan Robenolt; and Darshak Rana
Moderated by: Kevin Koett, Ed.D. and Thomas N. Ferraro, Ph.D.

2:00 - 3:15pm

Foundations for 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 9:30am - 10:45am on Friday 

2:00 - 3:15pm

First-Generation Narratives: Why Do They Matter?

Cordelza D. Haynes, Ph.D. Candidate

This is an informative and interactive session to explore the power and meanings of first-generation voices. The premise and learning objective of this session is that there is no shame or weakness in being a first-generation student. Witness to personal power and agency, even in the midst of life circumstances, can be exemplified through narratives. We each carry and typify the evolution of those narratives. Beginning that process of naming those narratives is the means to own one's purpose and place in life. The format of this session is first lecturette, and then breaking into small groups to begin the process of writing and exploring one's narrative. We will then regroup to summarize our learning. Session limit 30.

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

2:00 - 3:15pm

Adapting Through Uncertain Times - How S.E.L.F. (Safety Emotions Loss and Future) Impacts First-Generation Students

Angelle E. Richardson, Ph.D., LPC and Stephanie Taboada

This workshop will explore how first-generation students who have experienced previous trauma may be adapting to the events of 2020, including the pandemic and racial injustice. Using the principles of Sandy Bloom’s Sanctuary Model, this workshop will discuss the impact of trauma on an individual’s perception of Safety, Emotion, Loss and Future (S.E.L.F.). This workshop with also discuss how intergenerational and historical trauma may further impact on how individuals operate within these four domains. Finally, this workshop will provide strategies for engaging with students.

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

2:00 - 2:45pm

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Mary Ellen Santucci, Ph.D., RN

This presentation will reflect on my life story and offer support and hope to first-generation students. It will detail how my journey starts as a single mom with an 18 month old and no job prospects to the Chair of the Department of Nursing at Rowan University with the 18 month old now a successful attorney. The presentation will allow individuals to plan and envision their future and the determination to achieve.

Also available 7:00pm - 7:45pm on Wednesday

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

Engaging Campus Partners in Creating Support Programming for First-Generation Students

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other professionals who develop first-generation programming to discuss and share best practices related to creating partnerships and bolstering administrative support for first-generation students across campus.

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

Supporting First-Generation Community College Students

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other community college professionals to discuss and share best practices related to supporing first-generation community college students. 

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

First-Generation Student Engagement Strategies

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other professionals who support first-generation students to discuss and share best practices related to first-generation student engagement strategies. 

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

First-Generation Alumni and Faculty Engagement

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other professionals who develop first-generation programming to discuss and share best practices related to engaging first-generation alumni and faculty. 

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

First-Generation Student Recruitment and Outreach

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other admissions professionals to discuss and share best practices related to recruitment of and outreach to first-generation prospective students.

5:00 - 6:00pm

Networking Opportunity

First-Generation Assessment Tools

provided by Rowan University

Come together with other higher education professionals to discuss and share best practices related to tracking and assessing the success of first-generation efforts, including conversations about success, retention, and completion. 

6:00 - 7:00pm

Mind the Gap: Career Resiliency Across Generational Approach

Julie Peterson; Altonia Bryant, M.A.; and Karen T. Siefring

Bridging the divide among generations, well-being, and uncertainties to create an adaptable, seamless career capital journey. The impact of globalization, demographic changes, and technological advancements among other factors, have been driving new forms of organization, new ways of working, and new characteristics of the workforce 2026. To assist first-generation students and their parents with navigating this new world economy, adaptive programming and approaches must be implemented.Therefore, presenters will introduce an interactive virtual series, designed to assist first-generation students and their parents to adapt the career capital journey through these changing and uncertain times by:

• Surveying services and programs in the Office of Career Advancement as a guide to their career exploration path
• Learning from the experience of our Alumni about the obstacles they overcame
• Maneuvering the myriad of online platforms to advance their ability to operate in this ever-changing and emerging virtual landscape
• Enhancing skill sets and resumes by learning alternate opportunities
• Expanding visions and preparation for careers that do not exist yet
  

Presenters will also highlight:

• The process of researching presentation topics for program implementation.
• Strategies for collaborating with institutional stakeholders across campus to encourage student engagement.
• Refining of program series for implementation at participants’ institution/department

Thursday Event Agenda & Session Options