Schedule

Full Schedule PDF coming soon.

All dates and times are subject to change.

Wednesday Session Options

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM EST

Check in & Breakfast

9:15 AM - 9:25 AM EST

Welcome

Join us as we kick off the 8th Annual First-Generation Symposium!

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Maybe it's us? An organizational and systems level approach to reducing barriers to student success.

Ricky Urgo

The author will be presenting a deep dive on the project and subsequent publication "Systemic Solutions Driving Retention and Graduation Efforts at a Large, Selective Private Institution: A Scalable Project for Student Success" by Ricky Urgo and Sonja Ardoin.

Through the lens of an organizational analysis, the author will provide tangible takeaways for practitioners and faculty to bring back to their campuses and replicate. This is an important and necessary venture, as institutions increase their attention and resources on the recruitment and retention of first generation and working class students. Institutions were not constructed with these populations in mind, but we can make organizational, structural, and systemic changes to better serve these students, especially as our shortcomings as universities disproportionately impact this community (Flaherty, 2023; Urgo & Ardoin, 2024).

Simulatenously, the author hopes to encourage exploration of the following:1) identifying new institutional barriers to student success, 2) improving understanding of how stakeholders navigate institutional infrastructure, 3) creating a culture where auditing internal practices and knowledge bases are commonplace, 4) uplifting student voice and experience, and 5) creating greater outcomes for all students.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Building First-Generation Programs Through Institutional & Student Power Partnerships

Christina Pantoja Williams

During the presentation we will discuss the use of partnerships with University Departments and the First-Generation Student organization to gain visibility for the Ville First-Generation program. In addition, we will discuss how these collaborative efforts support First- Generation college students, K-12 environments, and the first-generation community to build momentum and visibility for first-generation student support, programs, and the creation of institutional buy in. The presentation will include an explanation of Millersville University's first-generation program, a description of the student organization First-Gems of the Ville, and the power partnerships they have built together to push the first-generation program forward. There will also be time built in for first-generation student perspectives and for questions from the audience.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Launching F1RST: Building a Thriving Community for First-Gen Rowan Students

Mikhai Johnson & Tahla Henkel

We are Rowan's first student led first-generation club on campus and our goal is to spread awareness to first-generation students about resources, foster a supportive community, and create an environment where students feel encouraged, connected, and equipped to succeed academically and personally. We aim to bridge the gap between students and resources they need, ensuring that first-generation students feel seen, heard, and valued.

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM EST

Break

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM EST

Dr. Houshmand Welcome

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM EST

Break

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM EST

Student Panel

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM EST

Lunch

12:45 PM - 1:00 PM EST

Excellence Awards & President Keating Welcome

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM EST

Break

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EST

Freedom Dreaming- Fostering Community for First-Gen Students

Meredith Brown

Drawing from Dr. Bettina Love's influential book, "We Want to Do More than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom", this presentation will explore the transformative concept of "freedom dreaming" and its impact on first-generation students. In my Introduction to Counseling course, we examined the power of this concept and its emphasis on imagining a liberating, purpose-driven future. Dr. Love's "freedom dreaming" invites students to envision a world of possibilities beyond survival, encouraging them to dream boldly and reshape their educational and personal paths.

This presentation will delve into how "freedom dreaming" empowers first-gen students to envision their futures in ways that embrace both personal ambition and community impact. By setting meaningful goals, exploring diverse career paths, and identifying programs that align with their passions, first-gen students can cultivate a vision that not only enriches their lives but also positively impacts the communities they come from and hope to serve. This approach encourages first-gen students to create purpose-driven plans that honor their unique identities, inspire confidence, and foster a lasting sense of belonging and community. Through this presentation, I hope to unpack practical strategies for fostering "freedom dreaming" in first-gen students, helping them build a future that aligns with their dreams and broadens their potential.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EST

Your Degree Can't Save You

Reggie Walker & Elijah Blackwell

As Higher Ed. professionals we know that what we do for our first generation college students is holistic, yet we have a tendency to place so much focus on their academic success and accomplishments that we inadvertently ignore serious issues with students that need to be addressed. These issues include everything from unrealistic post grad expectations, depression, emotional instability and handling rejection. As a result we graduate first gen students at high rates, which looks good for our respected programs, but so many of these student are struggling to hold it together mentally and emotionally after graduation, which is also a reflection of our programs and initiatives.

This interactive presentation, which is conducted by Dr. Reggie Walker will seek to address some of these issues that our students are facing that have nothing to do with their academics. First we’ll identify what nonacademic issues we know are students are coming to college with that need to be addressed. We'll then engage in an open discussion about mental health where we’ll explore the particular journey of a former student now professional, Elijah Blackwell, who dealt with depression and anxiety despite being a superb student academically and otherwise. Dr. Walker will discuss his role in assisting Elijah and what he's witnessed regarding college alum and their post graduate struggles, as a result of certain issues not being addressed while in college.

Finally, Dr. Walker and Mr. Blackwell will present recommendations and best practices regarding the mental/emotional health of our students.

Last, the presentation will give the participants the opportunity to discuss their own journey with being emotionally healthy, whether or not they have believed a degree will solve their issues, what they believe they could do now to become emotionally/mentally healthy and what role they expect college professionals and their universities to play in that.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EST

Empowering First-Generation Graduate Students: Creating Connections at Rowan and Beyond

Tabbetha Dobbins

First-generation graduate students face unique challenges in navigating the academic and social complexities of advanced education. In Spring 2024, a listening session at Rowan University shed light on their needs, sparking the creation of a recognition program tailored to celebrate and support these students. Our interactive presentation will share updates on data collected from this initiative and outline the steps Rowan has taken to foster inclusion and engagement for first-generation graduate students. Additionally, we will highlight innovative approaches from other institutions to provide a broader perspective on best practices. By focusing on both targeted supports for first-generation graduate students and strategies that benefit the broader graduate community, this session aims to inspire collaborative action and share scalable ideas. Participants will engage in discussions to identify gaps, propose solutions, and collectively envision the next steps for empowering first-generation graduate students in higher education.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EST

BRAVE CONNECTIONS & COMMITMENTS: Retention Strategies that Affirm, Motivate, and Cultivate Cultural Wealth and Belonging for Men of Color in Community College

Marcus White

Retention of marginalized populations - students of color and students from low-income and/or first-generation families - remains a pervasive challenge across the nation, particularly for first-year men of color attending predominantly White community colleges. Despite efforts and best practices employed at institutions across the country, these strategies require a shift in professional practice that focuses on success factors that contribute to retaining men of color in higher education (Williams Jr., 2022). Research reveals that the first year of college can be challenging for all students, particularly first-generation populations. Men of color, in particular, encounter different issues in their pursuit of academic and social success; however, they too use various forms of cultural wealth in their first year to overcome challenges. Using these forms of cultural wealth, Community College administrators can better support first-generation men of color as they persist academically.

Retention and community cultural wealth (Yosso, 2005) frameworks can aid in gaining further insight into how to support first-generation men of color in PWI community colleges. This presentation will explore retention strategies through institutional programming that promotes meaningful connections and commitments with first-generation students. Best practices are shared to enhance students’ social and institutional belongingness and contribute to institutional diversity commitment.

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM EST

Break

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST

A Lived Experience and 50 Years in the Field: Navigating the Higher Education System through to Career

Fred Keating

Students who are the first in their family to go to college have hurdles to jump and lingo to navigate. All the students participating in this symposium have made it through the first round, entered their respective college, and are beginning the education journey. But what happens as you continue the path? Does anxiety increase as you go through the process to petition to graduate? Does some of the imposter syndrome you may have experienced while applying return, making you feel like you can't make it in the field you have chosen? How does your family react, and what emotions need to be managed as you become the first in your family to build a career which out-earns those who came before you? Being first-generation doesn't stop when you are admitted and successfully navigate your first semester. It continues through graduation, accepting a position in your career, taking the leap to graduate school, and taking a path no one in your family has journeyed. This session will talk about navigating higher education and the next steps into your career.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST

You are are More Than Your Grades

Allison Gainer & Janet Duffield

This interactive session is designed to empower first-generation college students by helping them identify wellness barriers that can impact their academic and personal success, while normalizing the process of seeking support. The discussion will cover common challenges faced by first-gen students, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity struggles, imposter syndrome, and the importance of recognizing champions versus energy vampires. Participants will gain insights into these issues and explore strategies for managing them effectively. Additionally, the session will highlight available campus and community resources, offering guidance on how to access support systems tailored to first-gen needs. Through open dialogue, students will leave with a better understanding of wellness as a foundation for their success in college and beyond.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST

Representation Matters: First Generation and Neurodiversity

John Woodruff & Amanda Bonino

The transition to college can be overwhelming. For students identifying as First Generation and Neurodivergent, the process can pose additional challenges. Specifically, the absence of directions or a road map to connect with key resources beginning with college acceptance; to orientation; to campus engagement and academic success.

Our workshop will provide first generation and neurodivergent college students and their support systems a tool kit to navigate the transition process and to put them on a path and platform for success.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST

Faculty Panel

3:30 PM - 3:40 PM EST

Break

3:40 PM EST

Closing Remarks

Wednesday Session Options