Commission/Interest Group:   First-Generation College Student Interest Group     

Chair:     Ila Schauer     

Summary of Annual Meeting at National Conference (agenda items, issues, discussion topics, announcements, etc.)

The First Generation College Student Interest Group was held on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. There were approximately 30 NACADA members in the meeting. I asked the attendees to identify themselves by NACADA Regions, with all Regions represented except Region 3. I did this in order to ask that they participate in the Regional meetings representing the Interest Group. We discussed the definition of First Generation College Student, the issues facing First Generation College Students, and goals for the coming year.

Approximate Number of Commission/Interest Group Members in Attendance:   30   

Critical Issues of Concern or "Hot Topics" Identified:

1. A great deal of time was spent discussing the definition of First Generation College student. The least restrictive definition is the one used by TRIO (neither parent completed a 4-year college degree); most restrictive is that no one in their family completed any post-secondary education.
2. We also brainstormed a list of key issues facing First Generation College Students. These included:
• Lack of understanding at home (plus educational and financial)
• Retention
• Pressure to perform (don't let the family down)
• Sense of inclusion (or exclusion) on campus
• Spousal support
• Cultural disconnection (language, vocabulary, higher ed, goals)

Unit Goals and Objectives for Next Year:

1. Gather and share information concerning First Generation College Students.
2. Have a representative from the Interest group at all Regional meetings (possibly host roundtable).
3. Be advocates on campus for First Gens.
4. Be advocates in community by sharing info with local schools and community groups.

Future Activities Planned:

1. Since all Regions except Region 3 were represented, I have asked for someone in the interest group to go to Regional conferences and hold a roundtable discussion addressing issues facing First Generation College Students.
2. We are also planning some research involving several colleges.

Volunteer Opportunities Available Within the Unit:

1. Represent First Generation College Interest Group at Regional meetings.
2. Be involved in research and information gathering.
3. Take an active role in the Interest Group.

Members Serving this Unit (committee members, liaisons, etc.):