College admissions recruiters learn
to identify factors that may prevent students from enrolling in their
institutions. This is especially important to the institution because it allows
recruiters to provide feedback about what current students face upon entering
colleges and universities across the nation.
There are many student demographic changes facing the nation today, but
one trend that affects many colleges and universities is the increased
enrollment of first generation college students.
First generation college students can
be found in almost every city across the nation, including Nashville, Tennessee
and Lipscomb University. After spending five years recruiting Nashville students,
first generation college students are a growing demographic for Lipscomb
University. This case study addresses their individual needs and risk factors that
may prevent them from succeeding in a college environment and suggests
implementation of a first generation college student program at
Lipscomb University. The case study also explores regional and local models for best
practices of first generation college student programs and suggestions from current Lipscomb students.
The vision of the program is that
successful first generation college students change their families and empower
their communities. Lipscomb University will provide a program for first
generation college students that supports and enhances their academic, social,
and professional goals. The strategy
will include helping first generation college students graduate from college
and achieve their career goals. Because they pursue higher career goals, they
will change their family dynamics and increase their ability to earn higher
income. These students will become advocates to future college students and
inspire them to pursue their college goals. Their success will be measured by
increased retention, degree completion, and graduation rates at Lipscomb University.
And Nashville will benefit from more informed graduates that give back and
serve their community. This program will
also provide measurable outcomes, which ensure its sustainability at the
university and highlight the successes of the students.
