DBU Report Winter 2020-2021 - Page 12

DBU REPORT 12 Serving First-Generation Students at DBU In the fall of 2020, 12% of Dallas Baptist University students were considered First-Generation College Students. Approximately half of all students graduating Texas high schools last year were classified as First- Generation College Students. First Generation College Students (First-Gen) are individuals pursuing undergraduate degrees whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree. Being the first in their family to step out into a college atmosphere can be daunting, but DBU’s First-Gen Advisory Council is making great strides to ease the anxious hearts of parents and students every step of the way. The First-Gen Advisory Council chaired by Dr. Layna Evans, Assistant Vice President for Communications, is made up of DBU faculty and staff who are committed to finding ways to better support First-Gen students at DBU. Several of the council members were first-generation students themselves. To date, the First-Gen Advisory Council has created an online form and e-mail (first-gen@dbu.edu ) where First-Gen students can submit questions and concerns and has invited first-year First- Gen students to participate in DBU’s mentoring program. The mentoring program matches students with a faculty or staff mentor who meets with them weekly to support their academic, personal, and spiritual growth. According to national statistics, 33% of First-Gen students will drop out of college within the first three years of their education and are less likely to graduate within four years. DBU’s goal is to combat and defy these statistics by offering consistent and ongoing support to First-Gen students from the very beginning. First-Gen student Nate Antioch graduated in May of 2020 with his Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He says “DBU aided me in many aspects of my journey, most notably in managing my priorities with school, work, and additional aspects of life.” Not only did Nate complete his undergraduate degree, but he is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Finance at DBU. In January of 2021, the First- Gen Advisory Council met to develop initial recommendations for programming and support initiates. The Council is already in the process of translating key admissions pieces into Spanish with hopes of reaching even more First-Gen students and their families. Many scholarships available for First-Gen students only support students attending “Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My parents didn’t attend college, but they encouraged me and supported me in continuing my education.” Hannah Sullivan First-Generation Student