The First Generation Student Experience at UW Eau Claire : A Case Study

Abstract

"The First Generation Student Experience at UW-Eau Claire: A Case Study" aims to assess how recruitment and retention efforts can be improved for first generation students at the institution. The population of first generation students is under-represented in campus media and recruitment initiatives, especially at the UW-Eau Claire campus. The study considers university-wide efforts and TRIO-based departments in order to understand how recruitment and retention can be improved for these students. The UW-Eau Claire campus will be benefited by understanding this demographic's experience through having better recruitment and retention practices, and having a solid understanding of how these students can have a positive learning and social experience at our institution. The project also considers current national standards and practices that are implemented at nationally acclaimed public universities. The research considers quantitative retention data, qualitative experiences, and practices, as well as overarching goals within the university's strategic plan. This research is practical in that it should lead to implementation or cause change within our institution as a whole. Overall, this topic evaluates the greater issue of equity, diversity, and inclusivity within the university. The study considers how the students themselves have felt during their college experience in terms of affordability, access to resources, and a sense of belongingness.