Faculty & Staff Professional Development

Narratives and Assets: Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Working with First-gen

April 10

Noon to 1 p.m. (Webinar)

This live briefing will highlight three themes from a qualitative study that examined the experiences of clinicians in working with FGCS. They emphasized the importance of FGCS resilience and the utilization of humility and empowerment to promote FGCS growth. 

The presenter will provide insights on how to support FGCS with a multisystemic approach using the SHARE framework. Understanding the clinicians’ experiences enabled us to recognize FGCS resilience and the gaps in supportive services and CCC training. FGCS who courageously seek services with resilience and hope deserve clinicians who honor their narratives and assets and are knowledgeable in treating and supporting them. 

Developing and Implementing Programs for First-generation College Students

April 24

Noon to 1 p.m. via (Webinar)

This session will offer participants an opportunity to engage in a discussion on the development and implementation of first-generation student programming. Discussing key themes identified in the book, Developing and Implementing Promising Practices and Programs for First-Generation College Students (Troy et al., 2022), presenters will provide insight into key strategies to develop and implement programs and practices for first-generation students.  

With a focus on chapter five, “Developing First-year Programming for First-generation Students without a Budget: No Money, No Problem”, the conversation will focus on program creation without a budget, intersectionality, and strengths-based programming.  Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on how they can use these strategies to develop programming at their home institutions to contribute to the success, growth, and leadership experiences of first-generation students. 

Partnering with Parents and Families of First-generation College Students

May 8 

Noon to 1 p.m. via (Webinar)

Building a sense of community and belonging is incredibly important for first-generation college students. A key factor to this foundation of support is engaging parents and families of first-generation students; institutions can harness this support by viewing parents and families of first-generation students as partners in their students’ success.   

Drawing from their experiences at mid-size and large, public, four-year institutions, the presenters will first discuss the challenges of engaging the parents of first-generation students. They will then offer a suggested timeline to consider when developing content for communication and engagement. Finally, the presenters will provide examples of partnering opportunities and events, strengthening connections to the institution and levels of support.