Intersectional Care on an Institutional Level: Supporting First-Gen Students Holistically - E51-361

While being a First-Generation college student has many barriers within higher education, students with marginalized identities experience a much different set of challenges. Despite the barriers that may be in place, it is imperative that First-Gen students are viewed holistically and offered support that aligns with their varying needs. This discussion will explore the structural barriers that inhibit First-Gen students with intersectional identities from success in college and the small changes that educators and administration can make to reassure students' belonging on campus, safety alongside classmates, as well as performance and growth in the classroom and in a socio-emotional context. 

Participants will be collaborating in small group and roundtable discussions to engage in conversation regarding topics around intersectionality, student support, and authentic care for diverse First-Gen student populations. It is our goal that by the end of this session participants will be mindful of how intersectional identities affect one's access to classroom resources and overall college experience. While implementing a new system seems like a daunting task, this session will pull from already existing programs and supports offered at participant’s institutions as a way to visualize tangible change.