Experiences, Challenges, and Assets of First-Generation College Students : Informing a more equitable learning environment at UBC
Creators: name: Cheng, Yuqing
Publisher: name: The University of British Columbia
Year: 2023

description: First-generation college students (FGCS) have many disadvantages compared to continuing-generation college students in post-secondary education (PSE) due to a lack of resources and guidance. However, this student group is largely overlooked by PSE institutions and government entities in Canada. The financial, social, and mental barriers faced by FGCS remain under-represented. To date, Ontario is the only province that has designated an equity-based bursary targeting first-generation students (Government of Ontario, n.d.). The Province of British Columbia has one of the highest numbers of PSE institutions in Canada, but little research has studied the experiences of FGCS in the province. In collaboration with the UBC SEEDS Sustainability Program and the UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS), this pilot phenomenological study was carried out at the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia. The purpose is to understand first-generation students’ perceptions, experiences, and challenges at UBC, to support the AMS Equity Action Plan, and to provide suggestions for the school and government to better support this underserved student group. The study used mixed data collection methods, including an online survey (N=112), six semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. Both undergraduate and graduate students were targeted. By using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, the study produced important findings. Firstly, first-generation status comes with disadvantages but also brought participants motivation to learn and unique perspectives to contribute to the classroom. Some other common sentiments shared by the participants include pride, appreciation, family responsibility, and a sense of independence. Secondly, financial burdens, mental stresses, and a lack of guidance were the major challenges faced by the participants when applying to and studying at UBC. Many participants showed strong feelings of isolation and fear of falling behind. Based on the results, three recommendations are proposed to the university and government: 1) provide equity-based financial aid to first-generation students to assist with their transition and retention in PSE, 2) organize free or affordable social events for first-generation students to help them build connections and alleviate their sense of isolation, and 3) designate a First-Generation Student Officer or ideally a First-Generation Student Advising Office as a resource hub to offer accessible assistance to FGCS. The study also highlights the importance of outreach in helping the academic and social integration of FGCS in university. This study fills the gap of little literature on first-generation college students in BC and informs institution leaders and policymakers of strategies for creating more accessible PSE experiences for equity-seeking students. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”