https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17 The ideas on this board were generated during a DEI workshop at Milwaukee Area Technical College en-us 2021-10-22 08:46:36 UTC 2025-12-29 19:22:43 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1352946484/0cfd8b0cee9e7095627dc721c24930be/DEI_Committee_BLACK_ORANGE.png equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1835881598 Georgetown University developed a one-credit course for first-gen students called "Mastering the Hidden Curriculum."]]> 2021-10-22 09:33:57 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1835881598 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1835892148 Article from The Center for First-Generation Student Success]]> 2021-10-22 09:41:44 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1835892148 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836863958 2021-10-22 17:21:44 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836863958 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836869674 From JG: A student who is the first in their family to go to college.  For example: my brothers were first-gen students but I don't consider myself and my sisters to be first gen because we had their experiences to work from.  They were only a year apart but then 5 year break to my oldest sister.

]]> 2021-10-22 17:24:40 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836869674 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836871970 From TC: Being the first in the family to attend/complete college

]]> 2021-10-22 17:25:53 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836871970 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836873154 From RM: first family member to attend and grad from college.

]]> 2021-10-22 17:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836873154 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836875138 From CV: First to attend college in your family.
It means not being able to hear "when I was in college..." from your parents/support network.  ]]> 2021-10-22 17:27:32 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836875138 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836935154 In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have had to come up with ways to support our students. Personally, I have found that putting my recorded lectures online for my students has served as a tremendous asset. This allows students to listen to the lectures at their pace. They can pause, rewind and watch again if they so choose. This is not the case in a mandatory face-to-face classroom setting. If a first generation student from a disadvantaged background needs to hear a lecture again for it to "click" there is no opportunity to do so. The feedback I have gotten from my students, both verbally and through exam scores, supports the philosophy that some students, especially those who are the first in their family to navigate this process, may need educators to reconsider the vehicles utilized for instruction. Granting access for learners to listen on their time and on their terms may be the tool to help them be the first in their family to succeed. 

Sherréa Jones, PhD 
Instructor of Natural Science]]> 2021-10-22 17:57:03 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836935154 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836940181 2021-10-22 17:59:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836940181 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836949966 2021-10-22 18:04:33 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836949966 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836953479 College Student and Trailblazer #ProudToBeMATC for First Generation Student T-Shirts ]]> 2021-10-22 18:06:22 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836953479 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836963065 We need formal and informal student success supports for first gen  students to build "sense of belonging" 

As a retention strategy with student affinity peer support/groups, clubs - maybe set an unprogrammed regular "Trailblazers Hangout" time for First Gen students to make friends, find peers.]]> 2021-10-22 18:11:27 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836963065 hansencardona https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836963174 As an ESL/ELL instructor, I am thinking about the fact that first gen students I encounter often aren't accustomed to seeking tutoring help, meeting after class with their instructors, and being vocal in classroom discussions. U.S. college culture demands that students speak up and advocate for themselves. I think a short Transition to College course covering this would be a great idea for first gen MATC students, including those new to the U.S.

Laurie Hansen Cardona
ESL/ELL instructor]]> 2021-10-22 18:11:31 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836963174 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836969675 https://matc.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations

]]> 2021-10-22 18:15:03 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836969675 maddencj https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836973843 I like the idea of a handbook for the FirstGen student. It is difficult to know about or find resources.]]> 2021-10-22 18:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836973843 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836978897 I've found the need to show students (primarily first gen) that don't know about the high up posted route finding signage between buildings - they are looking for lower wall signs.  They need to look up for our signage - once they learn that - they are so grateful! Simple thing but real for a LOT of our students.

]]> 2021-10-22 18:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836978897 nussers https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836980075 I think that celebrating first-gen students is a great idea and I'm going to think about how I can do that with my students--even if it's just a personal congratulations.]]> 2021-10-22 18:20:42 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836980075 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836985323 MATC used to have these!]]> 2021-10-22 18:23:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836985323 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836987196 I think that celebrating first-gen students is a great idea and I'm going to think about how I can do that with my students--even if it's just a personal congratulations.  ]]> 2021-10-22 18:24:33 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836987196 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836990577 Hispanic Sororities : Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Sigma, Sigma Alpha, Theta Phi Alpha
https://www.uwp.edu/live/studentorganizations/]]> 2021-10-22 18:26:24 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836990577 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836991342 Events on campus for First-Gen students to socialize and do something outside of a club meeting or classes.

Some of the other schools on this board do a Wednesday Workshop series or First Gen Fridays. When it becomes a regular, expected activity, students can plan for it.]]> 2021-10-22 18:26:49 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836991342 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836993226 Explain things clearly and in terms that are not open to interpretation.]]> 2021-10-22 18:27:49 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836993226 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836993321 Identifying first generation faculty and staff is a good idea. I happened to mention that I was first generation yesterday and my students were surprised. One remarked and you have two degrees.

]]> 2021-10-22 18:27:53 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836993321 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836995343 We have some higher ed language issues and jargon that students are NOT familiar with.  We had a scholarship applicant who got a personal staff letter of support rather than a faculty letter.  They didn't know faculty was different distinction.

]]> 2021-10-22 18:29:00 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836995343 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836996651 As a student at FSU, I wanted to get involved. I am not sure how much your college promotes clubs. But I think having something that shows students what they can get involved in will help them feel like they can get involved. It is not always easy to get involved, but having an event that the clubs are showcased at could make it easy for them, and possibly stay in school. 

Ferris State student]]> 2021-10-22 18:29:47 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836996651 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836999059 How are students being instructed about their options for organizations? How are clubs promoted at MATC? We heard that this is part of orientation at Ferris. What does MATC do?]]> 2021-10-22 18:31:11 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1836999059 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837013145 Some faculty don't even understand the "support hours" concept, so I'm pretty sure that students don't. It must just look like Greek on the syllabus. Instructors should make sure to explain what that term means to them on first day of classes. Or, in an online class, maybe make it a part of a short video with highlights from the syllabus.]]> 2021-10-22 18:39:28 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837013145 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837019753 The term “hidden curriculum” refers to an amorphous collection of “implicit academic, social, and cultural messages,” “unwritten rules and unspoken expectations,” and “unofficial norms, behaviours and values” of the dominant-culture context in which all teaching and learning is situated. These “assumptions and expectations that are not formally communicated, established, or conveyed” stipulate the “right” way to think, speak, look, and behave in school. Since the hidden curriculum invisibly governs academic achievement, it is vital for every student to learn its lessons.]]> 2021-10-22 18:43:27 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837019753 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837022632 2021-10-22 18:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837022632 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837024715 2021-10-22 18:46:23 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837024715 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837026986 ALIGN is the Alliance for Low-Income and First Generation Narrative]]> 2021-10-22 18:47:45 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837026986 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837030636 People often assume that first gen students are also poor. While these intersections often exist, we also have to remember that there are many students who are first in their families to earn a degree, but they are not necessarily low-income. The family could be comfortable financially, but they still don't have the lived experience of being in college. Those students need our support but may want it differently.]]> 2021-10-22 18:49:58 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837030636 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837036915 Just yesterday, Myra asked me if I was first gen and I said no because my mom got her associate's degree a year after I graduated from high school. So, I'm shocked to hear today that the federal government would still consider me to be first-gen because their definition has to do with whether my parent got a bachelor's degree. Wow.]]> 2021-10-22 18:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837036915 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837046558 During recruitment, especially of Latinx students, we should involve the parents. They have never been to college before, so there may be lots they don't know about and have questions about. Having bilingual admissions counselors and recruiters is important. Spending extra time is important. It can't just be about the student. So-called special populations need special strategies.]]> 2021-10-22 18:57:47 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837046558 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837056480 One thing to consider (that I did not mention) - I strongly encourage you to create a definition that works for your institution. However, any federal funding you receive dedicated to FG students, may need to be used on "official" FG students based on the federal definition. 

David McCall, Director
First Gen Initiatives, Ferris State University]]> 2021-10-22 19:03:59 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837056480 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837059905 Other Ideas - Stickers (relatively cheap and students love them), stickers or other indicators for faculty to display in their offices, Share that you are FG with your students, share personal experiences, etc.

Lots of companies out there can do these.]]> 2021-10-22 19:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837059905 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837062232 Allow students to help in the creation of the syllabus. Provide a template of what should be included on a syllabus and use one of the first classes to develop the specific content with the students (at least the things that can be changed). ]]> 2021-10-22 19:07:43 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837062232 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837190561 During graduation:  "Will all the First Generation college students please stand up?  Let's give them a round of applause!"

That way, if they don't want to identify, they don't have to. But graduation is a major accomplishment for them. It should be celebrated.]]> 2021-10-22 20:47:57 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837190561 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837225913 Christina Katopodis shares her experience co-creating the syllabus with students.]]> 2021-10-22 21:21:23 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837225913 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837229849 2021-10-22 21:25:34 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837229849 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837231211 Some students don't realize that they should let the instructor know when they will be absent. Explain it when you review the syllabus.]]> 2021-10-22 21:27:02 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837231211 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837235418 Instructors often are guilty of the "everybody knows..." We are not Geico. No, not every student does know and first-gens have no one to ask. We know that there are unwritten rules (and we also know that these can vary). Spell it out to students. How much time do you honestly expect them to study before class? How should they take notes during class? How should you approach a teacher if you have a conflict? Make the invisible, visible.]]> 2021-10-22 21:31:37 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837235418 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837251698 Have one of our current first-gen students do a short video or Tik Tok welcoming the students and telling them 5 things they should know about MATC. Email it to students.]]> 2021-10-22 21:48:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837251698 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837253526 I found it interesting that Dr. McCall's college will not let them use financial aid data to track students. That goes against common sense, imho. The workaround of a survey is a good one.

Maybe as part of our orientation, we can ask students to use a checklist to say what kind of info they would like to receive. Then, we have a packet ready for those who ask for first-gen resources.]]> 2021-10-22 21:50:32 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837253526 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837255280 Students always come for food. Deans should hold a session at least one a semester where students can come in, get some donuts, and chat. This might make them feel like the Pathway belongs to them. Also, the Deans can find out what students are really thinking and feeling.

Limited it to just the first-gens might make them feel even more special.]]> 2021-10-22 21:52:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837255280 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837259173 After midterm grades are posted, Pathway Advisors can invite first gen students to come in and print their grades. (They might not even know how to see their grades so help is welcome.) Bribe them with food to come to the Pathways office. Then, if a student is doing poorly in a subject, sign them up then and there for tutoring services or whatever they might need. Yes, kind of a bait and switch.]]> 2021-10-22 21:57:00 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837259173 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837263105 In English or psychology class, Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" can be effective in talking about first-gen challenges. One of the main characters, a young woman named Dee, has gone off to college but returns to her rural, poverty-stricken family for a quick visit. There's so much to discuss about her interactions with family and how they see her as an outsider. First-gen students might be willing to share their own experiences in similar situations.

Myra George
English Instructor]]> 2021-10-22 22:01:38 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1837263105 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838307613 I appreciated the data part of today's presentation. I flet like I was at a professional conference presentation, LOL. Someone asked about whether the interventions Ferris uses could be proven to support retention, and I liked the answer the Ferris researcher gave. Although their university could do that, they wanted to measure something else, such as how it ties into positive identity development and how it ties into a sense of belonging. Retention is important, very important, but sometimes we act like it's the only outcome that matters, like if it doesn't help retention, it isn't worth doing. I like the way Ferris approached it because it addresses the human side of students. It shows that developing their humanity is a worthwhile goal, in and of itself. Well done, Ferris.]]> 2021-10-23 18:29:34 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838307613 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838314272 Provide first-time college students with information they need to successfully complete the course in clear, plain language. Deconstructing your syllabus entails identifying which parts exemplify equity-minded practice. This resource allows you to review your syllabus as you follow along with their self-guided reflection.]]> 2021-10-23 18:35:51 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838314272 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838319070 This checklist combines the Achieving the Dream tool along with the CUE guidelines for syllabus equity to create a six item checklist instructors can use to evaluate their syllabus. Guided by specific questions, instructors use highlight colors to identify potential areas of improvement.]]> 2021-10-23 18:40:53 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838319070 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838324930 Winner of a 2020 Excelencia in Education award, Lone Star College's Mi Casa Es Su Casa connects Hispanic community college students to the local campus community, acclimates them to the rigors of academic life, helps them succeed throughout college, and prepares them for college and beyond. In Fall 2019, 68% of Latino program participants persisted to second year compared to the institutional average of 50% and overall program average of 60%.]]> 2021-10-23 18:47:30 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838324930 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838325942 Why do we have a Center for Teaching Excellence but not a Center for Student Excellence?]]> 2021-10-23 18:48:39 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838325942 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838332229 Latinos are much more likely to be first-generation college students than are other racial groups. Nearly half of Latino students (44%) are the first in their family to go to college, compared to Black (34%), Asian (29%), White (22%) and all (29%) students. This article highlights some of the unique challenges first-gen Latino students face.]]> 2021-10-23 18:55:29 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1838332229 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839537715 This is an idea which would benefit all students. Several colleges have offered "Mental Health Monologues." It's an event where students and alumni share their personal struggles with mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, etc. The event becomes a safe space to raise awareness about these issues and also a place to let others know they they are not alone. People can form connections. Uof Michigan has held these and Ferris State. Best done in person. Could be a collaboration between Student Life, LPC, and Office of Student Accommodations]]> 2021-10-24 16:24:01 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839537715 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839542400 Lots of colleges have snacks available to students during that stressful last week of classes. Pre-wrapped, semi health stuff like granola bars, graham crackers, fruit cups, etc. On each item, you could have one study skill or a note of encouragement. Students perform better when they have food in their stomachs, right?]]> 2021-10-24 16:27:21 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839542400 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839550992 I know it sounds crazy but at my college, we used to get an agency to bring in wellness dogs to campus at the end of the semester. The dogs were just there, in a special area, to be played with and petted. The school said that studies show that playing with dogs reduces anxiety. It did for me! I know people have allergies and dog fear, so it would need to be a place away from the general public. The dogs are trained for this.

I wonder if even showing dogs playing on the video screens on campus would help.]]> 2021-10-24 16:33:02 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839550992 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839558471 In reflecting upon the things she had to learn through experience as an undergraduate, Alicia M. Reyes-Barrientez identifies five big epiphanies she had. Dr. Reyes is now a political science professor at Texas A&M. Her lessons can helps us better understand how to serve Latinx first-gen students.]]> 2021-10-24 16:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839558471 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839573475 2021-10-24 16:48:01 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839573475 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839576140 CRACK THE CODE draws on the wisdom of dozens of First Generation college students, offering encouragement and guidance in how to get from Go to Graduate. Many First Gens feel as if are carrying extra rocks in their backpack. This Guide acknowledges their challenges and offers strategies for success. Their wisdom that can help all college students. This is book is meant to be a way to go off to college with one's own mentor-in-a-backpack, there to offer help and support when there is a bump, easy to talk with, always there for you. Cost is only $6.95]]> 2021-10-24 16:49:56 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839576140 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839587938 For first-gen college students who are children of immigrants and blue -collar workers, college is expensive, unfamiliar, and intimidating. Inexperienced students may not know what an assignment means, what a score indicates, or that a single grade is not a definitive measure of ability. And they certainly don’t feel entitled to be there. They do not presume success, and if they have a problem, they don’t expect to receive help or even a second chance.

Rebecca D. Cox draws on five years of interviews and observations at 34 community colleges. She shows how students and their instructors misunderstand and ultimately fail one another, despite good intentions. Most memorably, she describes how easily students can feel defeated―by their real-world responsibilities and by the demands of college―and come to conclude that they just don’t belong there after all.

Eye-opening even for experienced faculty and administrators, The College Fear Factor reveals how the traditional college culture can actually pose obstacles to students’ success, and suggests strategies for effectively explaining academic expectations.]]> 2021-10-24 16:58:43 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839587938 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839589615 I saw the book The College Fear Factor on this board. Why not make this an MATC Read book selection?]]> 2021-10-24 17:00:03 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839589615 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839592907 A list of ten or fewer things we want students to know about MATC or about the specific class. Make it short and easy to read. Give it out to students during the first week of class and again just before midterms and maybe again between midterms and finals.]]> 2021-10-24 17:02:44 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839592907 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839600697 I've had students who were completely confused about their grades. One student who had an A grade got a C on one assignment and dropped the class (without talking to me). Other students couldn't understand their C at midterm since they had gotten A grades on several assignments. They didn't understand that getting ten A's on quizzes that are only worth 2 pts each didn't matter as much as getting a C on the midterm which is worth 80 pts. Some students will do all the small assignments but then skip the big one. From their perspective, "hey, I did everything but that one assignment." We're thinking, "yeah but that one assignment was 25% of your grade." It seems obvious to us but some students don't know that they have to look at how many points the work is worth. And percentages are even more confusing when there are a lot of assignments behind the wall of the percentage. Like essays are 40% and there are 4 essays. They can't make the connection for individual essays. We have to demystify the grading. I don't know how but I know we have to do it.]]> 2021-10-24 17:08:07 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839600697 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839611341 The Mequon campus is a one-stop shop for student support. The library, computer center, Special Needs, and Academic Support are all there. Why not use the Midterm Meetup idea that was discussed on the Mequon campus? For a week, lure students in with snacks or something. Anybody who prints out their grades from Bb or from midterms can get a snack or prize. The computers are right there. But here's the key. It becomes a series of support hand-offs. Have advisors there to give them advice on what they need to do to keep or improve their grades. Hand them off to a tutoring coordinator right there who signs them up for tutoring then and there. The tutoring coordinator passes them to a Writing specialist (also right at the next station) who shows them how to write an email to a teacher explaining the situation and describing the work plan. There's someone at every station and treats at every station. 

Maybe even ask teachers to refer their students who they're concerned with.]]> 2021-10-24 17:16:26 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839611341 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839615924 Maybe I just want to be a kid again, but why not have pumpkin carving contests? Okay, here is how I'm going to make the connection. First gen students who are also low-income sometimes can't afford the cultural events that their more afflueent peers participate in, like pumpkin carving. They go trick or treating but dont' necessarily carve pumpkins. Why not give them a taste of it here. If staff also participate, it can create bonding that maybe makes the firstgen student feel more comfortable coming for help later on. They could even manybe find mentors there.]]> 2021-10-24 17:19:59 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839615924 equity7 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839774571 The Financial Aid office can be intimidating, especially for first-gen students. MATC needs to go back to the high schools. Have FA counselors go into the high schools to demystyify the process and help students fill out the forms. We would hate for the financial piece to be a barrier to students coming to MATC.]]> 2021-10-24 19:26:14 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1839774571 https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1840062367 2021-10-24 23:59:24 UTC https://padlet.com/equity7/vqmyzuougos3kn17/wish/1840062367