Shippensburg University offers exclusive support to first-generation students

110 miles from Washington DC, 113 miles from Baltimore, 146 miles from Philadelphia, and less than 210 miles from New York City nestled within 555 square miles of Cumberland County is one of South Central PA’s most propitious organizations to enrich one’s life, family, and community: Shippensburg University (SU), also affectionately known as Ship. Offering over 100 academic programs and certificates, there’s a major for most to select (soon to be more health related programs). In addition to academic programs, there are at least 150 student led organizations to become engaged. These opportunities allow Ship students to have various, meaningful experiences. One student population, in particular, has been the buzz around campus since the start of 2019: First-generation students.  

Though the University was founded almost 150 years ago, it was not until this recent year, under the leadership of the 17th President, Laurie A. Carter, J.D., that First-generation students gained a designated place and space on campus. On Jan. 7, 2019, Students First, which serves First-generation students, emerged. While there is no universal definition for First-generation, SU sums it up by stating a First-generation student is someone whose parents or legal guardian(s) do not have a four-year college degree. There are also two qualifying subcategories for students who may have special circumstances: an individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree or an individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.

In an effort to give Ship students a 360-degree holistic, hands-on approach, the First-generation serving office, which is led by a former First Generation Student who resides in Franklin County, Rochelle D. Plummer, M.S., M.A., is one of the many supports set in place to eliminate the barriers that can hold these students back from graduating. Coupled with the Student Success Center that houses learning specialists, student success coaches, tutors, and the Summer Bridge and Early Explorer program, students have tangible vehicles to reach their goals. Additionally the compliment of programs were provided “icing on the cake” with the inaugural First Year Experience program, which serves all incoming freshman and is making a huge impact on students based on an increase in fall-to-spring retention rates.

Since First-generation students who graduate from college are significantly more prepared for life’s challenges, it makes perfect sense to build a solid foundation around them; this structuring of support has been an intentional effort. Knowing college graduates, in general, are more likely to be employed is something to get excited about (“Fact Sheet: Focusing Higher Education on Student Success”, 2015). In fact, communities where unemployment is low prosper the most from college graduates because the members of the community contribute to the area in multiple ways. Financially, individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree will, on average, make “approximately $1 million more” (“Fact Sheet: Focusing Higher Education on Student Success”, 2015) during their lifetime than those without a college education, yet many people still question whether or not college is necessary. Thus the question should not be the necessity of a college education, but rather how does one gain the most value from it.

Understandably, when First-generation students begin college, they may not have all the answers or even be keenly aware of every opportunity that is available. Further, receiving support from family members may not be an option, causing their desire and ability to graduate to sometimes fizzle out, and they stopout or dropout of school. Even before the first semester commences, conversations with high school counselors, college applications, entrance essays, SATs/ACTs, and financial aid packages must be completed. Though this process can be daunting for any wanna-be college grad, First-generation students typically struggle more with these tasks than their second and third-generation peers. Since research confirms “students whose parents have not attended college often face significant challenges in accessing postsecondary education, succeeding academically once they enroll, and completing a degree” (Cataldi, Bennett, & Chen, 2018, p. 2), it becomes everyone’s responsibility to ensure our students are appropriately equipped.

Over the past several years, the incoming student First-generation population has slightly fluctuated at Ship. Estimates for fall 2016 was approximately 28%, fall 2017 was approximately 26%, and fall 2018 was approximately 25%. However, this fall, as SU has intentionally made our institution accessible to all potential student groups, the incoming cohort will consist of approximately 51% of self-identified First-generation students. Beginning in August, even more First-generation students will join the Ship family and community. That means at least 50% of incoming students will likely need intensive, intrusive support to ensure they have the same opportunities as their second and third-generation peers, making the work of Shippensburg University critical for the success of the student, community, and state of Pennsylvania.

In an era of change, the need to educate one’s self remains constant. Though college is certainly not for everyone, anyone wishing to further their education should have the chance to do so. Being a First-generation student should not be the hindrance that keeps someone from attending or completing college. As these students matriculate to Shippensburg University and later graduate, many of them will stay in our community, making it even greater. These firsts to obtain four-year degrees may permanently become part of South Central, Pennsylvania’s future, and they deserve the same advantage as their peers who are privileged to have parents with postsecondary degrees. For our students who do desire college, Ship is here!

Dr. B. Donta Truss is Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Student Success at Shippensburg University.