The dynamic landscape of higher education continues to evolve, with the New Majority Learner reshaping how institutions must attract, retain, and support their student populations.
We've explored various facets of this demographic, understanding the challenges faced by time-poor students, the crucial role of assistive technology, and the overarching need for a success-first model.
Here, we delve into two powerful, interconnected strategies that are vital for empowering New Majority Learners, particularly those who are charting a new course: robust first generation programs and proactive early warning systems.
These initiatives are not just beneficial; they are essential for ensuring equitable access and sustained success for a student body that is increasingly diverse.
The role of first generation programs
First generation students, those whose parents do not have college degrees, represent a significant portion of the New Majority Learner. While the trend for first generation students in higher education has actually decreased by 22% since 2004, they still constitute 29.6% of students in 2022.
Hover over map below to see the percentage of first generation students across the United States.F
These students often see college as a path to economic mobility and stability, viewing their degree as a source of pride and a means to uplift their families. However, they frequently arrive in college underprepared for the academic rigor of higher education and can feel a sense of separation from their faculty and peers.
“University is very overwhelming for me, but being the first to go to university means that the academic support outside of university doesn’t exist.”
Sophie, University of Derby
They may lack the cultural capital or support network to navigate the hidden curriculum of college life, from understanding financial aid complexities to building social networks.
This is where dedicated first generation student programs become a powerful tool.
These programs provide targeted support on new and potentially overwhelming subject areas, such as navigating financial aid, understanding academic expectations, and building social networks on campus.
They're crucial for creating a sense of community, connecting students with peers, mentors, and faculty who share similar backgrounds or experiences. This network offers a safe space for students to share challenges, seek advice, and build relationships that contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Programs also offer specialized advising for choosing majors, planning careers, and accessing research or internship opportunities, and provide essential financial literacy workshops to help students understand options, manage budgets, and avoid excessive debt.
By promoting a culture of inclusivity and celebrating their unique contributions, institutions send a powerful message of support.
Utilizing early warning systems in higher education
Beyond proactive support for specific groups, institutions need mechanisms to identify and intervene when any student begins to struggle. This is the critical role of early warning systems.
These analytic models are vital for supporting non-traditional learners' persistence efforts, helping to identify at risk students and providing colleges with a broad picture of retention and persistence within their institutions.
Early warning systems can highlight students needing additional support but the next crucial step involves personal contact, often through a dedicated staff support supervisor or a peer mentor.
This human touch allows for a deeper understanding of the unique circumstances faced by the student, whether those challenges stem from innate barriers, financial concerns, or time constraints.
“We knew we had a challenge before us and we knew we needed to do something. We didn't have any organised framework or established way to identify who was at risk and determine the effectiveness of our retention efforts.
With our new early warning system, notifications were sent to the student's advisor and the student's academic and personal counsellor." Monte Schaff, Dean of Enrolment Management at United Tribes Technical College, shares.
He goes on to note that, "In relation to academic performance, students with no alerts generally have a GPA of about 3.0. Students with one to three alerts might have a GPA down to about 2.0, and students with more than three alerts see GPA drop from one to below one.”
This demonstrates their effectiveness in flagging potential issues before they become insurmountable. Such systems provide a framework to identify risk and measure the effectiveness of retention efforts.
Key takeaways
In an education landscape defined by the New Majority Learner and an impending enrolment cliff, institutions cannot afford to miss out on talented students due to preventable disengagement.
Together, these strategies embody the success-first model, creating a more supportive, inclusive, and effective higher education environment where every student, particularly those who face inherent barriers or are forging new paths, can achieve their full potential.
Investing in these programs isn't just about retention; it's about building a more equitable and prosperous future.
