In this webinar, CCRC researchers described the support networks of first-year first-generation college students using social network survey and interview data collected during the first-year of a CCRC study on first-gen students. The researchers shared the types of social relations identified by students and the ways these relations enhanced students’ college experience. Colleges may find the description of first-generation students’ networks useful for designing and differentiating services for these students.
This webinar also featured student and enrollment services staff from Cerritos Community College who discussed the advising and student support policies and practices for serving first-generation students. The speakers shared how institutions leverage students’ personal networks to engage students. The practices outlined in this webinar may be helpful to other institutions considering ways to improve the experiences of first-generation students that they serve.