Connect, Collaborate, Champion!
Produced by the New American Colleges & Universities, this podcast focuses on higher education's challenges and opportunities as well as its impact on local and global communities in an effort to provide practical insight for higher education professionals. Each episode will feature a unique perspective from higher ed insiders, private industry experts, and other voices to capture new ways of thinking about higher education and its influence on society.
Connect, Collaborate, Champion!
Building Community and Confidence in First-Gen College Students
Imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence in navigating college can happen to anybody, but it can especially be a problem for students who are the first in their families to attend college. These feelings can lead to poor academic performance and a lack of engagement with the campus community, making the path to graduation more challenging. Our guest is Julie Carballo, Assistant Dean of Students for First-Generation and Military-Affiliated Initiatives at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, which has nearly 40% first-generation students. We'll talk about how their Cardinal First program provides essential support from enrollment through graduation, how the campus community values and supports first-generation students, and tips on what other institutions can learn from the Cardinal First program. To stay up-to-date, follow them on Instagram @firstgencardinals.