The Often-Forgotten Diversity: How Faculty can help Limited Income-First Generation Students Succeed

Keywords: First Gen, Limited income students, student success

Abstract: What often gets lost in higher education equity and inclusion conversations is the highest correlated variable with academic achievement, socio-economic status. Low-income students are four times more likely to drop out of college as compared to their more affluent peers (Pell Institute, 2011). This symposium provides an overview of the unique challenges facing the 6.2 million students classified as limited income, first-generation (LIFG), programs to help them, and how faculty are in a unique position to help LIFG students succeed. The session will focus on sharing actionable items that individual faculty can implement to help LIFG students thrive.