Student Affairs NOW Advancing Equity for First-Gen Students Through Data Transparency
Jul 16, 2025
Join Stephanie Bannister, a leader in supporting first-gen students, Mary Fugate, an expert in data analytics, and Dr. Amy Goodburn, a champion for equity in education. They discuss how defining first-gen status shapes data collection. The guests emphasize the importance of data transparency in crafting better student support systems. They also explore the role of AI in uncovering insights and the power of collaboration among institutions. With a focus on community resilience, they inspire actionable change for first-generation students.
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Importance of First-Gen Data
- Collecting data on first-gen students is essential because they represent over half the college population nationally.
- Data helps identify equity gaps and informs targeted resource allocation to improve student success and career outcomes.
Tailor First-Gen Definitions
- Institutions should define 'first-generation student' based on their unique student population and context.
- Continuously collect and update this data beyond the application to capture the complete student life cycle.
Innovation in First-Gen Identification
- Traditional definitions of first-gen often fall short; innovation is needed to better reflect student realities.
- Student affairs can lead breaking traditional data systems to better identify and serve these students.