News & Blogs

Find the latest from the Center, learn new and innovative approaches from colleagues, and engage with current mainstream media conversations on first-generation student success. In addition to the filters below, please utilize the “search” bar in the top, right corner to search by keyword, author name, or publication title.

My First-generation Study Abroad Experience

One first-generation student’s sense of belonging began when they travelled abroad with other first-generation students.

Hannah T. Rodriguez / April 17, 2020

COVID-19 Is a Pivotal Moment for Students. Can Colleges Step Up?

For students who struggle to stay enrolled and for institutions who say they are committed to keeping them, COVID-19 may be a make-or-break moment.

The Chronicle of Higher Education / April 14, 2020

Center Newsletter 4.14.20

In this edition: Center Advocacy Group Updates; Today’s Students Coalition Member; Upcoming #SAChat

FirstGen Forward / April 14, 2020

What an interrupted school year means for these college students

COVID-19 has disrupted school for some 20 million students. Many are continuing their studies online, but the transition is not easy for all of them.

PBS News Hour / April 14, 2020

The Creative Failure Academy

Now more than ever, higher ed needs innovative leaders who are equipped to usher in change. Fortunately, creative leadership can be learned.

Colin Stewart & Robert D. Kelly / April 14, 2020

A Q&A on Advancing Equity in Higher Education Amid Coronavirus

For some students, the COVID-19 pandemic did not start a basic needs crisis; it exacerbated one that was already there.

Center for American Progress / April 13, 2020

How the pandemic could shatter college dreams

Some high school seniors are dropping their first-choice schools for cheaper colleges. Others are taking a year off so they can help their families.

Politico / April 12, 2020

Lessons from a Survey on First-gen Student Finances

How institutions can creatively champion students through challenging circumstances

Zayd Abukar M.A. / April 10, 2020

Considering Domestic Study Away Trips for First-gen Students

One school's response to making global learning accessible to first-gen students through a domestic study away trip.

Crystal L. Edenfield Ed.D. / April 09, 2020

Retaining High-Risk Students Amid the Coronavirus

Higher education needs a national coalition to both keep and recruit students, especially those at risk, and build a digital infrastructure.

Inside Higher Ed / April 08, 2020

The Center Joins Today's Students Coalition

The Center is honored to join the Today’s Students Coalition which consists of advocates for post-secondary policies that support the success of today’s students.

Diane Schorr J.D., CAP^Ⓡ / April 08, 2020

First-Generation College Celebration Main 2022

Recapping the 2020 First-Generation College Celebration

Campuses across the country join the Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education to #CelebrateFirstgen

FirstGen Forward / April 08, 2020

5 Ways to Engage and Support Students Online During COVID-19

Moving student services and programs online can be daunting, but it is not impossible.

Stephanie Smith Budhai / April 07, 2020

How Struggling Colleges Move Online During Covid-19

While few colleges have the resources to handle the remote learning shift, rural, small, and struggling institutions are getting by on a shoestring.

The Chronicle of Higher Education / April 06, 2020

Inside Higher Ed: Latest Coronavirus News

Updates on the coronavirus pandemic published throughout the day.

Inside Higher Ed / April 02, 2020

University of Iowa Provost Reports ‘Equity Gap’ in First-Gen Outcomes

UI Provost discussed initiatives aimed to help close the gap as well as programs launched to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion among faculty.

The Daily Iowan / April 02, 2020

Wave Of Higher Ed Shutdowns Threatens First-Generation Students

From a public health perspective, short-notice college shutdowns may make sense. But for first-generation students, the closures present challenges.

Forbes / March 31, 2020

Center Newsletter 3.31.20

In this edition: NASPA Virtual Highlights; Virtual COVID-19 Resources; Newest Center Staff; Call for Submissions

FirstGen Forward / March 31, 2020