As we approach the year 2025, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the higher education landscape is changing. Recent estimates indicate that by then, over half of all undergraduate degree earners will be people of color, and 60% will be the first in their families to attend college. This shift represents progress towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable higher education system. However, it also raises important questions about how colleges and universities must adapt in order to support these students and ensure their success.
In this blog post, we will explore the unique needs of first-generation and multicultural students and strategies and best practices for addressing them. From creating engaging campus experiences to recruiting diverse faculty and staff to implementing policies that support student success, we will cover essential considerations for institutions looking to prepare for this changing landscape.
Retention is crucial for the success of first-generation and multicultural students, and colleges and universities must create opportunities for students to engage within the campus community and broaden their experience. Institutions with multicultural student centers offer resources such as training programs and workshops for students. This can include programming around leadership and professional development, as well as events that celebrate and recognize diverse cultures and communities.
Additionally, it is essential to offer a wide variety of courses that reflect the diversity of the student population. Students who see themselves represented in their course materials and instructors may be more likely to persist to graduation. Providing opportunities for students to study other cultures and geographies helps build empathy and cultural competence, making them well-rounded students and better future leaders.
Furthermore, to create an inclusive learning environment, colleges and universities must recruit and retain diverse personnel. As students of color and first-generation learners navigate college life, they need people in leadership roles who understand their unique challenges. Students will immediately feel comfortable when their instructors share their experiences or relate to their languages and culture. The experience of sharing the same background with the teacher boosts the student’s motivation in his/her studies.
Providing the necessary academic skills is another pivotal step toward student success. One essential element is scheduling regular check-ins with advisors to track academic progress and provide support. Offering tutoring and supplemental instruction for specific courses can also help students succeed academically. Creating mentorship programs or linking first-generation students with peers can also provide connection and guidance.
Lastly, higher institutions must ensure that they provide the necessary financial aid access to the students. Institutions that have developed successful strategies to support their students often offer need-based scholarships. By intervening early in college, financial aid staff identifies students who require additional support to achieve their goals. That way, students can focus on their academic work without worrying about finances and instead contribute to a more inclusive campus environment.
Higher education is changing, and colleges and universities must adjust to make the necessary support, provide opportunities, and offer a welcoming campus environment where students can thrive. Culturally sensitive advising services, policies that support student success, and recruiting diverse personnel are some of the strategies that institutions can work with to support their students’ diverse needs. To further promote student retention, universities must incorporate a wide range of programs and policies to contribute to higher student retention rates and academic success. By doing so, we can start laying down the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape.
