First-Generation College Students and U.S. Citizens: Is the University Perceived Like Family or Strangers?

Abstract

We examined school sense of community (SSOC) between university students who are first-generation U.S. citizens (n = 936) or students who are non-first-generation U.S. citizens (n = 3,556), and between first-generation college students (n = 1,114) and students who are non-first-generation college students (n = 3,378), both attending an urban and diverse Roman Catholic university. Participants reported their SSOC and whether the school was innovative and inclusive, examining whether a higher sense of school community and positive notions of one's campus mission related to being a first-generation U.S. citizen or a first-generation college student. Results showed that a lack of belongingness may lead to lower academic achievement, school dropouts, and less school involvement. Future research should explore why there is a differing impact on school sense of community and campus mission perception for students who are first-generation U.S. citizens or first-generation college students.

KEYWORDS:

• college students
• school sense of community
• institutional mission assessment
• first-generation

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Office of Mission & Values at DePaul University. We express gratitude to Fr. Edward Udovic and Georgianna Torres Reyes.

Notes

Note. 1stGenCol/1stGenCit = 1st Generation College Students and 1st Generation U.S. Citizens; Non-1stGenCol/1stGenCit = Non-First Generation College Students and 1st Generation U.S. Citizens; 1stGenCol/Non1stGenCit = 1st Generation College Students and Non-1st Generation U.S. Citizens; Non-1stGenCol/Non-1stGenCit: Non-1st Generation College Students and Non-1st Generation U.S. Citizens.