Navigators in Training: First-Generation Graduate Students in College Student Affairs

ABSTRACT

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of first-generation graduate students (FGGS) enrolled in a college student affairs (CSA) master’s program at a comprehensive university. Findings demonstrated how students identified as, learned from, acted as, and aspired to be cultural navigators. Participants drew upon their own experiences and institutional knowledge to help students and champion institutional change. Implications suggest that as change agents, FGGS promote equitable student success. CSA programs should provide opportunities that empower FGGS to recognize their identity-based strengths and drive institutional transformation. Institutions should recognize, value, and support FGGS and other cultural navigators as they promote student success.

KEYWORDS:

• First-generation college students
• graduate students
• cultural navigators
• qualitative research

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Dr. Rosemary J. Perez, who provided valuable feedback on a version of this manuscript presented at the 2023 Association for the Study of Higher Education conference.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).