Retention and Performance Efforts: An Analysis of First-Generation Students at the University of Oregon, and a Proposal to Help Ease Their Collegiate Transition Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to propose a comprehensive set of new and expanded resource offerings to support first-generation students at the University of Oregon – with the objective of mitigating current performance and retention gaps between these student and those of continuing generation status. In this thesis, I first analyze information general to first-generation students across the United States. In doing so, I hoped to better understand the disadvantages of first-generation students, as well as various strategies proven to combat these disadvantages. External research involved a statistical research process, a literary investigation, and an examination of the current programming of peer institutions. This external research provided me with the foundation necessary to move forward to internal research specific to the University of Oregon, including: student demographics, resource offerings, retention statistics, graduation rates, and more. I conclude this thesis by utilizing this external and internal research to offer the final proposal to the University of Oregon for new and expanded first-generation programming.