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First-Generation Students with Undecided Majors: A Qualitative Study of University Reacculturation
- Source :
-
NACADA Journal . 2018 38(1):22-35. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- When they enter institutions of higher education, students typically leave behind one culture to join another. Despite the higher rates of attrition for first-generation students over continuing-generation students and undecided students over declared students, little research has been focused on undeclared first-generation students. To understand the challenges and experiences of first-generation undecided students transitioning to a new and unfamiliar academic environment, we applied a reacculturation process to this qualitative exploratory case study of 35 students. Data came from interviews, focus group interactions, observations, and written responses to open-ended questions, which were subsequently triangulated. Findings revealed heightened feelings of stress, desire to become comfortable on campus, reliance upon continuing-generation friends, helpfulness of a specialized first-year seminar course, and uncertainty about advisors' roles.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0271-9517
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- NACADA Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1187206
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research