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Publication Date

Summer 2017

Degree Type

Thesis - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Sociology

Advisor

Amy Leisenring

Keywords

first-generation students, higher education, quantitative, second-generation students, social experiences, social perceptions

Subject Areas

Higher education; Sociology

Abstract

This study compares four reported social experiences and perceptions of first- and continuing-generation students at San José State University. “Social experiences” is defined as on/off-campus interactions with faculty, friends, and family. “Social perceptions” is the extent to which first- and continuing-generation students form impressions about friends, faculty, family, and the college environment. The study uses data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) administered to 2,028 undergraduates at SJSU in Spring 2014. The survey yielded the following results: (1) First-generation students state that peer networking in class is more “important” to their college success than continuing-generation students. (2) First-generation students report spending significantly more hours per week caring for dependents than continuing-generation students. (3) First-generation students report spending significantly fewer hours per week participating in on-campus activities than continuing-generation students. (4) First-generation students report spending significantly more hours per week working than continuing-generation students. The results from this study contributes to existing literature on the experiences of first-generation students due to the demographic uniqueness of this sample. The results from this study can be used by university administrators to assist in determining the needs for creating a supportive environment for first-generation students.

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