Tufts should redefine "first generation"

The First Generation Student Council's effort to create a support network and community for those on campus who identify as a first generation college student is an important step in developing additional resources for these students. The Higher Education Act of 1965 considers a student to be "first generation" when neither of a student's two parents hold a bachelor degree, or in the case of a single-parent family, when the primary caregiver does not hold a bachelor degree. However, the First Generation Student Council does not define "first generation," allowing anyone who self-identifies as a first generation student to join. This is an important difference and should be implemented across university programs that work with first generation students.

For federal statistics Tufts must continue to report data according to this extremely narrow definition, but the university should open up the definition of a first generation student on campus. In doing so, Tufts would be better able to target all students who need additional assistance navigating the bureaucratic collegiate system. By allowing more students to be included under the first generation category, the university will be better able to funnel students who need support to the numerous programs and free tutoring services we already have on campus.

According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, first generation students have higher transfer and drop out rates than students whose parents hold a bachelor's degree, and they are less likely to graduate on time. Tufts has created programs that target first generation students in order to address these challenges. Programs such as BLAST and BEST aim to decrease the disadvantages first generation students face by providing students with the opportunity to take two classes at Tufts before matriculation. BLAST and BEST are great programs, but are available to a very select number of students. These programs not only take into consideration first generation status, but also income and the number of students from the same high school who were admitted into comparative colleges. By opening up the admittance into programs such as BLAST and BEST, more students will be able to benefit.

The Tufts First Generation Student Council is working to create a dialogue between first generation students and close the success gap on campus. By providing a safe space, offering mentoring opportunities and hosting informational events, this new group is making major strides to help students on campus. Opening up the definition of who qualifies as a first generation student at Tufts is an important step in increasing the number of students who receive the support and community they need and deserve.