Regents hear expanded first‑generation student supports and program outcomes at three universities
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Summary
University leaders from UNI, Iowa State and the University of Iowa presented programs and outcomes for first‑generation students, including early‑intervention advising, Legacy Scholars research support, TRIO/Hixson outcomes and campus mentoring networks.
University leaders told the Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Committee on April 23 that all three regent institutions are expanding targeted supports for students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Key takeaways and programs:
- University of Northern Iowa: Doctor Didi Heister and presenters said 34% of entering freshmen and 37% of new transfers are first‑generation students. They also reported that first‑generation students show higher rates of Pell eligibility (over 50% for first‑generation students versus 33% of all freshmen), and the campus has increased early intervention outreach where financial indicators (e.g., past‑due bills, FAFSA/verification issues) trigger phone, email and text outreach. UNI highlighted PACE (a holistic first‑year advising program serving 135 students that pairs 1:1 advising with workshops) and the Legacy Scholars program, a two‑year honors‑style pathway to prepare high‑potential first‑gen students for graduate and professional programs. UNI said PACE participants are retained at rates about nine percentage points higher than matched peers.
- Iowa State University: Presenters described long‑running TRIO and Hixson Opportunity Awards and the launch of a First Scholars office (opened fall 2024) to continue and expand supports for first‑generation students. The university reported that nearly 1 in 5 undergraduates identify as first‑generation and that 9% of undergraduates are both first‑gen and low‑income. Iowa State highlighted that retention and graduation rates for students participating in Hixson/TRIO exceed the average for first‑generation students and overall undergraduates.
- University of Iowa: The campus described a broad, multi‑pronged strategy that combines student programming, faculty instructional changes and campus networks. The university’s First Gen at Iowa initiative includes a mentor network of nearly 400 volunteer faculty and staff; the campus cited course redesign and supplemental instruction efforts (for example, changes in chemistry gateway courses) that narrowed DFW rates and reduced the first‑generation gap in those courses. UI also described a first‑generation residential/transition program (REACH) that serves 50–70 students and noted those students are encouraged to register with disability or academic support offices as needed.
Why it matters: Regents members praised the focus on this population and raised questions about statewide workforce pipelines and how institutional efforts coordinate with community colleges and employers. Rachel Boone (chief academic officer) also told the committee the universities are coordinating a workforce‑alignment review requested by the board and plan to bring a consolidated product to the board for discussion later in the year.
Speakers included UNI’s Didi Heister, Iowa State and UI presenters and Board of Regents chief academic staff.
