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The TAP (Transition and Advising Program) provides essential support for first-generation college students, whose parents did not attend postsecondary institutions. Launched in 2010 at Humber, TAP aims to improve retention and graduation rates through peer support, tailored programming, and resources designed to help students navigate the academic landscape. With a focus on community and personalized learning, the program has shown promising results, including high student satisfaction and improved academic performance. Join us in empowering the next generation of learners!
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TAP into Humber Transition & Advising Program for First Generation Students
AGENDA • Definition • Opportunity • Characteristics • Program Design • Testimonials • Statistics • Successes & Challenges • Lessons Learned & Next Steps • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkbNPVcHYGY&feature=youtu.be
DEFINITION A student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) has/have not attended a postsecondary institution. If a sibling has attended a post secondary institution but the parent(s)/guardian(s) have not, they are still considered a First Generation Student.
OPPORTUNITY • HEQCO- Parental education impacts college participation • 41% versus 20% • MTCU issued a call for Proposals in 2010 for First Generation Projects • Goal- ↑ retention and graduation rates, gain baseline and retention activity data. • TAP (Transition and Advising Program) launched in September 2010.
TRANSITION ISSUES • First Year Student (Personal , Academic, Interpersonal etc) • First Generation Student
CHARACTERISTICS • Work full time or part time while attending college • Juggling multiple responsibilities • Unfamiliar with college culture and what it means to be a college student • May be lacking skills needed for academic success (study skills) and get discouraged when struggling
CHARACTERISTICS con’t • Reasons for attending Post secondary differ (blend of personal/sociological vs sociological as personal) • Superficial understanding about college- affects choice of classes, major • Imposter Phenomenon
PROGRAM DESIGN • Modeled after the University of Toronto’s FLC program • 12 Week Program • Weekly Tutorial – 50 min • Use a peer support model • Students grouped by faculty • Students registered on timetable • Mix of social events and learning skills development
PROGRAM DESIGN- YEAR 1 • Semester 1 ( Fall 2010) • Faculty of Business & Faculty of Health • 6 groups • 13 student leaders (working in pairs) • Average weekly attendance- 20 students • Semester 2 ( Winter 2011) • Added School of Applied Technology • 7 groups • 10 student leaders • Average weekly attendance- 15
PROGRAM DESIGN- YEAR 2 • Semester 3 ( Fall 2011) • Added School of Social and Community Services • 9 groups • 18 student leaders (working in pairs) • Average weekly attendance-32 • Semester 4 ( Winter 2012) • 7 groups • 15 leaders • Average weekly attendance- 32
RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES • Lists obtained through registration office • Postcards • Incentives • Orientation Week Breakfast • Recognition- End of Semester Banquet • Invited all FG students via email, postcard, phone calls and classroom visits
WHO IS INVOLVED • Student Success & Engagement • Registration Office • Faculty of Applied Technology, Business, Health Sciences and Social and Community Services • Career Center, Peer Health Educators, • Librarians, Toastmasters • Faculty- guest speakers • Senior students ( 5 hrs/week)
SUCCESSES • Students love the program! 97% would recommend TAP to their peers • 198 students registered in Fall 2010 • 94% of students who participated fully felt that they were better prepared academically • 90% of students who participated fully successfully completed their academic semester ( Fall 2010)
SUCCESSES – GPA’s Business School Health Sciences
TESTIMONIALS • “As a student returning to school after 25 years, I found the TAP Program to be tremendously useful.” • Dorreth • “TAP has most definitely helped me stay successful throughout this school year! It has helped me reach goals that I used to think were unattainable. My attitude is now so positive, and I have realized that with a little bit of support anything is possible!!” • Jasmine
VIDEO TESTIMONIALS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBfOR_C5cpU&feature=youtube_gdata
CHALLENGES • 198 registered, however 89 students attended TAP (44%) • Of those 89 students, 59 regularly attended (34%) (Attrition) • Time commitment • Recruiting leaders in Winter • Many students still don’t know about or understand the program • Self Identification • Scheduling
LESSONS LEARNED & NEXT STEPS • Educate students and faculty • Student voice is key- Focus groups with First Gen students • Address Time commitment concerns- Creative Scheduling &Online Engagement • Surge in attendance after midterms- Back on Track Workshops • Faculty connection is important- TAP on the shoulder
LESSONS LEARNED & NEXT STEPS • Students need help discovering their leadership potential- Emerging Leadership Workshop/Training • Earlier we engage with students, the better- Summer Prep Program- Gear up with TAP/ Ready, Set, TAP into Humber • Model is effective- Expand the model to other marginalized groups
References and Resources • Cushman, K (2006). First in the Family: Advice about College from First Generation Students. Your College Years. Providence, RI: Next Generation Press. • Davis, J (2010). The First Generation Student Experience. Implications for Campus Practice, and Strategies for Improving Persistence and Success. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus. • Ender, S. C. & Newton, F.B. (2000) Students Helping Students : A Guide for Peer Educators on College Campuses. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. • Feldman,R.S. (2009) P.O.W.E.R. Learning and Your Life: Essentials of Student Success,4th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
CONTACT • For more information: • humber.ca/tap Melanie Chai Manager, Peer Programs melanie.chai@humber.ca