Well over a hundred educators gathered at Eastern Kentucky University last week for what was believed to be the first conference in Kentucky focusing on helping first generation college students succeed.
The Gen1 conference on EKU’s campus covered various topics including a discussion of ways to make first time college students feel more comfortable around professors. John Stradda is a senior lecturer in Eastern’s Department of Communication. He is also a faculty in residence, living in a residence hall.
“That familiarity and recognition will lead them to be able to come in and say ‘hey, I know you. I trust you a little bit, so let me talk to you'. And the end goal is retention and graduation. And if that little bit with me, if it’s more comfortable for me as a faculty in residence, maybe that next step is their professor is not as scary,” noted Stradda.
EKU Sophomore Melvin Diggs said professors represent authority figures and that can make students feel uncomfortable. Diggs added when instructors “become people with you,” it allows students to be more open and accepting.?
