Event Website
https://sites.rowan.edu/student-access-pathway-programs/firstgen/symposium/2026/thursday.html
Start Date
12-2-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
12-2-2026 12:00 PM
Document Type
Presentation
Description
Support is integral for low-income first-generation student success in and out of engineering, particularly because of the role support plays in building belonging. Students receive support from many individuals including their traditional and chosen families. While traditional family are those family “assigned at birth,” chosen family are those family you pick and choose, inclusive of teachers, friends, and others. Our research group’s (ASPIRE) extensive work on the topic has documented how chosen family come to be and why they are important for low-income first-generation success. Amongst many components, we have found that chosen family are more trustable given their authenticity and ability to connect emotionally. We believe every faculty member should strive to become a part of students’ chosen families. In this presentation, we talk about what a chosen family member is and the steps that faculty, staff, and students can take to build an emotionally responsive and supportive environment that helps all students belong. As part of a NSF-funded project (Award #2438112), we use examples that highlight these processes leaving attendees with actionable strategies.
Included in
Building and sustaining chosen family amongst low-income first-generation engineers
Support is integral for low-income first-generation student success in and out of engineering, particularly because of the role support plays in building belonging. Students receive support from many individuals including their traditional and chosen families. While traditional family are those family “assigned at birth,” chosen family are those family you pick and choose, inclusive of teachers, friends, and others. Our research group’s (ASPIRE) extensive work on the topic has documented how chosen family come to be and why they are important for low-income first-generation success. Amongst many components, we have found that chosen family are more trustable given their authenticity and ability to connect emotionally. We believe every faculty member should strive to become a part of students’ chosen families. In this presentation, we talk about what a chosen family member is and the steps that faculty, staff, and students can take to build an emotionally responsive and supportive environment that helps all students belong. As part of a NSF-funded project (Award #2438112), we use examples that highlight these processes leaving attendees with actionable strategies.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/firstgenerationsymposium/2026/Feb12/2