1. Building a Retention Program for
First Generation College Students
Julia A. Martínez
Retention Specialist, California Polytechnic State
University - San Luis Obispo
Tuesday, October 27, 2015

2. Introduction
• Retention Specialist
– Oversee department-wide transition and retention
plans to support increased persistence rates
• Student Academic Services (SAS) Mission
– Access, transition, academic success
– Programs include:
• Connections for Academic Success
• Cal Poly Scholars
• Educational Opportunity Program
• Student Support Services
• Educational Talent Search
• Upward Bound
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3. Definitions
• First Generation
• Low Income
• Partner High School
• Underrepresented Minority
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4. Populations Served 2014-15
4338
664
568
689
310
166
224
213
TOTAL URM STUDENTS LOW INCOME FIRST GEN:
NO 4 YR DEGREE
FIRST TIME FRESHMEN
Cal Poly SAS
4

5. Populations Served 2014-15
701
163
229
276
80
51
64
67
TOTAL URM STUDENTS LOW INCOME FIRST GEN:
NO 4 YR DEGREE
NEW TRANSFERS
Cal Poly SAS
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6. Objectives
• Identify how Cal Poly’s SAS is building a
retention program based on best practices
• Associate the material presented to your
experience through a self-reflection activity
• Apply knowledge and experience of first
generation college students to address themes
on your campuses
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7. Agenda
• Introduction
• Content
• Discussion Activity
• Reflection
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8. Theoretical Framework
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Adapted from Astin’s (1993) I-E-O Model
Supported by Kuh’s (2009) Theory of Engagement
Student
Student
Academic
Services
Retention
Input Environment Outcomes

9. Theoretical Framework
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Environment (Cal Poly)
Learning
Opportunities
Student Academic Services
Retention
Services
Resources
Individual
Student Time and Effort
Supported by Kuh’s (2009) Theory of Engagement

10. Research
• Literature Review
• Conferences
• Informational Interviews
• Benchmarking
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11. Literature Review
11
Success Oriented
Mindset
Academics and
Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and
Organization
Tutoring and
Study Groups
Targeted
Intervention
Sense of
Community Family Navigating the
University
Faculty and Staff
Networking Career Financial Service and
Leadership

12. Informational Interviews
• Interviewed SAS staff
• Asked 2 questions:
– What transition and
retention services are
offered?
– What other services
would you pursue if you
could?
• Compiled notes and
identified themes
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Assessment
Communication
Collaboration with Campus
and Community Partners
Program Planning and
Implementation

13. Programming Matrix
Theme/
Need
What is
Offered
Population
Subset
Gap Possible
Solutions
Success
Oriented
Mindset
Academics and
Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and
Organization
Tutoring and
Study Groups
Targeted
Intervention
Sense of
Community
Family
Navigating the
University
Faculty and
Staff Networking
Career
Financial
Service and
Leadership
• Top services:
– Targeted interventions
– Sense of community
– Success oriented mindset
• Campus partners:
– International Center
– Student Ombuds Services
– Kennedy Library
– Career Services
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14. Programming Matrix
• Areas of focus for 2015-16:
– Financial
• Taxes
• FAFSA
• Summer classes and transfer
credits
– Family
• Welcome Workshops
• Parent Newsletter
– Service and Leadership
• Student Leader Development
Program
• Day of Service
• Strengths and Leadership Field
Day
• Continued events
– Finish the Quarter Strong
• Social
• Resource Fair
• Field Day
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Theme/
Need
What is
Offered
Population
Subset
Gap Possible
Solutions
Success Oriented
Mindset
Academics and
Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and
Organization
Tutoring and
Study Groups
Targeted
Intervention
Sense of
Community
Family
Navigating the
University
Faculty and
Staff Networking
Career
Financial
Service and
Leadership

15. Summary of Results
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93.5%
93.6%
93.4%
91.2%
91.0%
91.7%
93.8%
94.8%
92.2%
LOW INCOME
(PELL ELIGIBLE)
FIRST GENERATION
(NO 4YR DEGREE)
UNDERREPRESENTED
MINORITY
(URM)
FIRST TIME FRESHMEN PERSISTENCE RATES
General Population (Freshmen & Not
Special Population)
Control Group (Freshmen & Special
Population & Not Program Participants)
Program Participants (Freshmen &
Special Population & Program
Participants)

16. Summary of Results
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94.9%
93.6%
94.8%
94.3%
96.0%
94.5%
95.3%
95.5%
96.1%
LOW INCOME
(PELL ELIGIBLE)
FIRST GENERATION
(NO 4YR DEGREE)
UNDERREPRESENTED
MINORITY
(URM)
NEW TRANSFER PERSISTENCE RATES
General Population (Transfer & Not
Special Population)
Control Group (Transfer & Special
Population & Not Program Participants)
Program Participants (Transfer & Special
Population & Program Participants)

17. Discussion
• Think – On Your Own
– How can this material relate to your experience?
• Identify one theme
• Fill in the matrix for that theme
• Pair – With Your Neighbor
– What is one theme for which you are offering lots of
support?
– Where can you offer more support?
• Share – With the Group
– What are some main takeaways from your
conversations?
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18. Reflection
• What are 3 things you are going to do when
you return to your institution?
– Highly Selective Institution
– Large Institution
– Small College
– Two Year College
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19. Julia A. Martínez, Retention Specialist
805-756-2301
jmart270@calpoly.edu
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