Date Approved
10-2-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
Education Leadership & Counseling
First Advisor
Karyn Rabourn
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
First-generation undeclared students face compounded challenges in higher education, including lower sense of belonging, increased stress and anxiety, and higher attrition compared to their peers. While research has examined first-generation and undeclared students separately, little attention has been given to their intersecting identities. This paper provides a literature review of these students’ unique struggles and explores ways they may succeed throughout college. Living learning communities, first-year seminars, and interaction with faculty and academic advisors all have a positive impact on this student group. In response to the literature, The Polaris Initiative was created — a retention strategy for Grand Valley State University designed to increase sense of belonging, decrease anxiety, and to guide and support first-generation undeclared students through a living learning community and a first-year seminar. By addressing the unique struggles of first-generation undeclared students, the Polaris Initiative’s goal is to foster holistic student development, improve persistence, and contribute to higher retention rates.
ScholarWorks Citation
Michaels, Jack, "Creating The Polaris Initiative for First-Generation Undeclared Students" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 654.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/654
