Graduation Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Education
Committee Chair Name
Tristan Gleason
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Janelle Adsit
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Maritza Herrera Martinez
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Spanish speaking families, Orientation programs, Higher education, First-generation, Family involvement, Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Subject Categories
Education
Abstract
First-generation college students, defined as those whose parents did not complete a 4-year degree, face distinct challenges when pursuing higher education. Although all first-gen students face significant barriers to success, additional aspects of student identity can further impact their access to institutional support and resources. This project addresses the particular needs of first-generation Latine undergraduate students, who may face additional challenges related to language barriers, limited access to institutional knowledge, financial barriers, and cultural expectations. While existing research highlights the disparities students of this population face, less attention is given to the critical role family support can play in shaping student success. This paper explores how familial support and cultural values contribute to strengthening student retention and matriculation among first-generation Latine students and proposes the development of a Spanish-Language Family Orientation program at Cal Poly Humboldt. This programming is designed to strengthen family engagement by creating a space for families to better understand the academic demands and expectations placed on their students, which may be an underutilized strategy for supporting student retention in this population.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Puc, Xelha B., "A proposal for Cal Poly Humboldt Spanish language family orientations in order to increase first-gen Latine student matriculation and retention" (2026). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2572.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2572