The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students at Legacy Universities

The Hidden Curriculum explores the experiences of first-generation students on elite campuses and the challenges they face, including unspoken academic norms and social rules. It reveals how the hidden curriculum at legacy universities often catches first-generation students off guard and provides valuable insights into how universities can support these students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

College has long been seen as a gateway to advancement and mobility for talented students, regardless of their background. However, for first-generation students, elite universities can often feel like exclusive enclaves, with unwritten academic norms and social customs. The Hidden Curriculum, a groundbreaking book based on over one hundred in-depth interviews with students at Harvard and Georgetown, offers valuable insights into the challenges of being the first in the family to attend college while also shedding light on the common struggles faced by all undergraduates.

Through the narratives of two cohorts of first-generation students and their peers, Rachel Gable explores the unique experiences and challenges they face on campus. She uncovers surprising similarities and striking differences in their college journeys, highlighting how the hidden curriculum at legacy universities often catches first-generation students off guard. Gable vividly portrays the disorienting encounters that confuse and threaten their academic success, emphasizing the need for universities to provide support and guidance to these talented students.

What sets The Hidden Curriculum apart is its recognition that first-generation students are as diverse as any other demographic group. Gable challenges the notion that they are a monolithic entity and urges universities to embrace the unique perspectives and insights these students bring. She advocates for policies and practices that are equitable and inclusive for all students, recognizing the historical legacies and elite status of these institutions while striving to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

The book provides essential guidance for university leaders as they work to support first-generation students on campus. It offers practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment, including developing peer mentoring programs, offering financial aid and support services, and promoting cultural competency and diversity awareness. Gable also highlights the importance of building strong relationships with first-generation students and their families, recognizing the significance of their support and involvement in their academic journey.

In conclusion, The Hidden Curriculum is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the experiences of first-generation students on elite campuses. Through in-depth interviews and compelling narratives, Gable offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities these students face. The book challenges universities to embrace diversity and inclusivity, providing practical guidance for creating a more supportive and equitable learning environment. By recognizing the unique perspectives and insights of first-generation students, universities can unlock their full potential and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691216614