Journal of First-generation Student Success
The Journal of First-generation Student Success accepts practice-based articles grounded in research and literature and, reciprocally, research articles that speak to practice. While traditional scholarship will be encouraged and accepted, articles prioritizing innovative solutions and advanced thought that dispute deficit-based conversations while propelling an asset-based, evidence-driven national narrative, are welcome.
Through the deep intersectionality of the first-generation identity, the large presence of first-generation students at institutions, and the necessary engagement of both academic and student services areas for success, this journal offers many opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The Journal of First-generation Student Success joins other NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education publications and is a NASPA member benefit.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Latest Issue
The latest Journal of First-generation Student Success issue is now available online.
Volume 6: Issue 1
Research Articles
Predictors of Graduation Success for First-Generation College Students: A Survival Analysis Approach
This study sought to understand the differential influence of background characteristics, level of collegiate involvement, external factors of influence, and level of collegiate satisfaction on time-to-completion of first-generation college students compared to their non-first-generation peers using a strengths-based theoretical framework.
Research Articles
Negotiating Academic Voice Vis-à-Vis Instructor Feedback: Salient Moments as First-Generation College Students in the U. S. Communication Discipline
This study utilizes Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (AUM) Theory to investigate how first-generation college students (FGCSs) in the U.S. communication discipline experience instructor feedback. Specifically, this study is concerned with how FGCSs learn to write with an expected “academic voice” in the university context.
Research Articles
A Measurement Tool for Math Self-Beliefs: Examining Invariance Across Gender and First-Generation Status
Assessing math self-beliefs can enhance math placement exams and improve student success, particularly for first-generation students. A math self-beliefs measurement tool, developed using a four-factor model combining situated-expectancy-value-cost (SEVT) and self-efficacy theories, was compared to a three-factor SEVT model.
Research Articles
A Case Study of First-Generation Graduate Students’ Sense of Belonging
This qualitative, instrumental case study, guided by College Student Sense of Belonging theory, was focused on ten first-generation graduate students’ sense of belonging within their doctoral program. Four of the seven core elements presented in this theory emerged as salient to first-generation graduate students’ sense of belonging.
Notes From the Field
For and By: Reflections on Graduate Student-Led Initiatives to Support FGLI Community
This paper reflects on our experience as graduate students who led three initiatives to support and enhance belonging for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. We offer advice for student leaders and university staff on fostering collaboration to improve FGLI students’ sense of belonging.
Notes From the Field
Amplifying First-Gen Voices: Resisting Epistemic Injustice Through Embedded Librarianship
This autoethnographic exploration examines the collaborative effort between an embedded librarian and a program for first-generation college students, analyzing this partnership through the lens of resistance to epistemic injustice.
Edition Cost
Individuals: $141 (print and online)
*Local tax will be added as applicable
Institutions: $383 (online); $548 (print & online)
*Local tax will be added as applicable
*Access to JFGSS is a NASPA member benefit.
Editorial Leadership
Rashné Jehangir, Ph.D.
Co-Editor
Professor of Higher Education and Assistant Dean of Education Opportunity Program; Robert H. Beck Chair of Ideas, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities
Kem Saichaie, Ph.D.
Co-Editor
Inaugural Executive Director, UCLA Teaching & Learning Center (TLC), University of California, Los Angeles
Radomir Ray Mitic, Ph.D.
Associate Editor
Assistant Professor, William & Mary
Jason K. Wallace, Ph.D.
Associate Editor
Associate Professor, Mississippi State University
Michelle Rossi
Editorial Assistant
Graduate Student Researcher, University of California, Davis
Submissions
The Journal of First-generation Student Success (JFGSS) accepts manuscripts that offer new and innovative perspectives and interventions in the context of the postsecondary success of first-generation students. The Journal contributes to the scholarship of those in the higher education field seeking a research-based approach to best practices and practitioners interested in utilizing research to inform their work.
Researchers, practitioners, education leaders, college access partners, and doctoral candidates are invited to submit manuscripts of original work conducted by the submitting author(s). Proposed work or simple conceptualizations of issues are not accepted. Manuscripts under review by JFGSS should not be under consideration by other journals.
The Journal accepts submissions on a rolling basis and is published three times per year, in April, August, and November.
AI-based Tools and Technologies
JFGSS advocates for responsible use and acknowledgement of GenAI usage. Please see the Taylor & Francis AI policy, which covers research, writing, and reviewing. Upon article submission, authors will be asked if they have read and agree to the above policy. Invited reviewers receive a reminder about the same policy.
Submission Guidelines
Review Process
Submissions to the Journal of First-generation Student Success are accepted on a rolling basis. All manuscripts are subject to a closed, peer-review process (this language reflects a shift to employ inclusive language rather and move away from the industry term “blind review”). Once submitted, the first author will receive confirmation that the submission has been received. Authors are able to track the progress of their submissions in the ScholarOne system.
Reviews may take up to four weeks, or longer, depending on the volume of submissions. Please see the Submission Guidelines section for greater detail on submission types, review process, and technical requirements. For more information, please contact the Co-Editors, Kem Saichaie, Ph.D., and Rashné Jehangir, Ph.D., jfgss@firstgenforward.org.
Editorial Board
-
2026-2029 Term
Martha Enciso, Ed.D., University of Redlands
Suzanne M. Buglione, Ed.D., Johnson & Wales University
Meghan Ecker-Lyster, Ph.D., University of Kansas
Huanshu Yuan, Ph.D., Marshall University
Karen Archambault, Ed.D., Rowan College at Burlington County
Robert Martinez, Ph.D., William & Mary
Quortne Hutchings, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Tara Hornor, Ph.D., Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Jeanette Ruiz, Ph.D., University of California-Davis
Erin Richman, Ph.D., University of North Florida
Chandra Reyna, Ph.D., Boise State University
Akalya Kandiah, Ph.D., McMaster University
Karen Jackson, Ed.D., Georgia Gwinnett CollegeBeth Nahli, Ph.D., Kent State University
Ashley Rondini, Ph.D., Franklin & Marshall College
Lamesha Brown, PhD., University of Pennsylvania
Amy Collins-Warfield, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Rochester
Nicole Pulliam, Ph.D., Monmouth University
Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D., Clemson University
Georgianna Martin, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Laura Wagner, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, University of California, San Francisco
Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron, Ph.D., George Mason University
Jillian Ives, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Amy Goodburn, Ph.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Zayd Abukar, Ed.D., Education Advisory Board (EAB)
Yasmine Dominguez-Whitehead, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara -
2025-2028 Term
Brenda Anderson, Ph.D., City of Chicago
Roshaunda Breeden, Ph.D., North Carolina State University
Brett Bruner, Ed.D., Wichita State University
Antonio Estudillo, Ph.D., Heritage University
Leslieann Harris, Ed.D., Georgia Southern University
Rocio Hernandez, Ed.D., Ventura College
Amber Holton-Thomas, Ph.D., Pacific University
Natasha Hutson, Ed.D., Agnes Scott College
Lorie Kittendorf, Ph.D., The University of Tampa
Sarah Madsen, Ph.D., Baylor University
Dennis McCunney, Ph.D., East Carolina University
Delma Ramos, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Jessica Saint Amour, Ph.D., Grand Valley State UniversityGeneva Sarcedo, Ph.D., University of Colorado Denver
Margaret Sebastian, Ph.D., Salisbury University
Krista Soria, Ph.D., University of Idaho
Michael Sparrow, Ed.D., Morgan State University
Susan Taffee Reed, Ph.D., Dartmouth College
Charmaine Troy, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
Terry Vaughan, III, Ph.D., WORKCRED, Inc.
Rashim Wadhwa, Ph.D., Akal University, Bathinda, India
Mary Wallace, Ph.D., University of Alabama Birmingham
Tiffany Wiggins, Ph.D., University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill
Soua Xiong, Ph.D., California State University, Fresno -
2024-2027 Term
Candice E. Brooks, Ed.D., University of California, Davis
Florencia Cornet, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Lisa Cullington, Ph.D., Sacred Heart University
Carolina E. Gonzalez, Ph.D., Bank Street College of Education
Casandra Harper, Ph.D., University of Missouri
George Pacheco Jr., Ph.D., West Texas A & M UniversityPietro Antonio Sasso, Ph.D., Delaware State University
Blake R. Silver, Ph.D., George Mason University
Matthew Joseph Smith, Ph.D., Valdosta State University
Jennifer Trost, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Chevella Wilson, Ph.D., Northern Virginia Community College
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my manuscript?
- All manuscripts must be submitted via the Journal of First-generation Student Success submission site, ScholarOne. Submissions will not be accepted by individual editors, editorial board members, or FirstGen Forward staff. Links to the submission site are also found on FirstGen Forward’s Journal webpage.
- The JFGSS publisher, Taylor and Francis, offers a robust website for author support. The website includes a Review Guide, video library, YouTube Channel, and Frequently Asked Questions section which allow you to access information in your preferred delivery mode and at your convenience. For technical assistance with the ScholarOne submission portal, please contact the Taylor and Francis support team.
How do I find guidelines or instructions for authors for my manuscript?
Submission Guidelines are outlined on the Journal for First-generation Student Success website.
What if I have a specific question about my proposed submission?
In order to accurately track and respond to questions about submission topics or types of manuscripts, please email jfgss@firstgenforward.org. Please note the Co-Editors and Editorial Board members have been directed to forward any direct inquiries to jfgss@firstgenforward.org to ensure that consistent responses are provided.
What types of submissions will the Journal accept?
- JFGSS is interested in publishing innovative, interesting, and relevant articles that span the full range of possible forms. Please consider the following suggested manuscript types to convey your topic:
- Theoretical Manuscripts,
- Review Manuscripts,
- Empirical Research Articles,
- Book Reviews, and
- Notes from the Field.
- Any and all of the following manuscript types can be utilized in sharing knowledge about first-generation student success. This delineation of manuscript types is not meant to limit but rather assist you in crafting a manuscript that is successfully reviewed and published. More details about the submission types are provided in the Submission Guidelines.
When will I know if my article has been accepted? What happens next?
An acknowledgment email will be sent to the first author as confirmation that the submission has been received in the system. The Editors and Editorial Board will review submissions on a rolling basis as received. The review process may take from four to six weeks to receive a response based on current information; this estimate may vary depending on reviewer and editorial team capacity. Authors will be able to track the progress of their manuscript by logging into the submission site, ScholarOne.
Who is the JFGSS audience?
JFGSS accepts articles that are relevant to faculty, researchers, scholars, student affairs educators, and academic leaders. Not all articles will speak to all constituencies all the time. The Co-Editors are committed to publishing an array of articles that, at various points, will speak to all educators who work in both the academic and student affairs areas of higher education.
How do I become a reviewer or editorial board member?
Applications for Editorial Board positions typically open on or about August 1 and close on October 1. Those interested in serving as reviewers can contact jfgss@firstgenforward.org, and a member of the editorial team will reach out. Reviewers and editorial board members must have terminal degrees.