Exploring the Ways Jargon Influences Access & Success for First-gen

Virtual | On-Demand

Session Description

College knowledge consists of the information and resources students need to navigate the higher education system. One distinct aspect of college knowledge is the language and acronyms that institutions use to create their own jargon (e.g., Ardoin, 2018; Ardoin, 2021—see Critical Conversation Six; Jarvis, 2019). Utilizing research data and case studies, the presenter will explore the ways jargon influences college access and success for first-generation college students and families. She will discuss how jargon shows up in and shapes student matriculation and transition; creates barriers and challenges during campus experiences; and influences persistence and completion. The presenter will offer suggestions for managing jargon use and continuing to learn about these topics.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

discover how college knowledge and institutional jargon can be an access and success challenge, particularly for first-generation college students;
examine jargon examples through research, data, and case studies; and
determine steps to reduce jargon and broaden language and communication to be more inclusive of all students and campus community members.

SPEAKER

Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, Clemson University

Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D. is a learner, educator, facilitator, and author. Proud of her rural hometown of Vidrine, Louisiana, her working-class, Cajun roots, and her first-generation college student to PhD journey, Sonja holds a B.S. in secondary education from LSU, a M.S. in higher education and student affairs from Florida State, and a Ph.D. in educational research and policy analysis from NC State. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner of higher education; she served as an administrator for 10 years before shifting to the faculty in 2015. She currently serves a full professor in the higher education and student affairs programs at Clemson University. Sonja's career path includes experience in student activities, leadership development, community engagement, fraternity and sorority life, student conduct, and academic advising.

Sonja's research interests include social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women's leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has co/authored four books, one monograph issue, and numerous book chapters and journal articles, and she has served as a speaker and consultant across the U.S.

Sonja stays engaged in the field through presenting, facilitating, and volunteering with national organizations such as ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, and several journal editorial boards. She is a contributor to the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success advocacy group and the AFLV Board of Directors. She also serves on the editorial boards for the Review of Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development-Research in Brief, and the Journal of First-generation Student Success.

KICKER TEXT

Webinar Registration: $79

FirstGen Forward Network Members receive a 30% discount by using their code from the Network Resource Hub at checkout.

How It Works: Once payment is complete, you will be redirected to a final registration form. After submitting the form, you will receive a Zoom calendar invite containing your unique join link, along with a confirmation email detailing how to access post-event materials for on-demand viewing.

WEBINAR