Purdue Global dictionary helps first-generation students with unfamiliar terms

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – For first-generation university students, terms such as accredited, microcredentials and even the title provost may be leave them stumped.

These words aren't likely batted around in casual conversation and can, educators with Purdue Global discovered, create obstacles for the academic pioneers within a family.

A microcredential, by the way, is a shorter academic program that can consist of three or four narrowly focused courses. Microcredentials are described in the Chronicle of Higher Education, and also, for Purdue Global students, in Speaking “University,” an online dictionary featuring words and phrases that may be foreign to first-generation students.

Maggie Morgan, academic department chair for Purdue Global’s Department of Human Services, organized the development of dictionary, which to date consists of more than 100 terms submitted by both educators and students.

Morgan found that while students across all departments may stumble on educational terms, those enrolled in Purdue Global are uniquely aided by such a dictionary.

“My department has a greater number of students that have been traditionally underserved. One of the things in the research of first-generation students is often they’re the least likely to ask for help. They may feel intimidated or anxious, and they don’t know all of the language used,” Morgan said in a release.

The online dictionary goes beyond simply defining an obscure term, according to Purdue.

“We have links so students can learn more about the term,” Morgan said in the release. “We have it linked to the catalog, academic calendar and other places where they might want to find out more. It also teaches students to see the breadth and depth of things we have for them.”

As of now, the dictionary, created in 2011, features 111 words and allows for students and staff to add to the list.

“I try to connect the terms with the content of the seminar,” said Maria Brown, first-term instructor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, in the announcement. “For example, we are studying the role of human services professionals in the public school setting, so we talk about examples of accommodations that we may advocate for students in K-12.

"I also share examples of accommodations that Purdue Global offers and encourage students to reach out if they want a referral. Earlier this year, one student said, ‘Wow! This university offers so much help!’ I often hear students say that they didn’t know that accommodations were available at the college level.”

Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults, has more than 35,000 students enrolled.

The enrollment, according to Purdue Global, includes these qualities:

• 59% of students are 30 years of age or older.

• 40% of students are from underserved populations.

• 52% of students have a child or other dependents.

• 50% are first-generation college students.

• Approximately 10,000 are military-affiliated students, a population that includes uniformed personnel, veterans and eligible dependents.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue Global dictionary helps students define unfamiliar terms