Higher Ed Jargon Reduction

First-generation college students experience a sense of unfamiliarity and uncertainty around navigating college as soon as they begin interacting with institutions. Once accepted, they receive an influx of communication about important topics such as financial aid and course registration. They are directed to institutional webpages that are often filled with inaccessible words and higher education jargon.

Do you speak higher ed?

Consider how unfamiliar words like "prerequisite," "syllabus," and "registrar" would be to someone with no experience in higher education. Not only does this make completing tasks confusing and more difficult, it can also reinforce feelings of not belonging that often hinder first-generation college students’ transition.

More on this topic

This resource is part of the Clearly Communicate Price and Financial Aid Roadmap. Access the Roadmap for stepwise guidance with additional tools and research.