GAPS IDENTIFIED VISION AND MISSION PROGRAM RESEARCH AGENDA PROPOSE RES

OF THE OBJECTIVE/ OF THE TITLE

INSTITUTION/COMPANY STATEMENT OF THE INSTITUTION/
OBJECTIVES COMPANY

Knowledge, Skills, Mission: To makes lives Improve the retention The Academic S
Abilities, and other better through education rate of the students, Factors of first-
characteristics especially First- generation HTM
(KSAO’S) generation college students in PHI
students on their University of Il
families.
Enrollment Rete
Promote self- Model in the Ca
empowerment and PHINMA HTM
achiever mindset to Grounded Theo
drive them to finish their
studies.

Foster a campus culture

that recognizes and
celebrates the diversity
of first-generation
students
EMPIRICAL DRIVERS AND TREND GAPS PROPOSE IDEAL SCENA
EVIDENCES INTERVENTIONS

Students' retention is low

Decreasing of graduates Knowledge, Skills,
Every semester especially those first Abilities, and Other 1. Institutional Increasing the re
generation that step into Characteristics (KSAO) Support: of the students ti
Decreasing of the number college. 2. Mental Health and graduate
of graduates each year. Well-being:
Increase academ
Culture shock on the performance and
lifestyle in the city. the number of gr
"Navigating Success and Retention: An In-depth Exploration of Factors Impacting the Academic Achievement and
Persistence of First-Generation Hospitality and Tourism Management College Students in PHINMA University of Iloilo
Exploring Success and Retention Factors for First-Gen HTM Students at PHINMA University of Iloilo

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, understanding the nuances that contribute to the academic success and retention of
students is of paramount importance. This research embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the factors influencing the academic
achievement and persistence of first-generation Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) college students at PHINMA University
of Iloilo. The intricate interplay of elements affecting this specific demographic's journey through higher education is a subject of
growing significance.

The selection of first-generation students in the HTM field is deliberate, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities they
encounter in pursuing their academic goals. As individuals who are the first in their families to navigate the terrain of higher
education, these students face a distinctive set of circumstances that can significantly impact their academic trajectory.

The title, "Navigating Success and Retention," encapsulates the dual focus of this research. The term "success" goes beyond the mere
attainment of academic milestones; it delves into the holistic development and achievement of educational goals. Simultaneously,
"retention" underscores the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to students persisting in their academic pursuits,
ultimately leading to successful program completion.

As the epicenter of this exploration, PHINMA University of Iloilo provides a rich context for understanding the specific challenges
and successes of first-generation HTM students. By examining the intricacies of their academic journeys, we aim to contribute
valuable insights to the broader discourse on student success and retention, particularly within the context of hospitality and tourism
education.
This research seeks to not only identify these factors but also to analyze their interconnections and relative significance. The findings
of this study are anticipated to inform academic institutions, policymakers, and educators about targeted interventions that can
enhance the academic experiences of first-generation HTM college students, fostering a more supportive and inclusive educational
environment.

Rationale

The pursuit of academic success in higher education is a complex and multifaceted journey, influenced by a myriad of factors that
extend beyond traditional classroom settings. This research endeavors to delve into the distinctive experiences of first-generation
Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) college students at PHINMA University of Iloilo, recognizing the critical need to
understand the elements that impact both academic achievement and student retention within this specific demographic.

First-generation students, often characterized by their unique status as the first in their families to attend college, face a set of
challenges that distinguish their educational paths from those of their peers. The complexity of the HTM field adds an additional layer
to these challenges, as it demands a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The dynamics of the hospitality and tourism
industry require adaptability, creativity, and a deep understanding of customer service, making the academic journey of HTM students
particularly nuanced.

The choice of PHINMA University of Iloilo as the research setting is deliberate, given its prominence in providing education in the
field of HTM. This institution serves as a microcosm reflecting the broader challenges and opportunities faced by first-generation
HTM college students in the Philippines. By centering our study in this context, we aim to generate insights that are not only
academically rigorous but also contextually relevant to the unique educational landscape of the region.

The dual focus on academic success and retention is motivated by the understanding that mere academic achievement does not capture
the entirety of a student's educational experience. Retention, or the ability of students to persist in their academic pursuits, is equally
crucial. High attrition rates can signal underlying issues that, if addressed, could significantly enhance the overall educational
environment and contribute to the long-term success of the students.

The outcomes of this research are expected to fill a critical gap in the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the
factors that contribute to the success and retention of first-generation HTM college students. The findings will not only benefit
PHINMA University of Iloilo but will also have broader implications for institutions and policymakers seeking to create more
inclusive and supportive educational environments for first-generation students pursuing careers in the dynamic field of hospitality
and tourism.

Unveiling Academic Success: A Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Influencing the Achievement of First-Generation
Hospitality and Tourism Management College Students in PHINMA University of Iloilo

"Navigating Success and Retention: An In-depth Exploration of Factors Impacting the Academic Achievement and
Persistence of First-Generation Hospitality and Tourism Management College Students in PHINMA University of Iloilo