Everyone has a story: A qualitative study of Black student persistence and retention at a private suburban predominately White four-year institution

The problem of low Black student retention and graduation rates continues to persist. This qualitative study examined the factors that contribute to the persistence, retention, and social and academic integration of Black students at a private, suburban Predominately White Four-Year Institution (PWI...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Chapman, Christine A
Format Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Published ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2015
Subjects
African American Achievement
African American Students
College Students
Data Analysis
Educational administration
Educational Environment
Educational psychology
Ethnic studies
Graduation Rate
Higher education
Predominantly White Institutions
Race
School administration
School Holding Power
Student Surveys
Undergraduate Students
White Students
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Summary:The problem of low Black student retention and graduation rates continues to persist. This qualitative study examined the factors that contribute to the persistence, retention, and social and academic integration of Black students at a private, suburban Predominately White Four-Year Institution (PWI) located in Western Pennsylvania. The purposeful sample in this study included 12 male and female full-time, residential, freshmen and sophomore college students. The participants shared their stories about their perceptions and experiences in and out of their classroom environment. Using multiple frameworks, including critical mass theory and critical race theory, the study examined the problem of Black student retention and persistence at a single study site. Five overall themes emerged. The findings from the study indicated that Black students seek membership in cultural community not for protection from a negative racial campus climate; rather, cultural community provides counter-spaces for social and emotional purposes.
ISBN:9781321868074
1321868073