Abstract
This study explores and describes how institutional and community members can aid in the retention of minoritized undergraduate students at an online liberal arts private university through positively identified initiatives. The objectives of this study include investigating the unique cultural background of a specific group of minoritized students and how it influences their academic retention, what institutional, faculty, and family supports best support the retention of these minoritized students, and if the timing of such support plays a role. According to Rovai’s retention model, student characteristics, external factors such as finances and family responsibilities, and the institution’s internal social and academic support significantly influence student retention. This study contributes to the literature surrounding the role of administration, institutional, and community members in combating minoritized online student attrition in higher education. A mixed methods approach is utilized with quantitative correlational analysis of surveys completed by the subject population and qualitative analysis of in-depth student interviews to identify themes of effective institutional and community support for student retention. Potential research limitations include a small sample size from one institution, time constraints for the research and/ or interview process, and investigator confirmation bias. Practice implications may include the importance of initiating retention practices with BIPOC online, first-generation students during the application process, and continuing throughout enrollment by faculty and other institutional support staff. In addition, recognizing potential cultural familial influences on retention may advocate for institutional flexibility with this minoritized population.
Presenters
Angela BrownStudent, Doctorate of Education, Abilene Christian University, United States Jennifer Butcher
Vice President of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging, Abilene Christian University Dallas, Texas, United States Sandra Cleveland
Associate Professor, NRSG, Abilene Christian University, Michigan, United States Tana Palafox
Student, Doctorate of Education, ACU, Texas, United States La Keeta Prunty Keeta
Student, Doctoral, Abilene Christian University, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Education and Learning Worlds of Differences
KEYWORDS
Inclusive Education, Diverse Student Populations, Miinorizited Students, Online Student, Student
Digital Media
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