A Case Study: Increasing the Persistence and Graduation Rates of Undergraduate Black Female College Students at a Predominantly White Institution

<p>Since 1954, Black females were presented with the opportunity to earn an education equivalent to non-Black females. Despite the challenges, Black females have made significant strides in their academic performance by attaining degrees at every level over the years.</p> <p>The purpose of the study is to explore factors that affected the retention and graduation rates of Black female undergraduate students enrolled at a Predominantly White Institution. The researcher will conduct an exploratory single-case study to explore Black female undergraduate students' barriers to retention during their college experience. The sample included 10 Black female undergraduate students and three staff members from academic and non-academic student support services on the campus of SEU. The findings of the study indicate that the Black female undergraduate student participants have encountered at least one challenge that had a potential effect on their college persistence. Many student participants were not aware of the student support services available to them or did not feel comfortable using the services for assistance. Black female undergraduate students need to be engaged and build relationships to encourage them and develop a sense of belonging at a PWI. For some Black female undergraduate students, it may be necessary for PWIs to provide intentional support for student support services for the population to benefit from available services.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teacher Education

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Smith-Edmond, Catrina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Tina Butcher
• Dr. Jennifer Lovelace
• Dr. Margie Yates

• Black Female
• Undergraduate
• Graduation Rates
• PWI
• Challenge
• White Institution
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Education
• Educational Leadership
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/455

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1457