ERIC Number: ED657041
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 86
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-1503-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
From Acceptance to Enrollment: An Approach to Enrolling Black/African-American Students at a Rural PWI
Mike A. Langford
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Western Carolina University
In the competitive landscape of higher education, institutions grapple with the challenge of fostering racial diversity and a sense of belonging among students, particularly at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This disquisition presents a comprehensive improvement initiative implemented at Western Carolina University (WCU) aimed at increasing Black student enrollment. Drawing on Improvement Science methods, the study assesses the effectiveness of the introduced changes during the 2023 enrollment year. This study underscores the critical role of students' belief they will belong at WCU after their acceptance thus easing their decision to enroll. The study highlights recent positive shifts in WCU admissions practices, primarily hiring current students, which have improved applicants' communication and connection with the university. Examining the potential impact of the Supreme Court's 2023 case on affirmative action, the author discusses anticipated challenges to maintaining racial diversity at the institution. Moreover, the paper addresses the historical context of racial exclusion in higher education and emphasizes the need for a diverse perspective in decision-making processes. Finally, this study offers insights into the complexities of admissions processes, suggesting that fostering diversity and belonging requires a multifaceted approach. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions in higher education on creating more inclusive environments and underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers that prospective students may encounter during the admissions process while determining their college choice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: African American Students, Predominantly White Institutions, Student Diversity, College Admission, Affirmative Action, College Choice, College Enrollment, Inclusion, Sense of Community, Educational Change
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A