This research study was a qualitative descriptive design to understand the college choice selection of nontraditional African-American students and experiences related to the adult transitional processes of college enrollment. The guiding framework was Iloh's enhanced Hossler-Gallagher model of the decision-making process used for college choice…

The purpose of this research was to gain a greater understanding of the transition experiences of students on the autism spectrum. Because the transition phenomenon itself was the focus of the study, information was sought not only from the primary perspective of students on the autism spectrum, but also from family members who participated in…

International students' adjustment has been studied for many years. However, "first-generation" international students have not been adequately explored. International students and first-generation students both have many obstacles they must navigate and adapt to quickly to succeed in school. This study aimed to better understand who…

This study explored the association of four independent variables (i.e., sex, class standing, GPA, and living status) with the academic integration, social integration, and institutional commitment (the dependent variables) of international students attending seven public regional universities in West Virginia. A researcher-developed, Likert-type…

Latinas continue to be underrepresented in doctoral studies, and there are many barriers that they encounter while pursuing a doctoral degree. This qualitative phenomenological study documents the experiences, challenges, and life events that Latina doctoral students face while pursuing a doctoral degree. The primary research question guiding the…

A large percentage of women veteran students at a local 4-year university are transitioning from active duty to the role of adult learner on a college campus, and some have overcome barriers, such as inadequate childcare, lack of transportation, and financial aid issues and completed their educational goals. Unfortunately, some women veterans are…

This qualitative case study focuses on the pivotal role of an urban elementary school leadership team with a newcomer program. It aims to uncover how school leadership decisions, practices, and policies address the diverse needs of newcomer students. Challenges faced by newcomers, including economic and social needs, cultural adjustments, and…

International student mobility has been increasingly driven by economic rationales. However, the mere presence of international students in US higher education is inadequate to realize the non-economic values of internationalization, such as enhancing intercultural understanding. This dissertation, grounded in a humanistic perspective, examined…

Student transition from one school to another is considered a major life event. Transition to middle school is further complicated by the onset of puberty at this developmental stage. The problem is middle school students are not prepared socially and emotionally for the transition to middle school. A gap exists in identifying the perceptions of…

Previous research identifies numerous effects that a student's motivation has on their educational experience. Studies have shown that the lack of motivation is connected to poorer academic performance and attendance rates and increased behavioral concerns and dropout rates. Therefore, understanding what factors influence students' motivation is…

Military students face many challenges in the transition from military life to higher education. From psychological, mental health issues, career changes, and difficulties interacting and building relationships, many obstacles can delay or stop a military student's path to degree attainment. This study sought to determine if military students are…

An increasing number of autistic students attend U.S. universities, and higher education must meet their support needs. Existing literature frames research using a medical model of autism and is limited surrounding how autistic students form academic and social bonds during their first-year transition. This qualitative study examines 13 autistic…

This Education Leadership Portfolio (ELP) documents my efforts to enhance the transition experiences of international students at the University of Delaware by optimizing orientation programming. Orientation programming for international students consists of pre-arrival orientation, upon-arrival orientation, and extended orientation, which are…

This qualitative study will focus on students' views toward their sense of connection and engagement within the postsecondary environment amid the unexpected, forced learning environment which resulted from the COVID-19 Pandemic that caused a global shutdown at the beginning of March 2020. This research is relevant to any college presidents or…

Increasing student retention is one of the greatest challenges faced by community colleges. First-year community college students face a complex set of issues in grappling with their new academic roles and identities. Therefore, there is a need for effective retention efforts that support students during this time of transition. First-Year…