It is common for graduate programs to be plagued by delays in on-time student completion or to experience student attrition. Students have experienced such delays in a local program at the University where I am employed as a lecturer. Therefore, this dissertation was undertaken with the aim of supporting university students at the graduate level…

Although students with specific learning disabilities are graduating from high school and being accepted into college at higher rates, research shows that the majority of these students are unsuccessful at the collegiate level (Alvarez-Perez et al., 2012; Connor, 2009; Gil, 2007; Lightfoot et al., 2018; Newman et al., 2011). This study is…

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the problems faced by student-athletes' at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) due to the lack of academic support programs. This study highlighted the methods athletic administrators have implemented to support student athletes' academic achievement at one HBCU. Historically Black…

States across the U.S. have been passing legislation aimed at identifying and supporting students who may have dyslexia. In Arizona, this legislation requires school districts to screen students for indicators of dyslexia, have one teacher in every K-3 school trained in dyslexia, and provide evidence-based reading instruction. However, it is…

The purpose of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the ways in which school leaders, school personnel, and parents respond to the academic and social-emotional needs of refugee students. Specifically, this research examined how one elementary school assisted refugee families in understanding the American public school system. The…

This research study aimed to understand academic advisors' (AAs) perspectives on their preparedness to address students' mental health concerns during advising sessions. AAs encounter various student challenges ranging from academic and social stressors related to attending college to more serious mental health concerns. These difficulties have…

Although single student mothers are the largest and fastest-growing student demographic in higher education institutions, the experiences of single mothers in academia remain under-explored, as the increase in literature addresses the experiences of women in higher education. Obtaining graduate level education is an ongoing challenge for single…

This study explored the impact of academically supported mentorship on the self-efficacy and perceptions of racially marginalized high school students regarding advanced course enrollment. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combined quantitative pre- and post-intervention surveys with qualitative open-ended questions and semi-structured…

Transfer student capital encompasses the knowledge, skills, and experiences that transfer students acquire before transitioning to a new institution from their previous ones, communities, and cultures. This capital plays a crucial role in shaping their academic and social transition, identity development, and overall success in the new…

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore community college graduate lived experience as it relates to retention and persistence. Data was collected from 15 California community college graduates from multiple community colleges who earned an associate's degree and were 18 years of age or older. Collecting participant data provided…

The number of students with mental health challenges has increased significantly in public schools during the past 10 years. Despite school and community efforts many students remain underserved, specifically at-risk populations. At-risk youth are more likely to experience adverse life outcomes such as performing poorly in school, dropping out of…

The purpose of this descriptive quantitative research study was to determine the educational backgrounds and prior professional experiences and memberships of learning specialists in Division I (D-I) college athletics, as well as their self-reported preparedness levels. A secondary purpose was to determine if significant differences exist in these…

Higher education has responded to the nursing shortage by adopting academic and social support services that have increased student retention and promoted higher graduation rates. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of experiences that led nontraditional former Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at a…

This project focused on the study of resilient Latinas in California Community Colleges and how educators and administrators can better support them through resilience-informed teaching practices, college policies, and support services. It studied factors specifically related to Latinas' resilience. Critical resilience is the theoretical…

Studies show that collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs departments on college campuses has not happened consistently, but there is limited research examining the influence that leadership style and worker engagement have on the coordination between departments. This research study examined the role that the experience of…