This case study focuses on out-of-state undergraduate student recruitment at a small, private liberal arts institution in the southeastern United States. Wolpert's place utility theory, from the field of urban planning, was used as a framework for the study to help explain some of the reasons why a student may choose to attend a private university…

Universities have grappled with declining enrollment over the past decade and have explored various strategies to boost enrollment and enhance student success. To compete with other universities nationally and align their academic calendar with traditional semesters, the university in this study transitioned from four 11-week to five 8-week…

The problem with retention has led researchers to study the causes of attrition and ways to improve successful outcomes. Students define having positive faculty-student relationships that are therapeutic as a way to enhance successful academic outcomes. The problem that was addressed in this study is that there is a limited understanding of…

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the use of institutional assessment in support of student outcomes at four-year public institutions of higher education. This study focused on small institutions, defined as having enrollment below that of the median value, across the nation. An electronic survey was sent to chief…

Children of teachers follow their parents into the profession at lower rates than those whose parents come from professions that are perceived to be more prestigious such as physicians, lawyers, and engineers. Teaching often suffers from a lack of prestige, low pay, potential danger, lack of autonomy, and other factors that contribute to negative…

Enrollment and retention in higher education can be challenging under normal circumstances, but combined with a global pandemic, institutions will need to look at strategies to help navigate these uncertain times. This dissertation provided the needed research on the processes of decision-making related to enrollment, retention, institutional…

The population of college-going students from diverse backgrounds is increasing (Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education [WICHE], 2020). However, minoritized students have traditionally been less well served by colleges and universities in terms of timely degree completion (U.S. Department of Education, 2020d). Small private colleges…

Forty years ago, females surpassed males in enrollment and completion in higher education. Even as the number of students in higher education has increased over the last 4 decades, the number of males who enroll and persist to completion has continued to widen. This gender gap in higher education attainment is starting to gain the attention of…

To promote student persistence and success in higher education research identifies the importance of supporting students' academic and social integration as well as providing mentoring to facilitate a sense of connectedness and commitment to the institution. Such resources are particularly important for Black males, who often enter college…

Two qualitative studies, 2015 and 2020, on seniors' satisfaction with faculty interactions provided the background for this 2023 qualitative study. This present study explored the characteristics and development of the faculty, staff, and student interactions that influenced college student satisfaction. Even though quantitative research showed…

The research on African American male students in higher education has increased over the past few decades, revolving around preparation, access, sense of belonging, retention, and persistence. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the perceived experiences of current students, graduates, and Divine Nine Greek Life…

As the population of students who identify as transgender grows on college campuses, it is critical that higher education identify the ways in which institutions can more effectively serve the needs of this population, creating an environment that is supportive and inclusive. The literature demonstrates that campuses have fallen short of this…

This qualitative case study explored if and how a first-generation focused student success program fostered sense of belonging amongst first-generation college students. Utilizing the theoretical framework of sense of belonging (Strayhorn, 2012), the following research questions guided this study: (1) How do first-generation students experience a…

This qualitative study examined the informal mentoring relationships between faculty and students at two small, faith-based, liberal arts campuses. Perceptions of both faculty and students' views of informal mentoring were studied. The research questions further explored the factors that encouraged or discouraged faculty-student informal mentoring…

Nationally, 20% of college students suffer from an eating disorder. Support for eating disorders on college campuses is essential to student health. The purpose of this study was to examine web-based eating disorder resources and differences between resources content for Division 1 and 2 institutions. The concept of awareness to action developed…