The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the meaningful impacts of FYS courses on student success, academic performance, and retention rates in a large urban community college. Using quantitative research methods, the researcher compared Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 institutional data of enrollment and retention to evaluate student…

Retention and graduation rates are declining nationwide but are exceptionally low for Black men. Extant research substantiates that various influences contribute to a student's ability to persist to graduation. Apart from the positive impact of HBCUs on educational outcomes for Black students, empirical research highlights that enrollment, campus…

The purpose of this study was to examine the first-year seminars and academic advising on academic achievement with first-year college students. The researcher investigated this mixed-methods research design to explore the relationship and differences between first-year seminars and academic advising with first-year college students. The data…

College student retention is a complex phenomenon influenced by a myriad of factors and with wide-ranging implications for university function. First-year seminar is one approach to increase first-year student retention through involvement, engagement, and integration. This quantitative study examines the influence of first-year seminar on…

In many cases, students are unaware of some parts of their study plans or do not have enough information about utilizing available college resources that may help them through their study years. The purpose of this study was to propose and evaluate a method to improve engineering students' understanding of their study plans and available resources…

After completing the first-year seminar, this qualitative research study explored traditional first-generation students' lived experiences in their sophomore year. The second year of college is primarily viewed as challenging and difficult for sophomores. Nevertheless, colleges and universities tend to provide less support to sophomore students…

First-year experience programs hope to help increase retention and graduation rates by providing students' academic and social foundations during their first semester in college. The academic and social curriculums embedded in first-year experience programs strive to have a positive impact on improving students' self-esteem and retention attitude.…

Undergraduate research experiences offer a range of positive academic and affective student outcomes. However, these benefits often do not reach all students, as research experiences are often selective, favor high-achieving students, focus on STEM fields, and typically target students in their third or fourth year of undergraduate studies. To…

This study examined how students perceive the impact of a mandatory first-year seminar course on their success and persistence at a 2-year institution. Specifically, the study focused on the influence of the course curriculum and objectives to promote success and perseverance and how the campus community supports student success and persistence.…

Student enrollment continues to increase in online programs, but there is concern surrounding the reportedly high rates of attrition in online classes compared to face-to-face classes. Undergraduate students are poorly prepared and lack the human agency necessary for success in the online learning environment. To address the lack of persistence of…

This study examines the effectiveness of a custom-designed chatbot in a blended learning environment, focusing on its adherence to instructional guidelines and its impact on student engagement. The chatbot was designed to prompt students with questions about concepts related to various academic majors, encourage elaboration on their responses, and…

The first year of college or university is a crucial phase which significantly influences students' persistence, academic achievement, and degree completion. The challenges associated with transitioning to college are often amplified for students who are the first in their families to attend college and may be less familiar with the norms and…

There is extensive research that speaks to first-year seminars as an effective high impact practice. However, this inquiry utilized qualitative research to understand the steps needed to make first-year seminars more effective and inclusive with the integration of a social justice curriculum. Specifically, this inquiry consisted of 12 semi…

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in four-year persistence and graduation rates between students who participated in a research-based academic first-year seminar (n = 385) and a matched quasi-control group who did not (n = 385). Although research has consistently identified positive outcomes for students who participate in these…

A comprehensive graduate teaching assistant (GTA) training program in mathematical sciences designed at one institution is being adapted and replicated at two peer institutions. Using a case study approach, this paper outlines the development of the program components, which include a first-year teaching seminar, peer mentoring and support from a…