ERIC Number: ED530829
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Aug
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Lost Men on Campus. Commentary
Stebleton, Michael
Association for the Study of Higher Education
Elizabeth Redden, author of the "Inside Higher Ed" article, "Lost Men on Campus," succinctly articulated the growing concerns about many college men at postsecondary institutions. Her review of results and issues presented at the "ND Conference on College Men" highlighted decreased rates of enrollment for men, underrepresentation of men in campus engagement activities, and lower rates of persistence and graduation in comparison to college women. Another theme focused on the gendered experiences and identities of college men. Scholars at the conference summarized qualitative studies to support these trends and provided potential strategies and recommendations to address concerns. Two of these studies were recently published and merit further examination. Redden specifically mentioned in her article that gender identity discussions can be relevant yet sensitive; individuals need to avoid the either-or-trap and the model gender majority myth (i.e., all men are doing fine) as noted (Harper & Harris, 2010). Some critics claim that men historically have always done exceptionally well in college and the workplace, and therefore don't need extra assistance. However, this statement is "not" true for all male student groups, especially underserved populations such as African American males, as described by Redden. Both male and female academic engagement is vital, but men will rarely seek out these opportunities on their own volition. Student affairs practitioners and educators will likely need to encourage male students to get actively involved in high impact educational practices, and sell them on the merits of participating and engaging in these initiatives. This commentary provides a number of gender-specific recommendations for male and female student identity development issues. A list of references and suggested readings is provided. [This document presents a commentary on: "Lost Men on Campus" by Elizabeth Redden published in "Inside Higher Ed" May 22, 2009. "Lost Men on Campus," its commentary, a list of suggested readings, and discussion questions are included.]
Descriptors: College Students, Student Motivation, African American Students, Males, Disproportionate Representation, Enrollment Rate, Academic Persistence, Graduation Rate, Gender Differences, Sexual Identity, Educational Practices, Student Personnel Workers, Educational Strategies, Transitional Programs, Discussion
Association for the Study of Higher Education. Box 453068 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154. Tel: 702-895-2737; Fax: 702-895-4269; e-mail: ashe@unlv.edu; Web site: http://www.ashe.ws
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for the Study of Higher Education
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A