There is a critical need to broaden access to engineering education in order to build a strong and diverse engineering workforce. However, four-year engineering programs are typically designed for students who are calculus-ready, so many students who wish to study engineering may need additional preparation and time to succeed. The NSF-funded…

Higher education institutions have strategically and circumspectly managed the responsibility for students' wellness by departmentalizing mental health support into voluntary services led by the university counseling and wellness departments. Departments such as counseling wellness, academic advisement, and student engagement are just some of the…

Increasing the representation of skilled workers in STEM fields has been a priority in the United States, with a particular emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups. While urban areas with established higher education institutions have made efforts to engage underrepresented students in STEM, this study sheds light on the challenges faced by…

High school graduation and successful entry into post-secondary education or the workforce has been a priority for educational policymakers, career development scholars, and educators for decades. Consensual qualitative research methods were used to analyze 11 education professionals working in high schools with high free and reduced lunch rates…

Retention is a continuing concern for institutions of higher education, especially rural community colleges. Students are often not prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework, encounter academic and/or life obstacles, or do not possess the soft skills needed to succeed in college life. Research has shown that college-preparation courses…

Over the years, the evolution of student development theories has paved the way to include diverse students, including students with disabilities (SWD). Still, student development theories are yet to employ a view of disability as a social category and an identity. To fill this gap, the current study applies the three waves of student development…

In "The Learning-Centered University," renowned historian Steven Mintz unveils a comprehensive blueprint for addressing the critical issues of stagnating incomes and productivity, persistent wealth inequalities, and political polarization plaguing colleges and universities today. With practical strategies and a deep understanding of the…

Though many colleges and universities claim to be driven by missions that highlight access, equity, and student success, academic policy and practice do not always mirror these claims. American higher education institutions are "obsessed with smartness" (Astin, 2017), yet fail to support educational attainment in an equitable manner.…

Students with autism are enrolling in college more frequently, yet graduation rates for these students remain low. One reason posited is a lack of self-determination (SD) skills, which help students communicate with faculty and staff and act on goals. This study investigated how faculty at a community college support students in developing these…

Black male student-athletes at predominantly White institutions (PWI) are funneled through Student-athlete Academic Support Services (SASS) programs where advisors primarily focus on maintaining NCAA athletic eligibility instead of degree completion, which is detrimental to their academic identity development. The purpose of this qualitative,…

Higher education often involves academic challenges like course selection or financial aid navigation. Developing effective study skills, mastering time management, refining note-taking techniques, and tackling complex course content demands dedication and proactivity. However, support services such as academic skills workshops and writing centers…

This qualitative phenomenological study utilized high school graduate perceptions to identify pedagogical methods, educational structures, and school supports that improved their participation, inclusion, and growth within their classrooms and coursework. The research was focused on students identified at-risk to graduate high school and how…