ERIC Number: ED633954
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 268
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3795-0287-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Underrepresented Students' Experiences with Diversity Support Programs in a Southeastern American University
Conway, Rachel Blankenship
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, The University of West Florida
Initiatives across U.S. higher education institutions have championed diversity efforts as a top priority; however, effectiveness and overall benefits remain unclear, specifically of diversity support programs. Although universities' budgets have accommodated the costs of diversity initiatives, authentic motives and program executions remain ill-defined. Globalization and domestic demographic shifts have been significant contenders for diversification efforts. As of 2016, over 35% of the U.S. population was racially or ethnically diverse and roughly 48% of that population were enrolled in public school systems (Bocanegra et al., 2016; Dingel & Sage, 2020). For tertiary schools, the international student population has increased by 85% since 2005 (Rivas et al., 2019; Will, 2016). Therefore, the diversity landscape and needs of higher education are also transforming. This qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis investigated minority and underrepresented students' experiences with diversity support programs in a Southeastern American university. The theoretical framework of double consciousness provided the investigative lens for exploring students' lived experiences. After applying criterion sampling methods, I selected four Black students and two international students as participants. Open-ended interview questions were the primary data source. Overall, participants had positive experiences with diversity support programs. The findings suggest diversity support programs provide students a familiar sense of community that aid feelings of comfort and in building confidence. However, aligning with existing literature, findings also suggest these students embrace various actions of self-segregation. Future research should evaluate students' experiences and associated implications for higher education, including how diversity support programs contribute to student success, both academically and socially. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Higher Education, Minority Group Students, Student Diversity, Disproportionate Representation, Student Personnel Services, College Students, African American Students, Foreign Students, Student Attitudes, Student Experience, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
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