This study addresses the persistent challenge of student retention in higher education by investigating the often-neglected role of staff in shaping student belonging and success, with a specific focus on open-enrollment, dual-mission institutions in Utah. Recognizing the complexities introduced by shifting student demographics and the growth of…

This quantitative study examined grit and hope scores with a population of first-year Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM) students. The researcher strived to understand if higher grit and hope scores correlate with higher grade point averages (GPA) and persistence in STEM among first-year STEM students enrolled in a mid-sized, suburban,…

Adults represent a vital and growing undergraduate demographic, bringing diverse experiences and expectations to the educational environment, yet their unique needs are often underserved. Adult learners face challenges beyond attending classes or completing homework (Bellare et al., 2023). This study examines the interplay between satisfaction,…

The Latinx community is a fast-growing population in the United States. With notable increases over the years, the Latinx population has become one of the nation's most significant "minority" groups and largest youth populations. As Latinos grow in America they grow in higher education. It is also essential to recognize that the Latinx…

Nationally, retaining students in adult basic education (ABE) is an ongoing challenge for numerous programs. The problem is the low retention rates among adult basic education learners in a non-profit ABE program in a large metropolitan city in Georgia. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how persistence affects student…

Motivation profoundly influences human behavior, shaping skill acquisition and utilization while propelling goal pursuit and success. This study delves into motivation's universality across human endeavors, emphasizing how motivated individuals undertake actions to achieve their objectives. It examines motivation's critical role in enhancing…

Academic persistence of third- and fourth-year students in higher education is a critical concern for institutions for understanding degree completion. Previous studies have recognized that student persistence is influenced by institutional factors. However, few studies have examined the relationship between teacher leadership styles and student…

The problem that was addressed through this study is the declining student degree completion rate for a public state baccalaureate institution in a northwestern state over the six-year period of 2014 to 2020. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if completion of an undergraduate degree within six years could be predicted by the…

There has been a notable increase in the number of first-generation students pursuing a college degree. However, there is a mismatch between the number of first-generation students entering college and the number of them continuing their mission through college. Given the college completion disparity for first-generation students, it is essential…

The problem investigated in this study was the trend of decreasing student retention of first-year, degree-seeking college students at an independent community college located in northeastern New Mexico. The purpose of the study was to examine the association between student retention and program utilization. The research question was to determine…

A Southeastern school district created freshman academies to assist freshman students with strategies and support they need to combat ninth-grade failure successfully, but little change was observed. The purpose of the study was to explore teachers' perceptions of the freshman academy's transition program structure, benefits, challenges, and…

RN-BSN programs in the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region, have experienced a decrease in enrollment in the last several years (AACN, 2023). In addition, Northeast University has faced retention challenges in recent years. Mentoring is beneficial in higher education when implemented, nurtured, and sustained throughout a student's…

This study examined the relationship between attendance at entertainment events and first year retention. First year retention is a strong indicator that a student will persist through to completion of a bachelor's degree. The purpose of the study was to determine if a significant relationship exists between student attendance at social events on…

In recent years, social status has been re-conceptualized as a unique and dynamic social identity that shapes motivational processes, guiding pursuits of status-related goals. Therefore, social status is not a static social positioning, but instead a developing construct that informs cognitions and behaviors, particularly during status…

The researcher used qualitative phenomenology to study the perception of first-generation college students who have successfully persisted at an HBCU. The researcher sought to determine whether first-generation students who persist in college perceive parental involvement to be a contributing factor. Today, over 37% of students enrolled in…