Racial microaggressions are at the center of a debate on experimental vs. experiential reality. This issue might come down to epistemological differences, but we must continue to amass evidence of the existence of these harmful phenomena if they indeed exist. The current study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis with a small sample of…

The college student experience was severely altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the spring semester of 2020. At that time, college administrators had no idea what was in store for their students in the coming weeks, months, and ultimately years. Because the pandemic is still a new phenomenon, little research exists on the effect of…

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global move to distance education, and many keep using different aspects and tools for online learning. Online course enrollments are growing steadily among graduate and undergraduate students. Satisfaction with online courses is becoming a top priority for many colleges and universities. The competition for online…

With small liberal arts colleges (SLACs) producing an increased percentage of STEM graduates, whose voice resonates most regarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree persistence? Chemistry professor? Dad? Best friend? This study investigated if undergraduate student perception of close social subgroup influences…

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of college readiness reported by college sophomores from a private Christian university in the South. Data were collected from 42 participants by electronic questionnaire to investigate (a) the perceived areas of greatest and least preparedness, (b) factors perceived to influence participants'…

First-generation college student success is a matter of significance to college leaders across the United States. According to a recent study, over half of all undergraduate students are first-generation (RTI International, 2019). The problem, however, is that first-generation college students are more likely than continuing-generation students to…

Higher education costs have risen steadily over the last several decades, making it difficult for many students to afford college. Promise and other free-tuition programs have seen varied levels of success, but almost all programs studied have been in urban or suburban areas. A cross-sectional study examines if and to what extent guaranteed…

This dissertation study explores the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in first-grade classrooms and its impact on student engagement. The study emphasizes the importance of collaborative grade-level teams and teacher support in successfully implementing PBL. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach and takes place in a small rural…

The purpose of this study was to examine how institutional mission is expressed in the physical environment. Theoretical frameworks from institutional identity, campus ecology, and organizational strategy literature inform the paradigm of this inquiry. Content analysis was utilized to examine the mission statements and campus master planning…

As the world changes, institutions of higher education are constantly adopting new business practices in order to ensure future success of their institutions. While enrollment managers are focused on their marketing and recruitment tactics, high school students are being inundated with recruitment materials including invitations to visit campus, a…

Many school districts struggle to retain early career teachers, but the challenge is particularly pronounced in small and rural districts (Frahm & Cianca, 2021). The School-University Resource Network, a university center at William & Mary School of Education in Virginia, discovered this firsthand through a community of practice they…

Retention is a significant challenge at small universities and therefore research in this area is needed. The purpose of this quantitative correlational-predictive study was to examine to what extent high school GPA, standardized college entrance exam scores, and grit (perseverance and consistency) predict first to second year student retention at…

This qualitative case study identifies the systemic and explicit barriers that impede the progression from high school to college for first-generation college students (FGCS) at a Small Catholic Secondary School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Evidence indicates that FGCS experience more barriers in progressing from high school to college than their non-FGCS…

Admission to highly selective institutions offers a pathway to upward social mobility, particularly for low-resource students. However, entrenched wealth disparities in the United States present serious challenges for admission officers at highly selective institutions. Utilizing individualized holistic review (IHR), including letters of…

Dual enrollment (DE) courses are offered as an early college option to students at a small, rural high school in the mid-Atlantic region through a partnership with the regional community college. This study investigates the impacts of dual enrollment courses on the emotions and attitudes of students regarding college attendance and preparation.…