This study explores the academic transition experiences of African international students at a U.S. community college, with a focus on institutional support and associated challenges. Using a qualitative single case study approach, in-depth interviews with eight students revealed three central themes: supportive academic environments, academic and…

This action research study investigated the academic integration and persistence of first-generation, second-year Latino students in a community college in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate persistence and integration among first-generation Latinos. Using Tinto's theory of persistence, the…

This study explores the impact of instructional modality and session length on student success and retention in first-semester Japanese and Spanish language courses at a large urban community college. The research analyzed pre- and post-tests, final grades, and retention rates across multiple academic terms, including standard 16-week and…

For many students, transportation presents a barrier to college completion. In 2020-21, the average commuter student could expect to spend nearly one-fifth of their total living expenses on transportation costs. Transportation programs have the potential to offer students some relief--and help them reach college graduation--yet more rigorous…

With troop withdrawals in Iraq and the recent U.S. peace treaty with the Taliban in Afghanistan, community colleges can expect more veterans on their campuses in the near future. Many institutions are eager to serve these students but are not certain how to meet their needs. Veteran students contend with a range of issues, from the bureaucracy of…

While Pell-grants and other financial aid offers the payment of college, students of low-income have little to no assistance for cost-of-living expenses. Frequently, students go without supplies, technology, and internet connections; they even live without the security of food and shelter. Students of low-income face barriers that leave them…

The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate the funding equitably across community college districts in Michigan. Pursuant to this investigation, the disproportionate effect that community college funding has on underserved populations was examined. This research utilized a quantitative approach, including descriptive statistics,…

Given the increasing number of community college students aspiring to complete a bachelor's degree and the decrease in traditional college-bound high school graduates universities have started to focus their attention on the recruitment and retention of transfer students. The institution in this study is a large public research institution located…

There are 44 million adults over the age of 24 who hold a high school diploma, and another 35 million adults who have some college credit, but have not earned their college degree. These numbers make adult learners a viable population to attract and matriculate at community colleges. Considering the impact adult learners would have on enrollment…

Creating engaging student-faculty interactions has been a challenge for instructors teaching at community colleges in the United States. The purpose of this research study was to explore the relationship between student-faculty interactions and students' course engagement and completion. To explore this relationship, the research study collected…

Persistence of first-year, full-time students toward graduation at U.S. community colleges poses concerns for administrators, faculty, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of faculty members teaching a college success seminar at an urban multicampus community college on what impedes or supports the persistence…

As community colleges embark upon this new phase of the technological era, there exists a larger need to understand how math eLearners engage in their courses with their instructors and fellow students. Community colleges invest in several technologies and resources to engage their learners in their math eLearning courses, yet little research has…

First-generation college students are concentrated at community colleges, and nearly half of those students who identify as being first-generation come from a low-income background. This qualitative study utilized a conceptual framework to explore understand how LI-FG (low-income, first-generation) community college students, particularly students…

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US affecting almost 60% of college women ages 20 to 24 years. At one west coast community college, two thirds of males and half of females were unaware of HPV vaccine recommendation through age 26 years. Objectives: This aim of this project is…

This dissertation examines the relationship between academic advisor interventions and course outcomes following an academic alert raised by faculty in the Starfish Retention Solutions software program at a small, rural community college in west-central Illinois. Utilizing a quantitative correlational study, using binary logistic regression…