Grades in introductory STEM courses can impact intrinsic motivation (IM) and self-efficacy (SE). We used an exploratory approach to examine trends in grades and how IM and SE impact students' grades. It is known that most first-generation (FG) college students are from underrepresented backgrounds (URM), and that these students are least likely to…

According to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN, 2023), each year, thousands of high school graduates leave billions of dollars in federal student aid unclaimed because they do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To holistically investigate this phenomenon, this dissertation accomplished three goals. The…

We examined the role of counseling centers in retention in universities, specifically for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+); as first generation; and as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) and students who have a mental illness diagnosis. Number of sessions at the center was associated with…

Objective: This research seeks to understand food insecurity experiences among students at a large public university in the southern United States. Participants: Participants consented and completed an online survey disseminated on campus in April-May 2021 (N = 418). The participants sampled were predominantly undergraduate (78.2%), females…

Low retention and graduation rates among African American college students remain a national concern (Pike & Robbins, 2020). Many dropped out within their first year of enrollment (Gordon et al., 2021). Researchers attributed high attrition to low graduation and retention rates (Oates, 2019). Tinto and Cullen's (1973) Model of Departure and…

This study examined how students from historically marginalized identity groups (i.e., Black and Latinx, females, and first-generation college students) engage momentarily in a school-based task. We explored how John Henryism, defined as effortful, active coping as a response to environmental stress, and growth and fixed mindset mediate the…

To meet the demands of its current and future workforce, Colorado needs to increase postsecondary attainment. To do this, we must help more students find affordable pathways to postsecondary education so they have the confidence to enroll. One way to increase enrollment in higher education, particularly for low- and middle-income students, is to…

The present study examines the potential protective effect of familial support among first-gen Mexican descent college students regarding GPA, college persistence, and depressive symptoms. Participants included 487 Mexican descent college students from across the United States (66.7% first-gen). Results indicated that being a first-gen student was…

This qualitative study investigates how first-generation undergraduate students of Color at a historically white institution in the U.S. make sense and process the university's mission, especially in relation to the theoretical frameworks of intersectionality and post-subjectivity. U.S. universities are often structured on market-driven…

Students who are the first in their family to go to university (first-generation students [FGS]) are still underrepresented at universities. One of the considered reasons for this is their lack of social support. Our study followed a group of German students at two time points: after their first educational choice and at the end of their first…

First-generation, minority, undergraduate students experiencing the imposter phenomenon need more support programs in their transition to higher education. This study focused on examining how students experience the imposter phenomenon and also identifying the additional strategies and support that those in academic advising offices can implement.…

Across two experimental university studies, we examined how small changes in language embedded in advising communications influence student outcomes (e.g., support, persistence) and explored the utility of advising micromessages congruent with growth mindset and appreciative advising for diverse student populations. We found that micromessages…

This present study explores influences that contribute to academic resilience in the transfer process of 11 Mexican and Mexican American community college transfer students at a public, Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) on the West Coast of the United States. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analyzed using Moustakas'…

The study examines ascribed, financial, and college factors to predict study abroad participation among a national sample of students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Based on a longitudinal sample of 398 fourth-year participants of a national scholarship program (consisting of more than 50% students of color and 50% first-generation…

Peer mentors can significantly influence the success of undergraduates, particularly in science programs for those identifying as first-generation and historically marginalized. We sought to better understand the roles and expectations of the peer mentors themselves in a pre-health program for first-generation students, many of whom identify as…