Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Maureen Walsh

Abstract

Declining enrollment of African American 1st-year students at a predominately White institution (PWI) may indicate an unwelcoming campus culture. For the last 5 years, African American 1st-year enrollment has decreased at a local PWI. The purpose of this study was to better understand how the campus climate may influence the enrollment decision making process for African American 1st-year students. Using critical race theory and rational choice theory as the conceptual framework, this study examined how African American 1st-year student perceptions of campus climate at the local institution influenced their decision to enroll and how their experiences are shared to others. Using a basic qualitative research design, 11 African American 1st-year students were interviewed. While these students were not aware of racist incidents on campus prior to enrolling, African American 1st-year students were able to describe positive elements of the university’s academic climate once on camps. Post enrollment decision, these students felt comfortable and safe at campus events and locations that provided engagement with other African American students. While there were some negative 1st-year experiences, these students indicated that they would encourage other African Americans to attend the local institution to benefit from the available resources. To increase the awareness of the institution’s administration and staff towards students of color, a 3 day professional development conference was developed to empower school officials to cocreate a safe and welcoming environment. Exploring the role that campus climate plays in the decision-making process for African American students created clear positive social change implications to improve inclusion and increase welcomeness in predominantly White academic settings.

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