http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
effect of campus climate issues on the perceptions and success of African American students
The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which African American students at a predominantly white research institution in Texas had to cope with a cold, isolating campus climate. Additionally, the study sought to illuminate the effects of a cold campus climate on the African American students' perceptions of and success within the academic environment. In order to accomplish these tasks, a sample of nineteen (19) African American students was selected for participation in the study. Doing the 1999 Spring semester, data for the nineteen participants were gathered through the use of a questionnaire developed to collect information on the following: 1) the students' perceptions of their campus environment and the experiences that helped to shape these perceptions; 2) the students' experiences with overt and covert bias-related conduct; 3) the coping mechanisms that were employed by the students to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that resulted from overt and/or covert bias-related conduct; and 4) the impact that either overt or covert bias-related conduct had on the students' general success and development. Although ten of the informants claimed that their college campus had a welcoming atmosphere, it was determined that many characteristics of the campus environment served to create an uncomfortable atmosphere for those students who participated in the study. The informants argued that feeling marginalized from the university culture and student body contributed to the perception that the campus climate was unreceptive to African American students. The primary coping mechanisms for the informants were increased campus involvement and social segregation. Nevertheless, twelve of the informants argued that the negative campus climate had in fact strengthened and propelled them toward success. The primary implications of the study propose that African American students desire to be an integral part of their educational environment and that when this inclusion does not occur, then loneliness and isolation occur. The recommendations, therefore, focus on encouraging the university to become equipped in meeting the social needs of African American and other minority students on campus with the focus on creating a more welcoming campus climate.
"Major Subject: Educational Administration".
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-189).