THE ROADBLOCKS TO

BLACK STUDENTS'
ADVANCEMENT ON
COLLEGE CAMPUSES
JHADA HUTCHINSON
INTRODUCTION

Colleges are failing to support Black students and

the Black community. Despite advances in
institutional diversity support and increased
awareness of cultural competency, some changes
still need to be made and as a result, these issues
have negatively impacted marginalized groups of
students and their college success. This is largely
due to systematic systems and stressors.
 PURPOSE OF STUDY

The goal of this research is to learn about the

experiences of Black college students in order
to better serve this growing population in
intentional, caring ways that will benefit
society and black students' advancement.

The following research questions that framed this study is:

1. What role does race play in college attendance?
2. What are some of the obstacles that black students face within higher education?
3. What are some suggestions and recommendations for improving black students
experiences on campus?
 OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Studies suggest (Jones, Cobb, Asaka, & Chappell, 2021) that Black students seek
internal validation based on their ability to succeed in white spaces and/or white
colleges. Black students face challenges such as cultural prejudges and self-
conceptualization.

Self-concept theory, students should see themselves as part of the institution. They
recognize their surroundings and discover with what and whom they identify. Students
who make this transition are more likely to continue their studies and earn a degree.

White teachers are less likely to give Black students consistent reinforcement, which can
be harmful. Along with that, Black students find it difficult to get close to white faculty
and staff because they believe that white faculty are prejudiced toward them (Williams,
Parrish, Ferguson, Burrows, and Reed 2021). The absence of powerful Black figures as
role models has strong effects on their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
 Qualitative data is research that helps us
METHODOLOGY
understand why and how things happen
behind certain behaviors. (Pritha
Bhandari, 2020)

Administration will conduct case study interviews with student leaders over the course
of a year, asking them interview questions about their experiences as black students in
college.
Surveys will also be done for anyone that attends the tabling events after focus
groups are conducted
This research will be held at two schools outside of the country and ten in other
states.
 SAMPLING

CONVENIENCE SAMPLE

FLYERS AROUND CAMPUS WITH QR

CODES

STAFF TABLING IN THE STUDENT

UNION WILL OFFER FREE SHIRTS AND,
20$ DINING DOLLARS TO PEOPLE
THAT PARTICIPATE
 You are a part of or see clubs and organizations
How safe do you feel on campus?
on campus that fit your identity

INTERVIEW STRUCTURE/QUESTIONS

Your campus creates a safe/brave space for you

How supported do you feel on
to discuss and learn about things such as race,
campus by faculty and staff?
culture and ethnicity
 ANTICIPATED FINDINGS

Students have felt isolated,

01 discriminated against or like they don't
belong on their campus

Students report not feeling safe on

02 campus

Students have a black or POC mentor

03 that help guide them through college

Inclusivity in what is being taught and

04 learned in the classroom
THE GOAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH A
FULFILLING KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE. WE ARE DOING OUR JOBS AS
HIGHER EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS WHEN WE CREATE AN
INCLUSIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR EVERYONE.

THIS TOPIC SHOULD BE RESEARCHED BECAUSE SOME STUDENTS OF

COLOR FACE SYSTEMATIC AND UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION.

Everyone has the right to an education, to learn, and to develop so they can make
meaningful contributions to society.
 REFERENCES

Jones, S. R., Cobb, C., Asaka, J. O., Story, C. R., Stevens, M. C., & Chappell, M. F. (2021)

Tani, N.E., Williams, S.C., Parrish, R., Ferguson, C., Burrows, D. and Reed, A. (2021),

Bhandari, P. What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples. Scribbr. (2023)