Date Approved
6-2-2025
Embargo Period
6-2-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Higher Education
Department
Higher Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Tyrone McCombs, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Andrew Tinnin, Ed.D.
Disciplines
Education | Higher Education
Abstract
The study explores the perceptions of Black undergraduate students regarding the racial climate at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Utilizing quantitative methodologies, the research examines how Black students experience and interpret interactions, institutional policies, and campus culture as they navigate spaces often characterized by racial homogeneity. Key areas of focus include feelings of belonging, exposure to microaggressions, access to culturally relevant resources, and the role of peer and faculty support in shaping these experiences. Findings reveal a complex interplay of support and alienation, with participants reporting both affirming and discriminatory experiences. Many students highlighted the significance of student-led cultural organizations and diversity initiatives in fostering a sense of inclusion yet expressed concerns about the limited representation of Black faculty and staff and the persistence of implicit biases among peers and instructors. These insights underscore the need for PWIs to develop proactive strategies aimed at creating an equitable and inclusive campus environment for all students. By centering the voices of Black undergraduates, this study contributes to the broader discourse on equity in higher education and offers actionable recommendations for improving the racial climate at PWIs.
Recommended Citation
Reyes, Solana, "Understanding the Perceptions of Campus Racial Climate of Black Undergraduate Students at a PWI" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3375.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3375
