Date Approved

6-26-2008

Embargo Period

3-21-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Higher Education Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton R.

Subject(s)

African American college students--New Jersey; Universities and colleges--New Jersey--Sociological aspects

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine student perceptions of advising relationships, administrative interactions, classroom climate, peer interactions, faculty interactions and diversity of campus services, and in which of these dimensions students felt they mattered or were marginalized most. Further, this study sought to determine if there was relationship between the dimensions of the institutional environment. Lastly, the study aimed to find out if there was a statistical relationship between student perception of the environment and their involvement in student organizations. The study also examined the student's perception of their involvement in relation to their perceived significance to the institution. A survey, Perceptions on Community, was carefully conducted of selected African American students at Rowan University. The survey data were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Services (SPSS) software. Findings in this study were consistent with previous research on mattering and marginality of African American students. Overall, African American students perceived that they matter at Rowan University. There were areas where student perceptions of mattering and marginality were mixed. Students felt they mattered most to academic and personal advisors, and felt most marginalize in the classroom. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.

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