Date Approved

5-21-2020

Embargo Period

5-26-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Tinnin, Andrew

Committee Member 1

Walpole, MaryBeth

Committee Member 2

McCombs, Tyrone

Keywords

African American, Black Men, College, Soft Skills, Student Activities, Student Involvement

Subject(s)

African-American college students; Rowan University--Students

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

The following study is an exploration of the views Black male college students have of the soft skills they have developed through participation in a predominately Black student organization. I used a focus group moderator guide with questions, adapted from Stansberry and Burnett (2014) and modified from Evans (2016) and Saraceno (2019) to serve as the instrument for this qualitative study. I gathered data from a focus groups consisting of Black male college students who are enrolled at Rowan University and participate in Black student organizations on campus. The focus group discussion pertained to the participants' experiences with predominantly Black student groups and other student groups on campus and how those experiences relate to the development of soft skills such as interpersonal and communication. Utilizing the data collected from the focus group, I offered an analysis of the relationship between Black student organizations and the soft skills Black males develop while enrolled in college at a predominantly White institution. The analysis of this study provided the foundation for recommendations in the areas of student affairs practice and support for Black male college students.

Download

Share

COinS