Date Approved

5-13-2024

Embargo Period

5-13-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Leadership, Administration, and Research

College

College of Education

Advisor

Ane Turner Johnson, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Sarah Ferguson, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Penny McPherson Myers, Ed.D.

Keywords

digital platforms; first-generation; onboarding; social support; transition to college

Subject(s)

First-generation college students; Universities and colleges--Admission

Disciplines

Higher Education | Higher Education Administration

Abstract

This mixed methods case study sought to explain first-generation college applicant melt with respect to support provided through a digital onboarding platform at State University. Data were analyzed to understand use of the platform for social support purposes, resulting in a predictive model that demonstrated social support was a greater predictor of melt among first-generation college applicants than both distance from home and adjusted gross income. Additionally, staff were interviewed regarding support practices and platform usage. Three key findings emerged: the onboarding platform did not provide adequate support to applicants; enrollment management staff scrambled to compensate for this support gap; and ultimately, this resulted in untrackable and potentially inequitable support practices. The findings demonstrated that support has a positive relationship with melt reduction, but support practices and technology use alignment is required to ensure systematic, equitable, and effective support distribution.

Download

Share

COinS