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.
Recommended Citation
Coltri, Amanda Dawn, "Social Support of First-Generation College Applicants During the Transition to College Onboarding Phase: A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Case Study" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 3222.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3222
