From acceptance to enrollment: An approach to enrolling Black/African-American students at a rural PWI
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Mike A. Langford (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Emily Virtue
Abstract: In the competitive landscape of higher education, institutions grapple with the challenge of fostering racial diversity and a sense of belonging among students, particularly at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This disquisition presents a comprehensive improvement initiative implemented at Western Carolina University (WCU) aimed at increasing Black student enrollment. Drawing on Improvement Science methods, the study assesses the effectiveness of the introduced changes during the 2023 enrollment year.This study underscores the critical role of students' belief they will belong at WCU after their acceptance thus easing their decision to enroll. The study highlights recent positive shifts in WCU admissions practices, primarily hiring current students, which have improved applicants’ communication and connection with the university. Examining the potential impact of the Supreme Court's 2023 case on affirmative action, the author discusses anticipated challenges to maintaining racial diversity at the institution. Moreover, the paper addresses the historical context of racial exclusion in higher education and emphasizes the need for a diverse perspective in decision-making processes. Finally, this study offers insights into the complexities of admissions processes, suggesting that fostering diversity and belonging requires a multifaceted approach. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions in higher education on creating more inclusive environments and underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers that prospective students may encounter during the admissions process while determining their college choice.
From acceptance to enrollment: An approach to enrolling Black/African-American students at a rural PWI
PDF (Portable Document Format)
1399 KB
Created on 2/1/2024
Views: 1
Additional Information
- Publication
- Other
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Admissions, Black Student Enrollment, Enrollment, Predominatly White Institutions, Rural Serving Institututions
- Subjects
- School enrollment
- College students, Black
- Rural schools
- Belonging (Social psychology)
- Western Carolina University