A Positive Approach To Minority Student Retention At Texas A&M University

Abstract

This is a study that investigates the minority student retention problem at Texas A&M. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data are taken into account. In the quantitative portion, six variables are related to retention. These six variables are study habits, living arrangements, friends or peer support, involvement in extracurricular activities, involvement with a mentor or faculty member, and students' background characteristics. The sample consisted of one hundred forty-four junior and senior students. The test instrument was a survey questionnaire. In the qualitative section, the subjects are interviewed in four- or five-membered groups. Also, the deans and department heads are petitioned for information about the retention programs of their college. It was discovered that for these students, the most important factors in their retention were peer support and involvement with a mentor. Finally, the responses by the deans and department heads are reported.