A literature review on retention as it relates explicitly to women and people of color suggests that specific and unique factors play a part in student persistence. Despite the gains made in enrollment on college campuses, this group of students seems to have a particularly difficult time completing degree requirements. This article reflects on key variables that affect persistence in this group of students as well as institutional responses to the retention problem. Also, the need for curricular reform to address the experiences of minorities and women and the need for gender equity in the classroom are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AguilarM. (1996). Promoting the educational achievement of Mexican American young women. National Association of Social Workers, 18 (3), 145–156.
2.
BelenkyM. F.ClinchyB. M.GoldbergerN. R., & TaruleJ. M. (1986). Women's ways of knowing: The development of self, voice, and mind. New York: Basic Books.
3.
BrendenM. (1985). Retention of undergraduate women of nontraditional age: Patterns, strategies, and services. Journal of the National Association for Women Deans, Administrators, and Counselors, 48, 22–27.
4.
CarfagnaR. (1994). Creating gender equity in the c1assroom: An inclusive core curriculum. The College Board Review, 172, 8–13.
5.
ChenowethK. (1999). HBCUs tackle the knotty problem of retention. Black Issues in Higher Education, 15 (26) 38–41.
6.
CollisonM. (1999). The new complexion of retention services. Black Issues in Higher Education, 15 (26), 34–37.
7.
CollisonM. (2000). The ‘other’ Asians. Black Issues in Higher Education, February 3, 20–24.
8.
CongosD., & SchoepsN. (1997). A model for evaluating retention programs. Journal of Developmental Education, 21 (2), 2–8.
9.
DanielJ. (1997). Why should we worry about the numbers?Black Issues in Higher Education, 14, 33.
10.
DervaricsC., & RoachR. (2000). Fortifying the federal presence in retention. Black Issues in Higher Education, March 30, 20–25.
11.
FirestoneJ., & HarrisR. (1994). Hispanic women in Texas: An increasing portion of the underclass. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 16, 176–184.
12.
FlowersJ. (1998). Improving female enrollment in Tech Ed. The Technology Teacher, 58 (2), 21–25.
13.
KunkelC. (1994). Women's needs on campus: How universities meet them. Initiatives, 56 (2), 15–28.
14.
MercerD. (1993). Older coeds: Predicting who will stay this time. Journal of Research and Development in Education, 26 (3), 153–163.
15.
NewmanP., & NewmanB. (1999). What does it take to have a positive impact on minority students' college retention?Adolescence, 34 (135), 483–491.
16.
NoraA. (1990). Campus-based aid programs as determinants of retention among Hispanic community college students. Journal of Higher Education, 61 (3), 312–330.
17.
RendonL. (1992). From the barrio to the academy: Revelations of a Mexican American “scholarship girl.”New Directions for Community Colleges, 80, 55–64.
18.
RinnM. (1995, September 1). Surviving the first year of college. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 11–13.
19.
RinnM. (1996, January 19). Creating a more inclusive classroom. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 8–9.
20.
RoachR. (1997, November 27). Retention pacesetter: University of Virginia. Black Issues in Higher Education, 35.
21.
RoachR. (1999). Succeeding on white campuses. Black Issues in Higher Education, 15 (26), 42–43.
22.
RodriguezR. (1997, November 27). Learning to live a warrior's life. Black Issues in Higher Education, 38–40.
23.
SadkerM.SadkerD.FoxL., & SalataM. (1994). Gender equity in the classroom: The unfinished agenda. The College Board Review170, 14–21.
24.
SeidmanA. (1996). Retention revisited: R=E, Id + E & In, Iv. College and University, 71 (4), 18–20.
SidleM., & McReynoldsJ. (1999). The freshman year experience: Student retention and student success. NASPA Journal, 36 (4), 288–300.
27.
SternG. (1995, December 8). Minority students outnumber whites. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 6–8.
28.
TintoV. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
29.
WyckoffS. (1998). Retention theories in higher education: Implications for institutional practice. Recruitment & Retention in Higher Education, 12 (2), 2–7.
30.
ZumdahlS. (1996). Mission impossible? Improving retention of science majors among minorities and women. Journal of Chemical Education, 73 (11), A266–A267.
