Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

937

Adriene Davis

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Committee Chair

Anna Mueller

Committee Member

Zandria Robinson

Committee Member

Wesley James

Abstract

Although college attendance rates continue to rise in the United States during the 21st century, college completion percentages still lag behind. This put those not able to persist through higher education at a disadvantage, particularly because of the financial and opportunity costs of attending college without successful completion. Using data collected from 20 semi-structured interviews, I examine how social support helps students navigate and succeed during college. From the data I find that the various social relationships students cultivate in college with peers, upperclassmen and college-educated family members, as well as through involvement in on-campus groups and organizations can provide them with social capital that helps them get ahead academically. Acquiring knowledge and information about different aspects of college life (both academically and socially) from these networks may be important for 21st century students to succeed in college.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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