Exploring Student Success in the State of Mississippi

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division J Poster Session: College Student Success

Abstract

We explore and identify the environmental, institutional, and individual factors that facilitate or mitigate successful implementation and institutionalization of student success practices, using Institutional Ethnography (IE) and organizational theories. Data from this study was comprised of interviews, focus groups, and institutional documents from six public institutions in the state of Mississippi. Preliminary findings from this study reflect how institutions’ respective student success definitions, structures, data-use strategies, and external support, are informed by or inform institutional actors. The insights gained from this study contribute to collective understandings of and approaches to institutionalization, which supports actionable and context-responsive change strategies to enhance student success efforts.

Authors

• Leonard D. Taylor, Auburn University

• Tykeia Robinson, Association of American Colleges and Universities

• Felecia Elana Commodore, Old Dominion University