Why Men of Color Depart From Higher Education: The Sense-Making of Men of Color

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Act Like You Know Us: Understudied and Underresearched Populations in Higher Education (Table 1)

Abstract

For decades, scholars have documented the multiple factors contributing to “why” men of color leave college. However, few have centered the knowledge and perspectives of men of color, themselves. Using sense-making and interview data from 110 college men across five campuses, students share why their men of color peers struggle and leave college. Participants demonstrated a hyper awareness about their status as men of color. They noted that unclear directions and pathways as well as limited knowledge about support systems were the leading factors contributing to their departure. Authors provide recommendations to college practitioners to improve retention efforts.

Authors

• Adrian H. Huerta, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author

• Maritza Elizabeth Salazar, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author

• Miranda Yvonne Munoz, San Diego State University
  Presenting Author

• Lauren Marguerita V Badajos, University of Arizona
  Presenting Author

• Jesse Morroquin
  Presenting Author