Academic Success of Minority Males at Division II Universities

The academic success of minority males has come to the attention of colleges and universities since the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of these males has decreased to lower than that of any other population. Although minority students are entering college at a higher rate than in previous years, they continue to leave at a higher rate than non-minorities (Seidman, 2005, p.8). Division II schools, with limited resources, are held responsible to develop academic success opportunities for minority males regardless of the high school attended. Research suggests that students who graduate from preparatory high schools have a better chance of success in college than those who graduate from other types of high schools. As the recruitment of minority males continues to increase at institutions of higher education, the high school attended must cease to be an excuse for failure in higher education. Passionate staff and departments, supported by committed administration, can change this trend through development of initiatives that will increase the academic success of minority males. Division II predominately white institutions in the Midwest, both public and private, that recruit minority males can implement institutional initiatives that are conducive to the academic success of minority males