Exploring the perceptions of students of color of regarding the services and factors contributing to their success: A phenomenological hermeneutics study

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of students of color regarding the services and factors that contribute to their academic success. Theoretical framework: The socioecological model was utilized to develop focus group questions, identify codes, and sort codes into pre-determined categories. Methodology: Prospective qualitative phenomenological hermeneutics was utilized to gather the lived experiences and perceptions from students. Structural and axial coding techniques were used to identify codes and sort them into emerging themes. Findings: Many themes emerged regarding what students perceived as supports to their success in higher education. Students identified barriers and issues they faced while being students of color at a predominantly White institution, while also discussing how they were building resilience and succeeding despite those issues. Students also provided recommendations on how to improve the retention and success of students of color. Implications for practice and recommendations to further this research are provided. Conclusion: Students of color continue to succeed in higher education despite well researched factors that impede their success. Support across all levels of the socioecological model are still needed to continue supporting the success of students of color