The impact of learning communities on the retention and social integration of African American students at a highly selective private four-year institution

UnrestrictedIn the last four decades, African American students have entered institutions of higher education at increasing rates, but this does not necessarily correspond to increased rates of retention. As a result, university administrators have demonstrated an increasing interest in identifying the factors that affect attrition and retention, specifically for under-represented students. Learning Communities are one way in which universities have tried to support students and positively impact their rates of retention and satisfaction within the institution. Although a large number of studies have focused on retention issues, there is still a great need to expand research to include the effects of learning communities on the retention of African American students.; The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors associated with learning communities that impact social integration and retention of African American students. And second, this study attempts to add to the existing literature while measuring African American students' perceived level of satisfaction and importance