Meeting the needs of African-American students on predominantly White campuses

LaVerne Carolyn Jackson-Harvey, Marquette University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of satisfaction of African-American students at predominantly White institutions relative to their needs being met. This was determined by the replication of a study conducted by the author 10 years ago at Marquette University. The present study examined the levels of satisfaction of African-American students and was based on variables similar to those of the previous study. The study addressed the following research questions: (1) Are African-American students satisfied with the campus environment? (2) Do the levels of satisfaction differ between African-American female and male students? (3) Are the needs and concerns of African-American students being addressed and met on predominantly White campuses? (4) Do the levels of satisfaction differ among African-American students with regard to the number of years in attendance? and (5) Do the levels of satisfaction differ between EOP and non-EOP African-American students? An African-American student needs assessment survey which was comprised of three parts was given to 154 fulltime African-American students at Marquette University. Analysis of the data revealed the following: (1) African-American students in attendance at Marquette University were not satisfied with the campus environment; (2) no significant difference exist between male and female African-American students with regard to levels of satisfaction except in the area of minority counseling and advising; (3) the needs and concerns of African-American student are not being adequately addressed; (4) no significant difference existed based on the number of years in attendance in college except in the area of African-American student involvement in programming of activities usually handled by the Student Government Association; and (5) significant differences exist between EOP and non-EOP African-American students in the areas of financial aid; African-American or racial minority-oriented extracurricular organizations; minority housing options; and facilities for African-American or minority recreational, cultural and social events.

This paper has been withdrawn.