Experiences of Students of Color and First-Generation Students: A Case Study of a Living-Learning Community

Abstract

At the request of Model University administration, a team of Vanderbilt University EdD students in Higher Education Leadership and Policy investigated the impacts of Model’s Residential Community (RC) system on students of color and first-generation students. Utilizing a mixed methods approach including quantitative analyses of institutional survey data (Your First College Year and National Survey of Student Engagement), qualitative interviews with student participants, and a document analysis of publicly available documents about the RC system, the team posed two questions: 1. What programming and resources are needed via the RC model to support students of color and first-generation students in campus life and academics? 2. To what extent do the RC model offerings align with the needs and desired outcomes by Model for students of color and first-generation students?