Supporting At-Risk Students in a Small Private University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand factors that hinder success of at-risk students and whether blending advising models helps students who are on academic warning or probation. In this chapter, the researchers reflect on the development and implementation of an academic recovery program (ARP) that involved 332 at-risk students during a three-year period, beginning in the Fall of 2016. When conceptualized, the ARP centered on the issue of development of students on all levels – as individuals, as scholars, and as creators and consumers of knowledge.

The results show that 54% of ARP students exited the program with good standing and persisted at the university (graduated or enrolled at the end of the period of the study). Of the 46% that were not retained by the university, 32% left with good standing. Qualitative explorations indicated that students in the program experienced a variety of academic and external challenges that prevented students from reaching success. These challenges resulted in heightened levels of stress and anxiety about their college success.

Citation

Chernobilsky, E., Chesler, B., Genfi, H., Hayes, S. and Oliva-Marquez, J. (2021), "Supporting At-Risk Students in a Small Private University", Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P. and Makhanya, M. (Ed.) Humanizing Higher Education through Innovative Approaches for Teaching and Learning (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 35), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120200000035006