Laura Soerensson EPPL 751

1. Laura SoerenssonEPPL 751 Latino Faculty Role Models: Their Effects on Latino Student Retention

2. Purpose of Study • The purpose of the study is to attempt to reveal the cultural and social capital gained by Latino students who have Hispanic faculty role models; and their effects on retention. • Outcomes of this study may help administrators to implement a retention strategy tailored specifically to Latino students.

3. Action Research Umbrella: Perceptions, Views, and Design: Role Models as a Retention Strategy for Latinos Students Theme 2: Cultural Capital Increasing Cultural Capital as a Retention Strategy Can role models increase the cultural capital of Latino students? Theme 3: Ethnicity Recognizing that ethnicity may play a role for students Is it important to have Latino faculty as role models for Latino students? Theme 1: Social Capital Increasing Social Capital as a Retention Strategy Can role models increase the social capital of Latino Students? • 1. Does using Hispanic faculty as mentors aid Latino students in gaining social and cultural capitol? • 2. Does increased social and cultural capital improve Latino student retention?

4. Ethnicity sub-theme in relation to role models:Why is it important to use ethnic (Latino) faculty? • Gloria and Rodriguez (2002) warns that an understanding of cultural (norms, traditions, acculturation, ethnic identity) and social factors (social networks that include family and faculty) are crucial when advising Latino students. • A Latino faculty mentor may expand the student’s access to resources for coping with the stresses of academia. As students gain social and cultural confidence, their adaptation and therefore retention, may also increase.

5. Sub-themes: Social / Cultural Capital in relation to role models • Capital Deficiency Theory explains the phenomenon of why underrepresented populations lack social and cultural resources needed for academic achievement • Social scientists have identified various related forms of capital (social / cultural) which provides advantages to individuals in society and in educational settings. • Both social and cultural capital may enhanced by engaging Latino faculty as role models for Latino students.

6. Where will the study will be conducted ? • La Guardia Community College (LGCC), New York, NY • Latino Student Population: 35 % • Formalized mandatory faculty advising Program • Hispanic Faculty: 24 %

7. Hypothetical Triangulation Matrix Focus of the Action Research Study Increasing Retention of Latino Students through Latino Faculty Role Models

8. Methodologies • One-on-one Interviews with Latino students • Recorded interview • Written field notes.

9. Transfer of Capital: The Effects of Same-Ethnic Role Models 1. Ethnic Faculty Role Model (with Social and Culture Capital) 2. Mentor and Advising Process 4. Ethnic Student with Increased Social and Culture Capital 3. Ethnic Students (lacking Social and Culture Capital) Transfer of Capital

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11. Questions? Laura Soerensson Assist Director, MBA Admissions M.Ed. EPPL, Higher Ed. Administration, Candidate 2011 Email: laura.soerensson@email.wm.edu I am a second year Masters student with a projected graduation in December, 2011. I have 3 years experience in higher education. My interests include: Latino students, retention policies, and standardized testing in admissions policies.