Exploring the "At-Risk" Student Label Through the Perspectives of Higher Education Professionals

Format Type

Plenary

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

12-1-2021 3:00 PM

End Date

12-1-2021 3:20 PM

Abstract

Institutions of higher education often use the term “at-risk” to label undergraduate students who have a higher likelihood of not persisting. However, it is not clear how the use of this label impacts the perspectives of the higher education professionals who serve and support these students. Our qualitative study explores the descriptions and understandings of higher education professionals who serve and support at-risk students. We use thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006) to interpret our data and develop our themes. These themes include conflicting views of the “at-risk” definition, attempts to normalize at-risk, fostering relationships, and “at-promise.”

Keywords

Labeling Theory, Higher Education, Student Success, At-Risk

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5674-0698

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Jan 12th, 3:00 PM Jan 12th, 3:20 PM

Exploring the "At-Risk" Student Label Through the Perspectives of Higher Education Professionals

Institutions of higher education often use the term “at-risk” to label undergraduate students who have a higher likelihood of not persisting. However, it is not clear how the use of this label impacts the perspectives of the higher education professionals who serve and support these students. Our qualitative study explores the descriptions and understandings of higher education professionals who serve and support at-risk students. We use thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006) to interpret our data and develop our themes. These themes include conflicting views of the “at-risk” definition, attempts to normalize at-risk, fostering relationships, and “at-promise.”