2. Research Question and interview questions
Research Question Interview Questions
What factors 1. What are some of the things or events that
positively impacted a contributed to your success to complete the
non-traditional associate program?
student's decisions to
persist and graduate
2. What were some of the things or events that made
from a proprietary
it harder to finish?
college? 3. What factors positively impacted your decision to
stay in school and graduate?
Slide 2

3.  Question #1- What are some of the things or events that contributed to your
success to complete the Associate program?
Thematic Element Responses Percentage of
Response
Responsibility and commitment 9 90
Personal Goals 9 90
Understand importance of a college education 9 90
Personal Drive to overcome challenges 8 80
Slide 3

4.  Question #2- What are some of the things or events that made it harder to
finish?
Thematic Element Responses Percentage of
Response
Unsupportive family and friends 7 70
Transportation
7 70
Work Conflict 6 60
Time management 5 50
Childcare / Single Parent 5 50
Slide 4

5. Question #3- What factors positively impacted your decision to stay in school
and graduate?
Thematic Element Responses Percentage of
Response
7 70
“Better” life
Maintain positive attitude & overcome challenges 6 60
Faculty 6 60
My Children 5 50
Slide 5

6. Implications
•New student orientations
•Faculty advisors
•Peer mentorship
•Outside influences- transportation
Slide 6

7.  A study that explored the use of learning communities
would provide valuable insight into this phenomenon.
 A second study would seek the comments and ideas of
those that did not persist to graduation.
 A third study would be to explore the student/faculty
relationship that emerged from the data.
 A study that further explores the impact negative
relationships have on student success could provide
insights into counseling and support group practices.
Slide 7

8.  This study exemplifies perfectly the
participatory action research model. It
provides me as the educational leader with
data and information for initiating policy to
make the institution better by providing
strategies to assist non-traditional students
to graduation.