Abstract
Brief Literature Review: The literature depicts students who are not socially and academically integrated within their institutions of postsecondary educations are less likely to be retained through degree completion. This study extends existing student retention models while replicating previous research supportive of Tinto’s 1975 Student Integration Theory (SIG). Retention theories such as ‘psychological perspectives’ (Bean & Eaton, 2000); ‘sociological perspectives’ (Durkheim, 1951; Spady, 1970; Tinto,1972, 1975, 1987, 1993, 1997, 2008, 2009; Tinto & Cullen 1973); ‘emotional perspectives’ (Astin, 1984, 1985, 1993) and ‘economic perspectives’ (Braxton & Hirschy, 2005; Becker, 1964; St. John, Cabrera, Nora & Asker, 2000) from the literature, support best practices of educational support services that increase student retention. Statement of the Problem: In order to unify all of the efforts undertaken during the conduct of this study, the purpose of this research seeks to identify the best practices of educational support services that increase student retention at a rural community college. Sources of Data and Methodology: The researcher conducted a quantitative design study. The collection of data was an evaluative design supported from the literature review. A quantitative study surveying students and demographic data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) maintained by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) will differentiate rural community college students’ needs from the general student population. The purpose of this study will provide insight of best practices of educational support services increasing student retention. Conclusions and Recommendations: The significance of this thesis addresses best practices of educational support services, which increase student retention at a rural community college. While the survey data results did not reveal any statistical significance, the null hypothesis supports the research question that there is an imperative need to identify best practices of educational support services that increase retention at a rural community college. The researcher intended to gain theoretical and practical knowledge for recommendations to lead higher educational organizations particularly in the area of student affairs and student retention.