Dissertation Proposal Defense by Nicholas Reyes Franco

Location

Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, 137

Cost

0

A MIXED METHODS EXPLORATION OF MINORITY RESOURCE ELIGIBILITY FOR HALF-WHITE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

   Over the last several decades, non-monoracial populations have received increased attention in academic literature, particularly regarding identity development and psychological health and wellness. Less attention has been given to individuals with one minority and one White parent (i.e., “half-White” individuals) in the context of affirmative action and higher education. Existing quantitative studies on this topic suggest, on the one hand, that half-White individuals are likely to be considered members of racial minorities, yet, on the other hand, less of a minority—and less deserving of affirmative action benefits—than monoracial individuals or non-monoracial individuals with multiple minority identities. College students’ and student affairs professionals’ perspectives on this issue are absent from the literature.

     This study will use a mixed methods research design to gather college students’ and student affairs professionals’ perspectives of the minority status and minority resource eligibility of half-White college students. The following research questions will guide the study: (1) To what extent, if at all, do half-White college students consider themselves racial minorities? (2) To what extent, if at all, do half-White college students consider themselves eligible for minority-based campus resources? (3) What are student affairs professionals’ perceptions of the extent to which the participants are minorities and are eligible for minority-based resources? (4) How do the perceptions of participants and student affairs professionals compare with each other?

     Data collection will occur in three phases. The first phase entails interviewing a purposefully selected group of half-White college students. In the second phase, quotations from interviews will be inserted into a survey that will then be distributed to student affairs professionals. Analyses of the data gathered will occur separately in each respective phase, and, then, be integrated together in a third phase of the study.

     Findings from this study will provide a qualitative understanding of how half-White college students understand themselves as minorities and as eligible—or not eligible—for minority-based resources. The study also will provide quantitative data about whether student affairs professionals see the issues as half-White students do.

 ** Open to USD graduate students and Faculty **