Student representation on Instagram and its influence on retention at a community college

Briner, Clare

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113859 Copy

Description

Title

Student representation on Instagram and its influence on retention at a community college

Author(s)

Briner, Clare

Issue Date

2021-11-24

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ward Hood, Denice

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Ward Hood, Denice

Committee Member(s)

• Pak, Yoon
• Kang, Hyun-Sook
• Mason, Curtis

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Social media
• Instagram
• Student representation
• Retention
• Community college
• Higher education
• Sense of belonging
• Connectedness
• Students of color
• Diversity
• Equity
• Marketing

Abstract

Diversity and equity efforts designed to improve retention of students of color are a significant focus in higher education and particularly in the community college sector. This dissertation examines the role social media plays in the retention of students of color at a suburban community college. A review of literature details the characteristics of community colleges and its students while exploring theories on belonging, representation and student commitment to completion. This literature informs the design of a triangular exploratory research project assessing how a social media platform might influence belonging and provide support to students of color. Survey data analyzed using Chi-square statistical testing indicate a stronger sense of belonging among students of color who follow the college’s social media account and confirm the importance of diverse representation of students in social media imagery. A supplementary review of social media imagery quantifies student representation and helps to contextualize survey findings and inform administration strategies. Finally, a discussion of the findings and their limitations present ways in which community college marketers might administer the college’s social media accounts to more meaningfully impact retention efforts and support students of color who aspire to complete their degree or certificate.

Graduation Semester

2021-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113859

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2021 Clare Briner

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