Implications of african american engineering student perceptions of campus climate factors

Abstract

This study investigated African American undergraduate engineering student perceptions of institutional and personal/social campus climate factors to determine bow these perceptions influence their academic experiences and performance. Data collection was accomplished through use of a quantitative and qualitative survey instrument administered to a national sample of subjects. The survey collected data on the subjects' demographic characteristics as well as their perceptions. The study investigated the aggregate pattern of student perceptions and also examined associations among perceptions and demographic characteristics. In addition, interrelationships among student perceptions were examined. Perceptions of personal/social and institutional campus climate variables were found to be largely positive. However, perceptions of racism and discrimination were not as positive as perceptions of other climate variables and were connected with weaker academic performance.