Congratulations to Pia Stevens-Haynes who on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation. The title of Pia’s dissertation is: "PUTTING THE “P” IN PERSISTENCE: IMPACT OF CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS ON POSTSECONDARY PERSISTENCE AMONG STUDENTS OF COLOR."
This mixed-methods study aimed to explore and understand the intricate relationship between student violations of the code of conduct and the persistence rates of students of color in postsecondary education institutions. Although previous research has acknowledged the existence of disparities in disciplinary actions and educational outcomes among students of color, this study sought to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors contributing to these phenomena. The quantitative phase of the study involved the analysis of institutional datasets to examine the correlation between instances of code of conduct violations and persistence rates among students of color. Statistical techniques such as regression analysis were employed to identify significant associations and to quantify the strength of these relationships. Additionally, demographic variables, socioeconomic status, academic performance, and other relevant factors were considered to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play. Complementing the quantitative analysis, the qualitative phase of the study included in-depth interviews with students of color who had experiences with disciplinary actions, academic advisors, counselors, and administrators involved in the disciplinary process. Through thematic analysis, qualitative data were used to elucidate the lived experiences, perceptions, and contextual nuances that may influence both codes of conduct violations and persistence rates. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study provided a holistic understanding of the multifaceted relationship between student behavior, institutional responses, and academic outcomes among students of color. Findings from this study have the potential to inform policy development, institutional practices, and support initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments conducive to the success of all students in postsecondary education.
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CHAIR(S):
Dr. Nora Broege
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBER(S):
Dr. Peter Troiano
Dr. Francine Conway
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