First Advisor

Christine Cress

Term of Graduation

Spring 2025

Date of Publication

5-22-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Postsecondary Education

Department

Educational Leadership and Policy

Language

English

Subjects

Community College, Early Alert and Intervention, Organizational Learning Culture, Retention

DOI

10.15760/etd.3970

Physical Description

1 online resource (xi, 267 pages)

Abstract

Community colleges serve a diverse, underrepresented, and economically disadvantaged student population, yet most students fail to complete their academic goals, with students from marginalized groups facing even more significant disparities. Some colleges have implemented Early Alert and Intervention (EA&I) programs to improve retention and completion rates. However, colleges may face organizational challenges in implementing and sustaining these retention programs. This qualitative study examined structural and cultural elements in community colleges that have successfully implemented EA&I programs, focusing on student services and student affairs practices that support a learning-centered environment. Findings suggest that effective EA&I programs are grounded in inclusive, collaborative, student-focused cultures, shared goals and vision, cross-functional communication, cross-hierarchical leadership, participatory governance, ongoing professional development, and continuous program improvement. Based on these insights, the study offers actionable recommendations for colleges aiming to implement or enhance their EA&I efforts.

Rights

© 2025 Paul Vernon Wickline

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43912

Share

COinS