Introduction of Proposed Study
For my research study, I have chosen the topic, Persistence and Student Success of LGBT Students at Community Colleges. Students that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender often face a multitude of problems on college campuses that keep them from successfully completing academic program requirements. “Sexual-minority students on college or university campuses encounter unique challenges because of how they are perceived and treated as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression” (Rankin, 2005). Some of the factors that attribute most to this consists of not having enough support services that students whom identify in this population can receive assistance from and not having a support network outside of the academic environment. This results in students failing to complete degree requirements and withdrawing from their respective institutions.
The research design is very important when selecting a research topic. The topic that I have chosen to research represents an underrepresented population. Creswell (2014) states, “the researcher describes the lived experiences of individuals about a phenomenon as described by participants”
…show more content…
Rankin (2005) says, “Sexual-minority students on college or university campuses encounter unique challenges because of how they are perceived and treated as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression” (p. 17). This qualitative study will consist of interviews, focus groups, and observations of participants identifying in this population. At this current stage in the research, student support services will be defined as offices that offer academic advising, academic counseling, or LGBT