Student Experiences With Academic Services of Community Colleges in India

Abstract

The purpose of this multisite case study was to understand students’ experiences of academic services and policies at community colleges (CCs) in India and how they perceived these experiences as impacting their success in college. Participants included 19 students from four CCs across diverse geographical locations in India who agreed to respond to a questionnaire and in-person interviews. Within-case and cross-case analyses of the four CCs were conducted using open coding and themes from Tinto’s attrition model. Four strategies emerged as being used by the CCs for retention and student success purposes: life skills coursework, financial resource support, faculty mentorship, and extracurricular activities. The findings demonstrated that participants perceive the colleges as designing and modifying elements of the college experience to support them in their academic goals.