The Role of Faculty, Counselors, and Support Programs on Latino/a Community College Students’ Success and Intent to Persist

Abstract

This study examines how interactions with institutional agents (faculty and academic counselors) and select student support programs influence success (i.e., grade point average) and intentions to persist to degree completion for Latino/a community college students. Using social capital theory and college impact models, the study controls for the effects of select pre-college student characteristics, transition-to-college experiences, and academic and social factors. Findings indicate that interactions (quantity and type) with institutional agents exercise a small, but significant effect on Latino/a students’ success. Similarly, participation in an academically rigorous program and a counseling-intensive support program influences students’ success and intent to persist. Implications for practice are addressed.