ABSTRACT
Students’ experiences varied with regard to positive and negative encounters in the academic setting. Many who reported positive experiences can be characterized as having involvement in various programming initiatives and school leadership positions. The importance of establishing relationships with individuals on the collegiate campus is important for all students, but this issue becomes a matter of utmost importance for the minority student. Minority students, while negotiating their development as college students, must simultaneously negotiate their development as individuals of color. Institutions must be cognizant of the minority students’ two-pronged progression through the various development and identity stages. Institutions must be conscious of the out-of-classroom environment the minority student negotiates as a day-to-day experience. The environment should provide sufficient challenge for the student, but opportunities and support must be additional pieces included in this puzzle. Campuses need to hold forums around controversial topics to help students think critically about them.
