A multiple case study of social capital development at a public midwestern university

Date of Award

2017

Degree Name

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

Department

Department of Educational Leadership

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Carolyn R. Benz

Abstract

Social capital is a dynamic phenomenon that involves the connections between individuals and the resulting benefits, whether available or realized. During college, students can connect with other students, faculty, and administrators, creating a network which may continue to provide benefits even after graduation. However, social capital development on college campuses is not well understood, particularly regarding the variety of campus environments and student demographics and, more specifically, the different experiences of main campus and regional campus students. Applying a multicase mixed methods approach, this study examines the participant experiences at four campuses of a public Midwestern university. The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of how social capital develops on campus and how it may develop differently on each campus of the studied institution. Recommendations are provided regarding fostering social capital development in college.

Keywords

Social capital (Sociology), College students Middle West Social life and customs 21st century, Universities and colleges Middle West Sociological aspects, College environment Middle West, Higher Education, social capital, regional campus, nontraditional students, nonresidential students

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2017, author

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