An Emergent Phenomenon of American Indian Postsecondary Transition and Retention

This study examined 21 American Indian students’ postsecondary transition and retention experiences through a phenomenological methodology. Postsecondary transition is the process of leaving home and adjusting to postsecondary education. Postsecondary retention is achieving success and remaining at a university for at least 6 months. Data sources included individual interviews, journal analysis, and document analysis. The 10 emergent themes described an interconnected phenomenon centered on institutional, social, and interpersonal dimensions.