African-American Students on a Predominantly White University Campus: Qualitative Research Findings

We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 African-American students at a selective, private, comprehensive University, located in the rural Midwest, where only 6 % of the student body (3,000) were minorities. Using qualitative research methodology, we conducted a phenomenological study from in-depth interviews. Analysis of the participant’s transcripts showed most data to revolve around five main constructs. These included experiences of interacting in the majority culture, perceived social pressures to conform, issues relating to personal identity, positive aspects they found relating to their campus experiences, and suggestions they offered for improving the multicultural experience on campus.