Dear:
I’d like to thank you for your interest in my research and your willingness to participate in my study on first-generation college students in Lasallian higher education. Thank you, also, for completing the brief online survey. Many students responded to my request and completed the survey.
The purpose of this e-mail is to inform you that you were not selected to participate in this study.
Again, thank you for your interest and your willingness to participate. My best wishes to you as you continue your studies.
Sincerely, Kurt Schackmuth Ph.D. Candidate
APPENDIX H INTERVIEW PROTOCOL
Interview Protocol Greeting and Introduction
• Thank you for your willingness to participate in this study, I appreciate your time. • Review the purpose of the study: I am interested in learning more about the
experiences of first-generation college students in Lasallian higher education. • Review of procedures: I will ask you several open-ended questions related to your
experiences here and ask you to answer as fully as you can. I will digitally record the interview and also make my own notes. If you wish to state something that you do not want recorded, simply tell me and I will turn off the recorder for that particular segment of our discussion. I will later transcribe the interview and send you a copy for you to review for accuracy. All personally identifiable information will be safeguarded and altered to protect your identity and privacy.
• Do you have any questions before we begin? May I clarify anything for you? • Review with student Informed Consent document and obtain signatures; study
participant is invited to select pseudonym.
• Review the basic content of the Student Selection Survey (Appendix D) with the student before beginning the questions.
General Questions
1. How long have you attended this institution? 2. Please tell me a little about your family.
College Selection/Enrollment Process
1. At what point in your life did you know you would be going to college? What led you to enroll? What factored into this decision?
2. Tell me a story about any encouragement you received to attend college. 3. Why did you choose to attend this institution? What in particular about it was
appealing to you?
4. Describe what your experiences with family and friends have been like since you decided to become a college student.
5. Did you receive any financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans) when you enrolled here? Did the amount of financial aid you received have an impact on your decision to attend this institution?
College Experiences
1. Please describe your transition from high school to college. What was it like? Were there any particular moments that stood out for you in particular? 2. Did you attend any orientation programs? If so, please tell me more about this
experience.
3. Describe your experiences with faculty, staff, and students in college. Are there any particular moments or stories that stand out for you?
4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a first-generation college student? 5. Did you use any particular strategies to overcome this challenge or any other
challenges that you faced in college?
6. What has been your biggest success as a college student? Of what are you most proud?
7. Has college changed you? How? To what do you attribute the change? 8. What are your plans after graduation?
Photo Elicitation Component
• Refer to separate Photo Elicitation Interview Protocol (Appendix I).
First-Generation Status
1. At what point did you first hear the term “first-generation college student”? 2. What has it meant for you to be a first-generation college student?
3. Tell me a story about any experiences you had during the transition to college when you were reminded of being a first-generation college student.
4. Describe any experiences you have had during your time here as an enrolled student at (institution name) when you were reminded of being a first-generation college student.
5. What kinds of college advice would you offer other first-generation college students based upon your own college experiences here?
Lasallian Education
1. Did the faith-based nature of the institution or the religious order that sponsors this institution influence your decision?
2. Were you familiar with the De La Salle Christian Brothers prior to enrolling here? Do you know any Christian Brothers on campus?
3. What makes this institution “Lasallian” in your opinion?
4. What does it mean for one to be Lasallian? How did you come to learn about what it means to be Lasallian?
6. Tell me about the education you are receiving here.
7. Would you recommend this institution to other students? If you were to do so, how would you describe this institution to them?
Wrap-Up
1. Is there anything you think I should have asked but did not ask you?
2. Is there anything you would like to add to your comments or clarify from earlier?
Closing
• Thank you for your time today. In a few weeks, I will send you a copy of the transcript of this conversation via e-mail and ask you to review it for accuracy. • If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.