Exploring the Experiences of Hmong Students in Graduate Programs at Fresno State
Author(s):
Lee, Shur
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California State University, Fresno, 2018.
Pages:
89
Language:
English
Abstract:
Hmong students in the US are underrepresented in higher education, especially graduate school. This concurrent mixed-methods study explored the barriers, challenges, and motivations of current graduate Hmong students at Fresno State. The quantitative survey was completed by 38 of all 55 current graduate Hmong students and included the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, the College Specific Hope scale, and the Sense of Belonging Scale. The qualitative portion consisted of two focus groups with 11 participants to explore the students’ experiences. Quantitative results indicated high levels of general hope and college hope, above average sense of belonging, and very high levels of confidence to graduate with a Master’s degree. Most of the respondents were traditional students, single, without children and living with parents. Qualitative data revealed that parents and family members were generally supportive, despite often having no formal or only limited education. Time management and navigating the university were the main challenges. The experiences in regards to university and faculty support were ambiguous. While students did feel support existed, they also perceived a lack of resources, and found it difficult to navigate the campus for help. They were not always confident to seek out faculty, or report having difficulty to meet with them. Implications for supporting the success and retention of Hmong students are discussed.