Effects of participation in campus life programming, specifically welcome week programming, campus-wide programming, and club/intramural sports on first-generation student retention and achievement

While research on student retention and achievement has predominately focused on
four-year institutions, there is a growing recognition of the unique factors that influence
community college students. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of social
integration for student success, particularly in four-year institutional environments. However,
limited research on community college student success has indicated that academic integration
holds greater importance than social integration. This quantitative study aimed to determine
whether first-generation students in a residential community college setting exhibit similar
student success patterns to their four-year peers. By enhancing our understanding of the
impact of social integration on first-generation community college students, future research
has the potential to inform strategies and interventions that can support the success of these
students. Understanding community college students' unique needs and experiences and
exploring how social integration can contribute to their overall success is essential.