Retention of Women and People of Color: Unique Challenges and Institutional Responses

A literature review on retention as it relates explicitly to women and people of color suggests that specific and unique factors play a part in student persistence. Despite the gains made in enrollment on college campuses, this group of students seems to have a particularly difficult time completing degree requirements. This article reflects on key variables that affect persistence in this group of students as well as institutional responses to the retention problem. Also, the need for curricular reform to address the experiences of minorities and women and the need for gender equity in the classroom are discussed.