<p> This study applies self-efficacy theory from research on career-decision making to understand what influences underrepresented students' decision to enter the student affairs profession. The purpose of the study was to determine how underrepresented students choose student affairs as a profession. The study focused on undergraduate students who participated in the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP). This mixed methods study used data from previously collected by NASPA and conducted individual interviews of Fellows who participated in the program between the years of 2008 through 2012. Explanatory research methodology was used to analyze what influences and factors contributed to underrepresented students entering student affairs. Findings from this study indicate that involvement in co-curricular activities, participation in NUFP, and influence from mentors act as socialization to effect underrepresented students to enter the student affairs profession. Further analysis reveal that cultural agents who affirm student's cultural heritage have a significant impact on students' choosing student affairs. The study provides insight into closing the gap between the number of underrepresented students attending higher education and the ethnic diversity of the student affairs profession. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3598310 |
| Date | 28 November 2013 |
| Creators | Oseguera, Tonantzin |
| Publisher | University of Southern California |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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