ADMINISTRATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON DESIGNING PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT FOR BLACK COLLEGIATE WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Oct 15, 2026

This descriptive qualitative study explains approaches, challenges, and strategies for developing and sustaining affinity programs for Black collegiate women in higher education. A conceptual framework combining program planning theories and intersectionality informs findings from four student affairs administrators who design and manage these programs. The study examines contextual forces and strategies influencing sustainability, then outlines implications and recommendations for institutional responsibility and future research.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review

Affinity Programs for Black Women

Administrative Perspectives on Designing Programmatic Support for Black Collegiate Women in Higher Education

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON DESIGNING PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT FOR BLACK COLLEGIATE WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION Sosanya Jones Ayana Tyler Hardaway Howard University University of California, San Diego Abstract This descriptive qualitative study provides a greater understanding about the approaches, challenges, and strategies associated with developing and sustaining affinity programs for Black collegiate women in higher education. Using a conceptual framework based on the theories of program planning and intersectionality, this paper offers in-depth insight from four student affairs administrators who have developed and currently manage affinity programs designed to improve the social and academic development of Black collegiate women. Contextual forces and strategies that affect the sustainability of these affinity programs are explored. Implications for adopting these affinity programs and recommendations for future study are provided, with an emphasis on institutional responsibility to support Black collegiate women. Keywords: affinity programs, Black women, program administration Please direct inquires about this manuscript to: Sosanya Jones, [sosanya.jones@howard.edu](sosanya.jones@howard.edu) College Student Affairs Journal, Volume 40(3), pp. 1-13 ISSN 2381-2338 Copyright 2022 Southern Association for College Student Affairs All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. 2 College Student Affairs Journal Vol. 40, No. 2, 2022 B lack women are participating in higher education at much higher rates than previously, with their enrollment rates rising three-fold since 1970 (Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network, 2015; Blalock & Sharpe, 2012).) . With higher participation rates, it is important that institutions strengthen and broaden support for these women. Affinity programs for Black women have been shown to be an effective way of increasing engagement and feelings of belonging, which are important towards supporting retention and matriculation (Rosales, et al., 2003) . However, thereis little information available for student affairs administrators who wish to design and manage this type of programmatic support. To fill this gap, we designed a descriptive qualitative study with the following objectives: (1) glean what program administrators identify as the most pressing needs for Black collegiate women; (2) identify what programmatic approaches these administrators use to address these identified needs; (3) highlight the contextual and institutional challenges that arise when facilitating affinity programs for this population; and (4) identify what strategies program administrators use to mitigate these challengesand sustain their programs. Literature Review A college student’s interpersonal environment can have a significant impact on a sense of belonging, safety, support, and development (Museus et al., 2018) . Discrimination, microaggressions, alienation, and social isolation can negatively impact a student’s academic performance and ability to participate in a campus community fully (Crenshaw et al., 2015; Hussain & Jones, 2021) . Black women often experience these types of negative stressors related to both their racial and gendered identities as well as invisibility resulting in a lack of support systems and a lack networks, which limits their mentoring and research opportunities (Walkington, 2017) . When thought- fully designed, affinity programs can serve as a buffer against negative environmental challenges while nurturing valuable skills that can help Black women successfully navigate college and beyond. Affinity Programs for Black Women Black women‘s identity development and social integration are often strongly influenced by both their race and gender (Henry et al., 2011; Mims & Williams, 2020) . Tailored programming designed to support their development and address the challenges they face can help them connect to others who share their experiences and equip them to be

FAQs

What is the main purpose of this descriptive qualitative study?

The study aims to understand approaches, challenges, and strategies for developing and sustaining affinity programs for Black collegiate women in higher education.

How does the paper frame its analysis conceptually?

It uses a conceptual framework based on theories of program planning and intersectionality.

What do the authors say about the role of affinity programs for Black women?

When thoughtfully designed, affinity programs can buffer negative environmental challenges and support social and academic development by strengthening belonging and engagement.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by WPS_1790064749