Social adjustment experiences of African American college students

Using qualitative research methods, the authors investigated African Americ an college students' social climate experiences. Results expanded previous research on the college transitions and counseling needs of African America ns in predominantly White campus environments. A descriptive model was cons tructed that identified 4 features of African American student social adjus tment to predominantly White campuses: (1) sense of underrepresentedness (2 ) direct perceptions of racism, (3) hurdle of approaching faculty and (4) e ffects of faculty familiarity. Counseling implications for preventive progr ams, developmental interventions, and consultation activities are presented . Advantages and limitations of using qualitative designs to examine Africa n American student issues are also discussed.