Date of Award
5-1-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. in Education
First Advisor
Amy Wells Dolan
Second Advisor
Phillis George
Third Advisor
Amy Wells Dolan
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The presence and needs of children of incarcerated parents are largely invisible within higher education, even though they experience a variety of adverse social, emotional, and academic outcomes. A population that navigates complex trauma, financial instability, stigma, and institutional neglect with limited support is the focus of this dissertation in practice (DiP): College Students of Incarcerated Parents (CSIPS). This manuscript assesses the availability of institutional services and examines the academic challenges faced by CSIPS, as guided by the Advocacy Strategy Framework (Kozleski, 2010). A thorough examination of the literature has revealed that a sense of belonging and academic persistence are impeded by four primary obstacles: financial insecurity, institutional invisibility, stigma-driven self-silencing, and emotional distress. Higher education institutions seldom acknowledge or monitor the resilience of these students, which leads to a dearth of trauma-informed or targeted support. This manuscript advocates for the establishment of a formalized assessment to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges that CSIPS encounter more effectively. In doing so, it establishes the foundation for Manuscript II, which will transform these insights into a practical, equity-centered instrument for institutional reform. This DiP contributes to the broader endeavors of transforming higher education into a more just, responsive, and humane space by amplifying the voices of CSIPS (and potentially other college students without direct parental support) and proposing strategies for meaningful inclusion.
Recommended Citation
Wiley, Deetra A., "A Needs Assessment for College Students of Incarcerated Parents (CSIPS)" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8880.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8880