Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of student services' administrators concerning the use of technology for the delivery of community college online student services. The method for conducting the study was a three-fold, mixed-method research approach: (a) consulting with a panel of five experts using open-ended questions lasting 30-60 minutes, (b) conducting intensive interviews with ten student services administrators in a mid-western Great Lakes state lasting 30-60 minutes, and (c) improving and distributing a developed survey instrument to student services professionals. The panel of experts who were consulted throughout the study were contacted via e-mail and invited to participate. The panel of experts also served as focusing the grand tour question as well as the research questions. The expert panel members reviewed the online survey and offered feedback to ensure clarity of terms and questions.

The five themes identified through the research study were (a) types of student services provided online, (b) students want services, (c) interconnectedness and relationships, (d) challenge of leadership and current technology, and (e) continued quality training and professional development.