Surviving in Higher Education: How Communication Influences Tongan Students’ Assimilation in Higher Education Institutions

Despite the number of American students achieving bachelor’s degrees soaring, the gap between the most and least successful ethnic groups is becoming more pronounced. Among the lowest achieving groups are Tongan-Americans. This study uses Kramer’s (2011) multilevel model of volunteer assimilation as a theoretical framework to investigate how multiple and overlapping group memberships influence Tongan-American students as they progress from organizational entry to metamorphosis, or premature exit. The findings of this constant comparative analysis suggest that Tongan-American students’ multiple memberships are both complementary, increasing the likelihood of degree achievement, and contradictory, decreasing the likelihood of degree achievement. These complementary and competing memberships affect students’ achievement of full membership in institutions of higher education. Implications for universities seeking to assist Tongan-American students, parents of Tongan-American students, and for Tongan-American students are discussed.