When the Majority is the Minority: White Graduate Students' Social Adjustment at a Historically Black University

Comparing the experiences of White and Black graduate students illuminate various social adjustment challenges for White graduate students at historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) that are distinct from those challenges experienced by Black students on traditionally White campuses (TWIs). Findings in this exploratory and descriptive study indicate that while Black and White students report no stories of direct racism, there are expressions and concerns related to social exclusion, especially among the minority (Whites). Additionally, student expectations about entering a historically Black environment affect their perceptions about social climate.