Second Year College Experiences that Affect Persistence and Attrition for First Generation and Continuing Generation Students at Small Private Institutions

Second Year College Experiences that Affect Persistence and Attrition for First Generation and Continuing Generation Students at Small Private Institutions PDF Author: Angela Brown Taylor
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Academic achievement
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
The persistence and attrition of second year college students is a growing concern of colleges and universities as second year college students face some of the greatest challenges (Gahagan & Hunter, 2006; Lemons & Richmond, 1987; Morgan & Davis, 1981; Wilder, 1993). This study examined the factors that predict second year student persistence for students who have enrolled at private institutions in the state of Kentucky. This study reviewed those pre-entry variables that predict persistence beyond the second year. Students were surveyed (during the end of) their fourth semester in college. Spady's (1970b) model of student dropout and Tinto's (1975) model of student departure served as the theoretical foundation for this study. The participants in this study consisted of full-time, second year students who were completing their fourth semester of academic work. This research was a quantitative predictive study that used data collected by administering the Sophomore Experiences Survey via the Internet. This predictive study examined the relationship between predictor variables including pre-college characteristics, scores on the Thriving Quotient in the Sophomore Experiences Survey, and campus experiences and perceptions and the criterion variables of the student's intent to re-enroll after their fourth semester of their second year and intent to graduate from college. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to measure the predictive nature and magnitude of the relationship between the variables in the first five research questions. The sixth and seventh research questions constituted a comparative study. Cross tabulations and chi-square statistics were used to address each of these questions.

Second Year College Experiences that Affect Persistence and Attrition for First Generation and Continuing Generation Students at Small Private Institutions

Second Year College Experiences that Affect Persistence and Attrition for First Generation and Continuing Generation Students at Small Private Institutions PDF Author: Angela Brown Taylor
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Academic achievement
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
The persistence and attrition of second year college students is a growing concern of colleges and universities as second year college students face some of the greatest challenges (Gahagan & Hunter, 2006; Lemons & Richmond, 1987; Morgan & Davis, 1981; Wilder, 1993). This study examined the factors that predict second year student persistence for students who have enrolled at private institutions in the state of Kentucky. This study reviewed those pre-entry variables that predict persistence beyond the second year. Students were surveyed (during the end of) their fourth semester in college. Spady's (1970b) model of student dropout and Tinto's (1975) model of student departure served as the theoretical foundation for this study. The participants in this study consisted of full-time, second year students who were completing their fourth semester of academic work. This research was a quantitative predictive study that used data collected by administering the Sophomore Experiences Survey via the Internet. This predictive study examined the relationship between predictor variables including pre-college characteristics, scores on the Thriving Quotient in the Sophomore Experiences Survey, and campus experiences and perceptions and the criterion variables of the student's intent to re-enroll after their fourth semester of their second year and intent to graduate from college. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to measure the predictive nature and magnitude of the relationship between the variables in the first five research questions. The sixth and seventh research questions constituted a comparative study. Cross tabulations and chi-square statistics were used to address each of these questions.

First-generation Students

First-generation Students PDF Author: Anne-Marie Nuñez
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 142892728X
Category : College attendance
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description


Purposeful Persistence

Purposeful Persistence PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Undergraduate populations at colleges and universities have become increasingly diverse in recent years, and one of the greatest shifts has been the steadily increasing numbers of first generation college students (FGCS), students whose parents did not attend college. Studies of FGCS have concluded that retention is less likely for FGCS than continuing generation college students (CGCS). According to the literature, FGCS are more likely to be academically under prepared, come from low income and minority backgrounds, and be less engaged in the college experience than CGCS. In exercising this attention, many colleges and universities have developed retention strategies focusing on characteristics of FGCS that might put them at risk for not completing a degree. Initially, these contrasts between FGCS and CGCS were regarded widely as deficits of the first-generation population. In recent years, however, some institutions of higher education have shifted in their approach from an "individual deficit model" focused on the shortcomings of individual students to a deeper understanding of how institutional conditions encourage or discourage students from staying in school. This evolving emphasis includes a shift in responsibility for students' college going success -- from the individual to the institution. These contrasting and evolving ideas present a complex but incomplete picture of how colleges work or do not work for first-generation college students. This study explored the characteristics and perspectives of FGCS and the institutional conditions, policies and practices affecting first year persistence at a low persisting rural four-year university. I examined three broad questions: What are the critical characteristics of FGCS who persist past their first year at the University? What implications do these characteristics have for retaining FGCS beyond the first year of college at the institution? What implications do these attributes hold for other colleges and universities seeking to retain FGCS? Confounding results were found after analyzing demographic and academic data on FGCS; although similar to other FGCS in terms of at-risk characteristics, they were out-persisting and performing their CGCS peers. In order to understand this counterintuitive finding, institutional policies and practices were explored, and focus groups were conducted investigating the perceptions of FGCS towards college persistence. The findings suggest that the restricted focus on external attributes of students fall short in explaining FGCS persistence. This study illustrates that institutions of higher education can better support first generation college students if they make available the freedom for individuals to develop naturally, learn through experience, and engage in the formation of their purpose (based on Dewey's 1938 work). It is up to leaders in institutions of higher education and researchers to extend the focus and support beyond external attributes of first generation students and include a focus on internal characteristics, providing a more complete picture of how colleges work or do not work for them.

Academic and Nonacademic Experiences that Affect First-generation College Student Attrition

Academic and Nonacademic Experiences that Affect First-generation College Student Attrition PDF Author: Geraldine F. Koch
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : College dropouts
Languages : en
Pages : 374

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Book Description
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the academic and nonacademic experiences of self-identified first-generation college students who left college before their second year. The study sought to find how the experiences might have affected the students' decision to depart. The case study method was used to investigate these college students who attended Florida International University. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six ex-students who identified themselves as first-generation college students. The narrative data from the interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Analysis was informed by Pascarella, Pierson, Wolniak, and Terenzini's (2004) theoretical framework of important college academic and nonacademic experiences. An audit trail was kept and the data was triangulated by using multiple sources to establish certain findings. The most critical tool for enhancing trustworthiness was the use of member checking. I also received ongoing feedback from my major professor and committee throughout the dissertation process. The participants reported the following academic experiences: (a) patterns of coursework; (b) course-related interactions with peers; (c) relationships with faculty; (d) class size; (e) academic advisement; (f) orientation and peer advisors; and (e) financial aid. The participants reported the following nonacademic experiences; (f) on- or off- campus employment; (g) on- or off-campus residence; (h) participation in extracurricular activities; (i) noncourse-related peer relationships; (j) commuting and parking; and (k) FIU as an HSI. Isolationism and poor fit with the university were the most prevalent reasons for departure. The reported experiences of these first-generation college students shed light on those experiences that contributed to their departure. University administrators should give additional attention to these stories in an effort to improve retention strategies for this population. All but two of the participants went on to enroll in other institutions and reported good experiences with their new institutions. Recommendations are provided for continued research concerning how to best meet the needs of college students like the participants; students who have not learned from their parents about higher education financial aid, academic advisement, and orientation.

Dissertation Abstracts International

Dissertation Abstracts International PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Dissertations, Academic
Languages : en
Pages : 594

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Book Description


In Pursuit of the PhD

In Pursuit of the PhD PDF Author: William G. Bowen
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 1400862477
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 465

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Book Description
What percentage of graduate students entering PhD programs in the arts and sciences at leading universities actually complete their studies? How do completion rates vary by field of study, scale of graduate program, and type of financial support provided to students? Has the increasing reliance on Teaching Assistantships affected completion rates and time-to-degree? How successful have national fellowship programs been in encouraging students to finish their studies in reasonably short periods of time? What have been the effects of curricular developments and shifts in the state of the job market? How has the overall "system" of graduate education been affected by the expansion of the 1960s and the subsequent contraction in enrollments and degrees conferred? Is there "excess capacity" in the system at the present time? This major study seeks to answer fundamental questions of this kind. It is based on an exhaustive analysis of an unparalleled data set consisting of the experiences in graduate school of more than 35,000 students who entered programs in English, history, political science, economics, mathematics, and physics at ten leading universities between 1962 and 1986. In addition, new information has been obtained on the graduate student careers of more than 13,000 winners of prestigious national fellowships such as the Woodrow Wilson and the Danforth. It is the combination of these original data sets with other sources of national data that permits fresh insights into the processes and outcomes of graduate education. The authors conclude that opportunities to achieve significant improvements in the organization and functioning of graduate programs exist--especially in the humanities and related social sciences--and the final part of the book contains their policy recommendations. This will be the standard reference on graduate education for years to come, and it should be read and studied by everyone concerned with the future of graduate education in the United States. Originally published in 1992. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Characteristics of Persistence and Retention Among First-generation College Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, Or Math

Characteristics of Persistence and Retention Among First-generation College Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, Or Math PDF Author: Lorie Lasseter Burnett
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic dissertations
Languages : en
Pages : 158

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Book Description
Persistence and retention of college students is a great concern in American higher education. The dropout rate is even more apparent among first-generation college students, as well as those majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). More students earning STEM degrees are needed to fill the many jobs that require the skills obtained while in college. More importantly, those students who are associated with a low-socioeconomic background may use a degree to overcome poverty. Although many studies have been conducted to determine the characteristics associated with student attrition among first-generation students or STEM majors, very little information exists in terms of persistence and retention among the combined groups. The current qualitative study identified some of the characteristics associated with persistence and retention among first-generation college students who are also STEM majors. Participants were juniors or seniors enrolled at a regional 4-year institution. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to allow participants to share their personal experiences as first-generation STEM majors who continue to persist and be retained by their institution. Tinto's Theory of Individual Departure (1987) was used as a framework for the investigation. This theory emphasizes personal and academic background, personal goals, disconnecting from one's own culture, and institutional integration as predictors of persistence. The findings of the investigation revealed that persisting first-generation STEM majors are often connected to family, but have been able to separate that connection with that of the institution. They also are goal-driven and highly motivated and have had varied pre-college academic experiences. These students are academically integrated and socially integrated in some ways, but less than their non-first-generation counterparts. They are overcoming obstacles that students from other backgrounds may not experience. They receive support from their families and institution, but have diverse academic backgrounds. The findings show that a culmination of many characteristics have enabled the participants to persist and be retained by their institution.

Clearing the Path for First-Generation College Students

Clearing the Path for First-Generation College Students PDF Author: Ashley C. Rondini
Publisher: Lexington Books
ISBN: 1498537022
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 385

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Book Description
Clearing the Path for First-Generation College Students comprises a wide range of studies that explore the multidimensional social processes and meanings germane to the experiences of first-generation college students before and during their matriculation into institutions of higher education. The chapters offer timely, empirical examinations of the ways that these students negotiate experiences shaped by structural inequities in higher education institutions and the pathways that lead to them. This volume provides insight into the dilemmas that arise from the transformation of students’ class identities in pursuit of upward mobility, as well as their quest for community and a sense of “belonging” on college campuses that have not been historically designed for them. While centering first-generation status, this collection also critically engages the ways in which other dimensions of social identity intersect to inform students’ educational experiences in relation to dynamics of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, and immigration. Additionally, this book takes a holistic approach by exploring the ways in which first-generation college students are influenced by, and engage with, their families and communities of origin as they undertake their educational careers.

Completing College

Completing College PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781878477538
Category : College attendance
Languages : en
Pages : 55

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Book Description
"The report examines retention and degree attainment of 210,056 first-time, full-time students at 356 four-year non-profit institutions, using a combination of CIRP (Cooperative Institutional Research Program) Freshman Survey data and student graduation data from the National Student Clearinghouse"--Publisher's web site.

At the Intersection

At the Intersection PDF Author: Robert Longwell-Grice
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000980081
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
The experiences of first-generation college students are not monolithic. The nexus of identities matter, and this book is intended to challenge the reader to explore what it means to be a first-generation college student in higher education. Designed for use in classrooms and for use by the higher education practitioner on a college campus today, At the Intersections will be of value to the reader throughout their professional career.The book is divided into four parts with chapters of research and theory interspersed with thought pieces to provide personal stories to integrate the research and theory into lived experience. Each thought piece ends with questions to inspire readers to engage with the topic.Part One: Who is a First-generation College Student? provides the reader an entrée into the topic, with up-to-date data on both four-year and two-year colleges. Part One ends with a thought piece that asks the reader to pull together some of the big ideas before moving on to look more closely at students’ identities.Part Two: The Intersection of Identity shares the research, experience and thoughts of authors in relation to the individual and overlapping identities of LGBT, low-income, white, African-American, Latinx, Native American, undocumented, female, and male students who are all also first-generation college students. Part Three: Programs and Practices is an introduction to practices, policies and programs across the country. This section offers promise and direction for future work as institutions try to find a successful array of approaches to make the campus an inclusive place for the diverse population of first-generation college students.