Showing papers in "Research in Higher Education in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of students' sense of belonging to their university in college student retention was investigated using individual growth curve modeling, and the effects of an intervention designed to enhance students' feelings of belonging were investigated.
Abstract: This study investigates the role of students’ sense of belonging to their university in college student retention. Using individual growth curve modeling, we examined (a) whether sense of belonging predicts intentions to persist, and (b) the effects of an intervention designed to enhance students’ sense of belonging. African American and white first-year students completed surveys three times throughout the academic year. Students were randomly assigned to a group that received an intervention to enhance students’ sense of belonging or to one of two control groups. Sense of belonging was found to predict intentions to persist, controlling for background variables and other predictors of persistence. Overall, sense of belonging and intentions to persist declined over the academic year. However, the decline in sense of belonging was smaller for students in the intervention group. Implications for the development of college retention programs and for existing models of student persistence are discussed.
704 citations
TL;DR: The authors identified factors contributing to students' persistence in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Distributed Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership in Higher Education by obtaining quantitative results from surveying 278 current and former students and then following up with four purposefully selected typical respondents to explore those results in more depth.
Abstract: The purpose of this mixed methods sequential explanatory study was to identify factors contributing to students’ persistence in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Distributed Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership in Higher Education by obtaining quantitative results from surveying 278 current and former students and then following up with four purposefully selected typical respondents to explore those results in more depth. In the first, quantitative, phase, five external and internal to the program factors were found to be predictors to students’ persistence in the program: “program”, “online learning environment”, “student support services”, “faculty”, and “self-motivation”. In the qualitative follow up multiple case study analysis four major themes emerged: (1) quality of academic experiences; (2) online learning environment; (3) support and assistance; and (4) student self-motivation. The quantitative and qualitative findings from the two phases of the study are discussed with reference to prior research. Implications and recommendations for policy makers are provided.
347 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role of living-learning programs in facilitating first-generation students' perceived academic and social transition to college was examined, and a preliminary interpretation of this study's results is that structured activities, such as faculty interaction and residence hall programming, are more influential for this population than informal peer groups.
Abstract: This study examines the role of living–learning (L/L) programs in facilitating first-generation students’ perceived academic and social transition to college. Using a sample of 1,335 first-generation students from 33 4-year institutions who participated in the National Study of Living–Learning Programs during Spring 2004, the results of the study show that first-generation students in L/L programs reported a more successful academic and social transition to college than their first-generation counterparts living in a traditional residence hall setting. In addition, interactions with faculty members and using residence hall resources facilitated an easier academic transition for first-generation students in L/L programs, and supportive residence hall climates were related to an easier social transition. A preliminary interpretation of this study’s results is that structured activities, such as faculty interaction and residence hall programming, are more influential for this population than informal peer groups.
329 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored key factors that impact the college transition of aspiring underrepresented minority students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, in comparison with white, Asian students and non-science minority students, and examined successful management of the academic environment and sense of belonging during the first college year.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore key factors that impact the college transition of aspiring underrepresented minority students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, in comparison with White, Asian students and non-science minority students. We examined successful management of the academic environment and sense of belonging during the first college year. Longitudinal data were derived from the Higher Education Research Institute’s (HERI) 2004 Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) Freshman Survey and the 2005 Your First College Year (YFCY) Survey. Using a reformulation of the integration model (Nora, Barlow, and Crisp, 2005), we find concerns about college financing, negotiating family support and responsibility, and campus racial dynamics (perceived and behavioral) affect student adjustment and sense of integration in the first year.
271 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a discrete-time hazard model using longitudinal transcript data on a cohort of first-time community college students in Florida to compare the impact of enrollment pathways (such as remediation) and enrollment milestones (e.g., attaining a certain number of credits) on educational outcomes of older students with those of traditional-age students.
Abstract: This paper presents findings from a study of the experiences and outcomes of older and younger community college students. We developed a discrete-time hazard model using longitudinal transcript data on a cohort of first-time community college students in Florida to compare the impact of enrollment pathways (such as remediation) and enrollment milestones (such as attaining a certain number of credits) on educational outcomes of older students—those who enter college for the first time at age 25 or later—with those of traditional-age students. Results suggest that reaching milestones such as obtaining 20 credits or completing 50 percent of a program is a more important positive factor affecting graduation probabilities for younger students than it is for older students. We also found that although enrollment in remedial courses decreases the odds of graduating for all students, older students who enroll in remediation are less negatively affected than are younger ones who take remedial classes.
222 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the various factors that promote positive interactions across race for African American, Asian American, Latino, and White college students and delineated the conditions under which positive intergroup relations can be fostered in college and the key factors that inhibit or restrain the benefits such interactions bring to the development of students for a diverse workplace and pluralistic democracy.
Abstract: This study explores the various factors that promote positive interactions across race for African American, Asian American, Latino, and White college students. A longitudinal survey was administered to all incoming students at nine public institutions (with a follow-up survey given at the end of their second year), examining activities related to cross-racial interaction and outcomes. This knowledge will be useful for college administrators, institutional researchers, and faculty as they work to meet the challenge of preparing students for a pluralistic society. The results of this study begin to delineate the conditions under which positive intergroup relations can be fostered in college and the key factors that inhibit or restrain the benefits such interactions bring to the development of students for a diverse workplace and pluralistic democracy.
208 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role and effect of the level of representation of Latino community college students on their academic outcomes was investigated through an analysis of the Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students (TRUCCS) project.
Abstract: The community college has historically functioned as a primary access point to postsecondary education for Latino students. This study, an investigation conducted through an analysis of the Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students (TRUCCS) project, focuses on Latino students enrolled in urban “minority-majority” community colleges, where Latino students have a high representation. The specific interest of this research is the role and effect of the level of representation of Latino community college students on their academic outcomes. The relationship between the level of representation of Latinos, and the levels of academic success are analyzed in concert with other variables, such as, the level of representation of Latino faculty on campus, student age, attitude, academic integration, English ability and aspiration. Findings indicate a relationship between academic success of Latino community college students and the proportion of Latino students and faculty on campus. The findings thus suggest that a critical mass of Latinos may be a positive influence encouraging “minority” students to higher academic performance.
172 citations
TL;DR: The authors used the 2001 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) data from the National Science Foundation to compare productivity levels, work satisfaction levels and career trajectories of foreign-born scientists and U.S.-born scientists.
Abstract: The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported that the number of doctoral degrees awarded in the U.S. rose 3.4 percent in 2004, largely because of an increase in foreign students [Smallwood (2005). Doctoral degrees rose 3.4% in 2004, survey finds. The Chronicle of Higher Education, December 9, 2005]. Currently, 20.9 percent [National Science Board (2003). The science and engineering workforce realizing America’s potential. NSB, vol. 3, National Science Foundation] of all science and engineering faculty positions at U.S. universities are held by foreign-born scientists (with even larger percentages in computer science and engineering)—and we can expect higher numbers of foreign-born faculty at U.S. universities in the future. In this paper, we use 2001 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) data from the National Science Foundation to compare productivity levels, work satisfaction levels and career trajectories of foreign-born scientists and U.S.-born scientists. The results indicate that foreign-born academic scientists and engineers are more productive than their U.S.-born peers in all areas. Yet, average salaries and work satisfaction levels for foreign-born scientists are lower than for U.S.-born scientists.
163 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors look at the relationship between salary and prestige and find that monetary rewards are higher for faculty activities that confer prestige, consistent with the theory that faculty members are financially rewarded for enhancing institutional prestige.
Abstract: Through the lens of the emerging economic theory of higher education, we look at the relationship between salary and prestige. Starting from the premise that academic institutions seek to maximize prestige, we hypothesize that monetary rewards are higher for faculty activities that confer prestige. We use data from the 1999 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF), and regression analysis to examine the determinants of salaries. The results are consistent with the theory that faculty members are financially rewarded for enhancing institutional prestige. There is some evidence that the rewards are higher in science and engineering. Spending more time on teaching has no effect on salary, even in comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges. Findings suggest that other types of institutions are emulating research institutions in their pursuit of prestige. Looking at faculty salaries through this lens raises serious questions about the implications of the current reward system in higher education.
121 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of structural diversity in promoting positive interactions across race, which in turn produce positive indirect effects on students' intergroup learning and second-year pluralistic orientation.
Abstract: This study extends the extant research demonstrating the educational benefits of diversity and examines how undergraduate students across disciplinary contexts acquire a set of pluralistic skills and dispositions necessary for today’s diverse workforce and society. The sample consisted of 4697 students who participated in a longitudinal study in the Fall of 2000 and Spring of 2002 at nine different public institutions. Findings from the study emphasize the importance of structural diversity in promoting positive interactions across race, which in turn produce positive indirect effects on students’ intergroup learning and second-year pluralistic orientation. The study also demonstrates the varying ways in which students in different majors acquire pluralistic skills, especially students in the engineering and life sciences. The study concludes with implications for practice and policy in the wake of the affirmative action case at the University of Michigan.
120 citations
TL;DR: The learning environment which seemed conducive to capability development aimed for understanding of key concepts through a variety of assessment methods and active engagement in learning activities and led to a high degree of collaborative learning.
Abstract: There has been wide recognition that today’s graduates need the type of generic capabilities necessary for lifelong learning. However, the mechanism by which universities can develop these generic skills is not clearly established. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism for their development. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test a hypothesized model of capability development through a suitable learning environment with 1756 undergraduates at a university in Hong Kong. To triangulate against this model and more fully characterize the learning environment, focus group interviews were held with five to six students from three programs with good records of capability development. Analysis of the interview data resulted in a set of categories, describing a learning environment, which were consistent with the SEM model. The learning environment which seemed conducive to capability development aimed for understanding of key concepts through a variety of assessment methods and active engagement in learning activities. Teacher–student relationships were developed through interaction, feedback and assistance. The promotion of peer–student relationships led to a high degree of collaborative learning.
TL;DR: This paper used propensity score matching to analyze the effect of receiving a master's degree, in various program areas, on wage-earning outcomes, and showed that substantial self-selection bias is undetected when using OLS regression techniques.
Abstract: Most research in the area of higher education is plagued by the problem of endogeneity or self-selection bias. Unlike ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, propensity score matching addresses the issue of self-selection bias and allows for a decomposition of treatment effects on outcomes. Using panel data from a national survey of bachelor’s degree recipients, this approach is illustrated via an analysis of the effect of receiving a master’s degree, in various program areas, on wage earning outcomes. The results of this study reveal that substantial self-selection bias is undetected when using OLS regression techniques. This article also shows that, unlike OLS regression, propensity score matching allows for estimates of the average treatment effect, average treatment on the treated effect, and the average treatment on the untreated effect on student outcomes such as wage earnings.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a conceptual model to examine the influence of a change in accreditation standards on a representative national sample of 203 engineering programs at 40 institutions and found that despite significant variation across most of the measures and groups in 1994 (before the introduction of the new accreditation criteria), the 2004 evidence demonstrates a surprisingly uniform level of student experiences and outcomes.
Abstract: This research uses a conceptual model to examine the influence of a change in accreditation standards on a representative national sample of 203 engineering programs at 40 institutions. Based on data collected from more than 140 program chairs, 1,200 faculty, 4,300 graduates of 2004, and 5,400 graduates of 1994, the study investigates the differential impact of the change in accreditation standards on programs reviewed in different years during the period of transition. Despite significant variation across most of the measures and groups in 1994 (before the introduction of the new accreditation criteria), the 2004 evidence demonstrates a surprisingly uniform level of student experiences and outcomes. These findings suggest that engineering accreditation is beginning to accomplish its quality assurance goals.
TL;DR: This paper found that the negative effect of math deficiency increases in magnitude with decreasing English competency, and that this interaction does not have substantive importance in the face of the powerful direct effect of Math deficiency on the likelihood of successful remediation in math.
Abstract: Prior research has established that the depth and breadth of remedial need in basic skills (math and English) exhibited by a student at college entry are strongly and negatively associated with the likelihood of achieving college-level competency in those subjects (i.e., successful remediation). This well-documented finding is built upon a body of work employing either simple bivariate analyses or regression analyses that assume additive effects. Yet, there are reasons to suspect that multiple basic skill deficiencies, rather than exhibiting additive effects alone, may exhibit a negative multiplicative interaction effect on the likelihood of successful remediation. In this research, I test the hypothesis that the negative effect of math deficiency increases in magnitude with decreasing English competency. Although the data support this hypothesis, I find that this interaction does not have substantive importance in the face of the powerful direct effect of math deficiency on the likelihood of successful remediation in math.
TL;DR: This article used data from the 1990/1994 Beginning Post-Secondary Survey to determine whether the factors associated with long-term attrition from higher education differ for students who initially enrolled part-time as compared to for students that initially enrolled full-time.
Abstract: We use data from the 1990/1994 Beginning Post-Secondary Survey to determine whether the factors associated with long-term attrition from higher education differ for students who initially enrolled part-time as compared to for students who initially enrolled full-time. Using a two-stage sequential decision model to analyze the initial enrollment intensity decision jointly with attrition, we find no evidence of correlation in the unobservables that necessitates joint estimation, but substantial evidence that the factors associated with attrition differ by initial enrollment status. The timing of initial enrollment, academic performance, parental education, household characteristics, and economic factors had a substantially greater impact on those initially enrolled full-time, while racial and ethnic characteristics had a greater impact on those initially enrolled part-time. The results of our study suggest that separate specifications are necessary to identify at-risk full-time as compared with at-risk part-time students.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report the results of a unique piece of research which embeds a regression-discontinuity design within the framework provided by discrete-time survival analysis, and confirm that the risk of leaving college among students who participate in developmental mathematics programs was significantly lower than for equivalent students who did not participate in such programs.
Abstract: The impact of academic programs—such as developmental mathematics programs—on student retention, has been a controversial topic for administrators, policy makers, and faculty in higher education. Despite deep interest in the effectiveness of these programs in retaining students, scholars have been unable to determine whether such programs have a causal impact on student retention. Rather than assigning students to a developmental program based on a random assignment process as in a true experiment, most of the existing research up to this point has been non-experimental and has focused exclusively on whether student background and demographic characteristics are statistically significant predictors of dropout. Furthermore, prior research is also limited by its reliance on cross-sectional, retrospective designs despite the longitudinal nature of the dropout phenomenon. In this paper, I report the results of a unique piece of research which embeds a regression-discontinuity design within the framework provided by discrete-time survival analysis. By combining these two approaches, I was able to obtain an unbiased estimate of the causal impact of participating in a developmental program in mathematics, and confirm that the risk of leaving college among students who participate in developmental mathematics programs was significantly lower than for equivalent students who did not participate in such programs.
TL;DR: This paper examined differences between women and men on 19 outcomes of college and assessed the extent to which those differences are attributable to gender gaps that existed prior to college or to men's and women's differential college experiences.
Abstract: This study examines differences between women and men on 19 outcomes of college and assesses the extent to which those differences are attributable to gender gaps that existed prior to college or to men’s and women’s differential college experiences. The data are drawn from a national longitudinal sample of students (N = 17,637) attending 204 four-year colleges and universities who were surveyed upon entry to college in 1994 and four years later in 1998. Among the 19 outcomes, 5 revealed gender differences that could be accounted for by pre-college variables alone, 2 demonstrated gender differences that were attributable to a combination of pre-college and college variables, and 12 produced gender gaps that were significant despite all control variables.
TL;DR: The authors empirically explored the comparability of traditional survey-based retention research methodology with an alternative approach that relies on data commonly available in institutional student databases and found that institutional database variables out-performed the institutional integration survey scales developed by Pascarella and Terenzini [Pascarella, E. T., and Tererzini, P. T. (1980). Journal of Higher Education 51(1): 60−75] in predicting 1-year retention.
Abstract: This study empirically explores the comparability of traditional survey-based retention research methodology with an alternative approach that relies on data commonly available in institutional student databases. Drawing on Tinto’s [Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition (2nd Ed.), The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.] theory of student integration, this project utilizes an information-theoretic approach [Burnham, K.P., and Anderson, D. R. (2002). Model Selection and Inference: A Practical Information-theoretical Approach (2nd ed.), Springer-Verlag, New York, NY.], in which a set of candidate models was developed using institutional integration survey variables and variables drawn from institutional student databases. An information-theoretic approach to selecting the most parsimonious logistic regression model revealed that institutional database variables out-perform the institutional integration survey scales developed by Pascarella and Terenzini [Pascarella, E. T., and Terenzini, P. T. (1980). Journal of Higher Education 51(1): 60–75.] in predicting 1-year retention. This empirical support for the use of institutional database variables is valuable in conducting institution-specific retention research under constrained resources.
TL;DR: Kezar et al. as mentioned in this paper explored the effect of residential expansion on student engagement and found limited positive differences after opening, and suggest that structure, in the form of size, does not, in and of itself, contribute significantly to shifting engagement.
Abstract: During the past two decades institutions of all types have sought to expand and enhance residential facilities. Institutional focus on scale, configuration, amenities, and academic integration has sought to leverage prior research documenting the multiple and often positive impacts of on-campus residence. Although institutional size has been documented to differentially impact student engagement [Kezar, A. J. (2006). NASPA Journal 43(1): 87–114], few studies, however, have directly explored the effect of residential expansion on student engagement. This study, based on a sample of 731 first-time freshmen explores NSSE results before and after the opening of a residential facility that doubled on-campus living at a single, metropolitan institution. Results indicate limited positive differences after opening, and suggest that structure, in the form of size, does not, in and of itself, contribute significantly to shifting engagement. Additionally, these results suggest an alternative method for using NSSE data in institutional analyses.
TL;DR: Multiple regression analyses using data from 4198 graduating engineering students on 39 campuses nationwide indicate that, after controlling an array ofStudents’ precollege characteristics, both students’ classroom and out-of-class experiences make statistically significant and independent contributions to student learning in both skill areas.
Abstract: This study examined the unique and joint contributions of engineering students’ classroom and out-of-class experiences on the development of two sets of skills central to students’ successful performance as engineers: analytical and group skills. Although the study focuses on engineering, the conceptual underpinnings and criterion measures are relevant to studies of teaching and learning in other fields. Multiple regression analyses using data from 4198 graduating engineering students on 39 campuses nationwide indicate that, after controlling an array of students’ precollege characteristics, both students’ classroom and out-of-class experiences make statistically significant and independent contributions to student learning in both skill areas.
TL;DR: This paper investigated the involvement of faculty members at comprehensive universities in scholarship of teaching and learning publishing activities in four disciplines, and found that comprehensive university faculty members were more involved in publishing articles and serving on editorial boards for pedagogical journals.
Abstract: We investigated the involvement of faculty members at comprehensive universities in scholarship of teaching and learning publishing activities in four disciplines. Compared to to their publishing rates in research-oriented journals, comprehensive university faculty members were more involved in publishing articles and serving on editorial boards for pedagogical journals. Over the past three decades, the relative involvement in the scholarship of teaching and learning journals by faculty members at comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges has increased whereas participation by faculty members at research universities has declined.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the validity of higher-order questions on tests and assignments as a process indicator by comparing it with gains in critical thinking skills among college students as an outcome indicator.
Abstract: One way to assess the quality of education in post-secondary institutions is through the use of performance indicators. Studies that have compared currently popular process indicators (e.g., library size, percentage of faculty with PhD) found that after controlling for incoming student ability, these process indicators tend to be weakly associated with student outcomes (Pascarella and Terenzini, 2005). In addition, while much research has found that students increase their critical thinking skills as a result of attending college, little is known about what goes on during the college experience that contributes to this. The purpose of this research was to examine the validity of higher-order questions on tests and assignments as a process indicator by comparing it with gains in critical thinking skills among college students as an outcome indicator. The present research consisted of three studies that used different designs, samples, and instruments. Overall, it was found that frequency of higher-order questions can be a valid process indicator as it is related to gains in students’ critical thinking skills.
TL;DR: The EXCEL program as mentioned in this paper is a program that encourages minority youth underrepresented in higher education to attend higher education, specifically at the university where they are more likely to achieve higher education.
Abstract: This article describes EXCEL, a program that encourages youth underrepresented in higher education to enroll in higher education, specifically at the sponsoring university. Eighty-three eighth grade students with GPA of B and above and standardized test scores at grade level or above were randomly assigned to the program or to a control group. The program guaranteed a scholarship to the sponsoring university and provided enrichment activities throughout high school. Program students were more likely to enroll at the sponsoring university than were control students. However, program and control students enrolled in higher education at rates that did not differ significantly. No differences were detected in self-esteem or high school GPA. Program students desired more education than control students. The results suggest that scholarship incentive and support programs that target average to above average achieving students in the eighth grade may not raise the overall number of aspiring minority youth attending college, but may be useful to specific universities to raise their minority enrollment.
TL;DR: This article analyzed the influence of local labor market conditions on the year-to-year persistence and attainment decisions of a sample of traditional-aged students who attended community colleges during the 1990s.
Abstract: This study analyzes the influence of local labor market conditions on the year-to-year persistence and attainment decisions of a sample of traditional-aged students who attended community colleges during the 1990s. The findings suggest that the enrollment and attainment decisions of these first-time community college students were not made purely as a response to changes in tuition costs, but rather the result of a more interconnected process whereby changes in tuition, local labor market conditions, and the relative change in both are considered. For those who are sensitive to these relative costs, the likelihood of dropping out is increased. Of those who remained enrolled, the evidence suggests that an increase in tuition appears to provide an incentive or extra motivation to finish a degree, especially an associate’s degree. This finding does not support the raising of in-state tuition to improve student outcomes; rather it draws attention to the complexity involved in student persistence and attainment decision-making.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the literature on distance education over the past five years is presented, focusing on specific instruction we can take from past research at the institutional, faculty, and student levels.
Abstract: While there continues to be a proliferation in the number of studies conducted on various aspects of distance education, we are often left with little understanding of the holistic planning and effects of it. This paper draws lessons learned from the literature on distance education over the past five years. This review did not seek to be exhaustive in presenting the findings of every study, but instead focuses on specific instruction we can take from past research at the institutional, faculty, and student levels.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated attitude-mediated individual difference determinants of risky decision-making behavior in employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans and found that an attitudinal preference toward risk and a perception of opportunity served as mediators for the relationships among employees' dispositional characteristics and their retirement savings behavior.
Abstract: Higher education employees often participate in university-sponsored defined contribution pension plans that place the investment decision responsibility upon them. In order to examine investment decision-making behavior with retirement savings plans we investigated attitude-mediated, individual difference determinants of risky decision-making behavior in employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans. Using a field survey of 795 higher education employees, who participated in one of four defined contribution savings plans, we tested a risk taking model using data on the employees’ investment allocations in their defined contribution savings plan. We found that an attitudinal preference toward risk and a perception of opportunity served as mediators for the relationships among employees’ dispositional characteristics and their retirement savings behavior. We also found that investment knowledge directly affected risk taking behavior. Implications of the results for higher education institutions are discussed.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore key factors that impact the college transition and persistence of aspiring underrepresented minority students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, in comparison with white, Asian science and non-science minority students.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore key factors that impact the college transition and persistence of aspiring underrepresented minority students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, in comparison with White, Asian science and non-science minority students. We examined successful management of the academic environment and sense of belonging during the first college year. Longitudinal data were derived from the Higher Education Research Institute's (HERI) 2004 Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) Freshman Survey and the 2005 Your First College Year (YFCY) Survey. Using a reformulation integration model, proposed by Nora (2001), we find significant effects of concerns about financing, negotiating family support and responsibility, and the racial dynamics (perceived and behavioral) affect student adjustment and sense of integration in the first year. Perceptions of a competitive environment affect groups differentially, and satisfaction with the relevance of coursework and change in ability to conduct research are key to transition for all first year students.
TL;DR: This article examined campus ideologies and cultural forms that addressed five dimensions of civic responsibility: knowledge and support of democratic values, systems and processes, desire to act beneficially in community and for its members, use of knowledge and skills for societal benefit, appreciation for and interest in those unlike oneself, and personal accountability.
Abstract: Civic responsibility as an ideal of higher education is rarely considered through a cultural and theoretical lens. Swidler’s (1986, American Sociological Review, 51: 273–286) framework linking ideology, culture and action was used in this ethnographic study of a research university (a) to understand dominant institutional beliefs about civic responsibility and (b) to understand how institutional culture contributes to a unique approach to civic responsibility. This study examined campus ideologies and cultural forms that addressed five dimensions of civic responsibility: (a) knowledge and support of democratic values, systems and processes, (b) desire to act beneficially in community and for its members, (c) use of knowledge and skills for societal benefit, (d) appreciation for and interest in those unlike oneself, and (e) personal accountability. The “role model” approach emerged as a unique institutional approach to civic responsibility and aligned with Swidler’s framework. Findings are significant for both organization studies and student development research.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of attending a group of work colleges on alumni educational and employment outcomes were investigated. But the authors focused on the impacts that attending a work college may have on students while in college and up to 25 years later.
Abstract: With the purpose of gaining a better understanding of the impacts that attending a work college may have on students while in college and up to 25 years later, this study estimated the effects of graduating from a group of work colleges on alumni educational and employment outcomes. Based on an overall sample of 7083 alumni from 5 work colleges, 20 private liberal arts colleges, and 5 public regional universities, a series of regression equations tested for differences across a range of college and employment related outcomes. With respect to a variety of facets of undergraduate educational outcomes, results indicate that attending a work college, relative to other types of institutions, has significant long-term effects. With respect to socioeconomic outcomes, results indicate that work colleges provide the greatest benefit to students from families with relatively low parental incomes.