Graduation Year

2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Adult, Career and Higher Education

Major Professor

Thomas E. Miller, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Robert Sullins, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Donald Dellow, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Judith A. Ponticell, Ph.D.

Keywords

campus facilities, FTIC, student involvement, university students

Abstract

Higher education institutions are tasked with providing opportunities in and out of the classroom that provide students opportunities for a successful college experience. First year student expectations of the college experience initially influence selection of academic and social activities. Unmet or unrealistic expectations may lead to poor academic outcomes, stunted social development, and attrition.

This study focused on traditional first year students at the onset of their college career. Through selection of anticipated field of major study, GPA, and extracurricular activities, students initially identify potential academic activities and potential social activities. This study provided quantitative data in an effort to identify possible relationships between and among those intentions. Student selection of major field of study may drive academic progress and influence selection of social activities.

This study used the College Student Expectations Questionnaire (CSXQ) responses of 3272 first time in college (FTIC) students who attended a large public university in the southeast during the fall 2012 semester.

Results, conclusions, significance, and implications of the work to the discipline are reported here.

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