ERIC Number: EJ804826
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0271-9517
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
How Do Their Initial Goals Impact Students' Chances to Graduate? An Exploration of Three Types of Commitment
Graunke, Steven S.; Woosley, Sherry A.; Helms, Laura L.
NACADA Journal, v26 n1 p13-18 Spr 2006
Although previous research has not consistently shown that uncertainty about academic major negatively impacts graduation, commitment is largely believed to affect college students' success. We investigated the impact of institutional commitment, commitment to an educational goal, and commitment to an academic major on the probabilities of graduation for a cohort of first-time first-year students. Results indicate that students with high institutional commitment and commitment to an educational goal were the most likely to graduate within 6 years, while commitment to an academic major was negatively associated with probabilities of degree completion. Suggested implications for advisors include fostering educational development, enhancing a student's bond with the institution, and encouraging students to explore academic major options.
Descriptors: College Freshmen, Student Motivation, Educational Objectives, Academic Persistence, Probability, Graduation
National Academic Advising Association. NACADA Executive Office, Kansas State University, 2323 Anderson Avenue Suite 225, Manhattan, KS 66502-2912. Tel: 785-532-5717; Fax: 785-532-7732; e-mail: nacada@ksu.edu; Web site: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A