ERIC Number: EJ1333546
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-May
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0018-1560
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Available Date: N/A
The Role of First-Year Seminars and First-Year College Achievement for Undeclared Students
Pickenpaugh, Emili N.; Yoast, Summer R.; Baker, Amanda; Vaughan, Angela L.
Higher Education: The International Journal of Higher Education Research, v83 n5 p1063-1077 May 2022
It is commonly stated in both literature and news outlets that undergraduate college students, who are undeclared (i.e., have not declared a major), are at a higher risk of dropping out or underperforming compared to students with declared majors. However, research supporting this belief or literature citing possible supportive interventions is scant and outdated. The small amount of research conducted thus far mostly examines the role of advising in supporting these potentially at-risk students. The present study investigated whether undeclared students at a mid-sized public research university in the USA represent a higher risk than their declared peers, as well as whether participation in a first-year seminar (FYS) minimizes these risks. Findings indicate undeclared students may be at higher risk than their declared counterparts and participation in a research-based academic FYS improved academic outcomes for these students. Results included average first-term GPAs 0.4 points higher and approximately 10% greater retention to the second year as compared to undeclared non-participants.
Descriptors: First Year Seminars, Academic Achievement, College Freshmen, Nonmajors, At Risk Students, Student Participation, Research Universities, Grade Point Average, School Holding Power
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A