ERIC Number: ED637227
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 89
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3799-5642-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Relationship of Graduating Students (Alumni-to-Be)'s Sense of Belonging and Their Intent to Give Back to Their Alma Mater at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in South Texas
LanLan Alvarado
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Higher education institutions are increasingly relying on funding from the private sector (Council for Aid to Education, 2013) as state funding to higher education has decreased in recent years. Bridging the gap between university financial needs and available funding has become a high priority. In the process, higher education institutions have enlisted their advancement offices towards such bridging efforts by systematically bringing in financial support from donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations. Funding from private sources fluctuates with changes in the macro-economic environment, laws, and regulations, as well as shifts in philanthropic interests in the public. Alumni giving constitutes a substantial private funding source for higher education institutions. Research that undercovers the motivation and giving behaviors associated with alumni giving can guide higher education institutions to refine their relationships with their alumni through effective communication practices and involvements. This study aims to examine the factors that impact alumni giving in the higher education context through the lens of examining the relationship between graduating students (alumni-to-be)'s sense of belonging and their intent to give at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The following research questions were addressed in the study: 1) Is there a relationship between the graduating students (alumni-to-be)'s sense of belonging and their intent to give? 2) If there is a relationship, what are the factors of sense of belonging that contribute to the intent to give? Multiple linear regression results indicated that there is a relationship between graduating students (alumni-to-be)'s intent to give and their sense of belonging. Only one predictor variable, perceived faculty understanding and comfort, is statistically significant at the 0.05 level, while the other two predictor variables are not statistically significant. The effect size is small where 6% of the intent to give variance can be explained by the predictor variables. The findings provided insights for higher education institutions in South Texas when evaluating their student and alumni programs to foster a higher sense of belonging and higher alumni giving. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Hispanic American Students, Minority Serving Institutions, College Seniors, Graduation, Group Membership, Interpersonal Relationship, Private Financial Support, Alumni, Sharing Behavior, Intention, Teacher Student Relationship, Relationship
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A