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McPherson Dissertation Lib Copy.pdf (852.34 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University
Author Info
McPherson, Gary Rynell
ORCID® Identifier
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7586-3255
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2016, Doctor of Education, Ashland University, College of Education.
Abstract
In this study, I identified institutional actions that reduce student attrition using a mixed-methods research design. The research question asked, “What multitheoretical retention levers can be identified to reduce student attrition at CVU?” A theoretical framework influenced by Braxton’s (2000) research on the complex problem of student departure guided the study. Quantitative data from a student satisfaction survey were used to develop and implement a qualitative protocol. A thematic analysis of phone interviews resulted in the generation of a number of institutional actions that are known to improve student retention. These included providing students with clear lines of communication about campus goals, values, policies, and procedures; communicating expectations related to academic policies and course requirements; and optimizing the advisor–student dynamic. The research findings demonstrated that multitheoretical retention levers can be identified using a mixed-methods design.
Committee
Harold Wilson, PhD (Committee Chair)
James Olive, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Linda Billman, PhD (Committee Member)
Pages
96 p.
Subject Headings
Higher Education
;
Higher Education Administration
Keywords
mixed methods
;
student attrition
;
student departure
;
student retention
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Citations
McPherson, G. R. (2016).
Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University
[Doctoral dissertation, Ashland University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353
APA Style (7th edition)
McPherson, Gary.
Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University.
2016. Ashland University, Doctoral dissertation.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353.
MLA Style (8th edition)
McPherson, Gary. "Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University." Doctoral dissertation, Ashland University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
ashland1465987353
Download Count:
3,455
Copyright Info
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ashland University and OhioLINK.