| Student attrition from higher education continues to be one of the most difficult problems faced by colleges and universities throughout the nation. This study examined an array of campus environmental, organizational, academic and social variables related to female upper-level undergraduate and graduate student persistence and retention.; The study was conducted at a midwestern urban Carnegie 1 research and teaching university. Upper-level undergraduate and graduate female students (n = 444) were surveyed using a modified version of the Continuing Student Questionnaire (Four-year Institution). This instrument was developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and the College Board and had been used continuously since 1977.; Findings from the study indicated significant results in several areas. Most students appeared to be satisfied with their professors and their learning experiences. They indicated that they were attending the university for career training or updating. Undergraduate students were more likely to use student services than graduate students, generally because of the scope of the service or the availability when the students were on campus. Because the university was a commuter institution, socialization processes differed from a residential campus. Most students reported they worked either full or part-time, leaving little time for socializing on campus. They appeared to be interested in additional opportunities to socialize with their peers and their professors if these types of activities were at times when they could attend. However, the statistical analysis on the research question dealing with intent to persist was not conducted because the number of students who did not plan to re-enroll was too small (n = 7) to allow the statistical analysis to be completed. Interesting discrepancies were disclosed between quantitative and qualitative responses of the participants.; Recommendations to university administrators included being more proactive by offering orientations to graduate students entering the university for the first time, providing additional social activities for all students; making academic advising, the business office, financial aid, registration, and student records more customer focused for students; and encouraging students to engage in more research-based studies as part of their coursework. |
