Retention in a small liberal arts institution : the commuter student experience
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Date
2009
Authors
Black, Jodie Lynn Gallais
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Education, 2009
Abstract
Research indicates that students who reside on campus are more likely than commuter
students to persist in their studies until graduation. The purpose of this study is to explore
factors that may influence retention for commuter students. Data were collected from 20
commuter students at a primarily undergraduate four-year institution, in three stages:
administration of a brief questionnaire, individual in-depth interviews, and a focus group.
The qualitative data gained was coded and analyzed, and a grounded theory entitled “the
commuter student experience” was developed. The theory contains three main categories,
various subcategories, and a mediating variable. The results and findings of this study
provide validation for existing areas of research on commuter students; however, they
also suggest areas for further exploration.
Description
ix, 107 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Commuting college students -- Alberta -- Attitudes , Commuting college students -- Alberta -- Research , Dropouts -- Prevention , Dissertations, Academic