Date of Award
Fall 2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Francis Atuahene, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Thomas Risch, Ph.D.
Abstract
The connection between co-curricular activities and student’s undergraduate university experience was explored in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze existing university exit survey data from the Arkansas State University Leaving the Den survey. The survey was designed to gather feedback on students’ university experiences. This study explored the feasibility of using an existing exit survey to gather data on students’ co-curricular experiences, perceived and real return on investment in their education, and post-graduate plans. Co-curricular experiences identified in the survey were connected to NACE Career Competencies. The outcomes of the descriptive analysis indicate strong connections between student participation in co-curricular activities and their reported sense of belonging during their time at the university. Students who reported higher satisfaction with their career preparedness and intellectual growth were most likely to report career-centered future plans such as obtaining a job in their field of study and being accepted to graduate or professional school. Overall, the study provides a strong foundation for using co-curricular activities to improve career readiness programs at the university.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Kari, "Is Involvement the Key to Students' Post-Graduate Success? A Study of Undergraduate University Exit Survey Results and Co-Curricular Activity Participation" (2024). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 278.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/278