Year
2021
Season
Fall
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
College of Education and Human Services
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Department
Marketing and Logistics
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Leadership, School Counseling & Sports Management
First Advisor
Dr. Linda Skrla
Second Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Kane
Third Advisor
Dr. Kim Cheek
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jay Coleman
Department Chair
Dr. David Hoppey
College Dean
Dr. Diane Yendol-Hoppey
Abstract
Of the 3.5 million first-time in college, full time students who began college in fall 2017, 74% returned for fall 2018, with 61.7% retained at their starting institution. Covid-19 has negatively impacted retention; in addition to normal attrition, one of every five students did not return to campus in fall 2020. Researchers have gauged both academic and social factors that positively influence retention and note the use of the campus fitness center (CFC) as one social factor; however, women are less likely to use the CFC, are one third as likely to exercise, and experience more numerous fitness obstacles and fewer fitness motivators compared to men. Women adjust less well to college than men, a situation which the CFC’s contributions to a sense of belonging and social benefits can mitigate. While research identifies overall best practices for CFCs, knowledge about CFC best practices with respect to women, which align with women’s needs for belonging and social benefits, is limited. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple case study was to identify and analyze fitness areas on college campuses that deliver women-focused fitness that aligns with women’s needs for belonging and social benefits. The information derived from this study was used to create an initial framework for women-focused fitness areas. From this work, institutions of higher education can learn how to design and implement such areas to motivate women to use the CFC and potentially improve their retention.
Suggested Citation
Gordon, Leslie Marie, "Student Retention in Higher Education: Effect of the Campus Fitness Center on Women" (2021). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1096.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1096
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