Year

2024

Season

Summer

Paper Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

College of Education and Human Services

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Department

Leadership, School Counseling & Sport Management

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. Department of Leadership, School Counseling & Sports Management

First Advisor

Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich

Second Advisor

Dr. Amanda Kulp

Third Advisor

Dr. Amanda Pascale

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Michelle Bartlett

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the impact online classes have on first-year student engagement and campus life at the University of North Florida. By using Alexander Astin’s theory of student involvement, this study examines the pattern of student engagement over time for first-year students enrolled in four quartiles of online classes. The study will focus on the level of engagement around (1) the utilization of five selected on-campus facilities and (2) student participation in six selected on-campus signature events and activities. The study also explores the meaningful ways these four student groups enrolled in online classes differ in their level of engagement and involvement at the University during their first fall and spring semesters.

The methodology used in this study was based on secondary data collected from the University’s identification card swipe software. This software allows for campus life and support services offices to collect student participation and/or attendance data at on-campus facility entrances and signature events. The participants sample size was over 2,700 first-year students and examined their level of on-campus engagement through descriptive statistics, ANOVA results, and a Means test to answer the four research questions and two assumptions.

The results of the findings revealed that there was a relationship between the number of online classes students in the sample were enrolled in, and their level of on-campus engagement. Overall, findings from this study indicate that online credit hours can impact on-campus engagement for first-year students in this sample. However, there are certain facilities, as well as signature events that illustrated strong on-campus engagement even for mainly online enrolled students.

Download

Share

COinS