Date Approved

4-21-2021

Embargo Period

4-22-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Tinnin, Drew

Committee Member 1

Dale, Dianna

Committee Member 2

McCombs, Tyrone

Keywords

graduate students, international students

Subject(s)

Graduate students, Foreign--Rowan University; Graduate students--Services for

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

The goal of this mixed method explanatory study was to examine the involvement patterns and priorities of Rowan University international graduate students and their overall college experience and satisfaction. The study further explored what services are most used from international graduate students at Rowan University. The survey sample included the available population of all international graduate students on an F-1 student visa studying at Rowan University's main campus in Glassboro, New Jersey who were registered for classes during the 2020-2021 academic year. Of the 145 students, 33 responded to the survey in its entirety, yielding a 22.8% response rate. The explanatory sample included three international graduate students who had completed the survey portion of this study. One virtual focus group was conducted to gather data about participants' overall reflections about their social and academic integration, services and activities international graduate students are involved with the most on campus, and their level of college satisfaction. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis confirmed findings from previous studies that international graduate students have a higher focus on academic performance and lower involvement in extracurricular activities. Moreover, the data suggested that international graduate students were mostly satisfied with Rowan's college experience and institutional services.

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