Date Approved

5-28-2009

Embargo Period

3-17-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Higher Education Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton

Subject(s)

African American college students--New Jersey; College students--New Jersey

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement patterns of selected African American undergraduate students and explore the reasoning as to why they choose to participate in certain groups and abstain from others. Data were collected through a three part survey with 60 Likert-type items used, and through a series of interviews. The population used was a convenience sample of 178 students at Rowan University's main campus in Glassboro, NJ. Eight students of that sample were purposely selected to participate in interviews. Data analysis of the surveys showed positive relationships between students who worked with classmates outside of class and worked on projects during class. There were no disparities between gender and class rank when compared to importance and satisfaction of academic involvement. The results of the surveys showed that most of the selected students participated in intramural athletics and social clubs while abstaining from university publication and independent study. Data from the interviews revealed that students felt connected to one another in ethnic and multicultural clubs and organizations, though they believed there is a lack of options on campus to engage in activities with students from other races.

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