Assessment of Valdosta State University Counseling Center Contributions to Retention
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Authors
McMillan, Leah C.
Issue Date
2011-06-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
college counselors , student retention , VSU Counseling Center , mental health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Higher educational settings continue to strive to elevate issues and concerns of students that may hinder them from achieving their academic goals and increasing their educational knowledge. Gallagher found, 84% of college counselors recognized an increase of students exhibiting more severe psychological problems over the past five years (2004, 4).
The following analysis’ purpose was to examine the significance of counseling services provided by the Valdosta State University Counseling Center in regards to academic performance, graduation, and student retention. The time period analyzed derives from 3 Cohorts: (1) Fall 2007 through Spring 2008, (2) Fall 2008 through Spring 2009, and (3) Fall 2009 through Spring 2010.
For this assessment, the researcher utilized similar methodology adapted from the Turner and Berry study (2000). The case study’s data was compiled and analyzed from the VSU Counseling Center’s Intake Forms and by the Office of Research and Strategic Analysis (Cragg 2009). The researcher utilized statistical tests such as Pearson’s Chi Square, cross-tabulation, t-test, and Chi-Square with Yates Correction to test the significant difference between multiple independent and dependent variables.
The case study results revealed a positive relationship and significant difference mental health/counseling issues have on academic performance. Further results showed that both retention and graduation rates in the VSU Counseling Center (VSU CC) cohorts were lower than those in the overall undergraduate population (VSU overall). However, counseling services assisted over 90% (M = 93.36%) of students who utilized the VSU Counseling Center in completing their academic semester.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Valdosta State University
License
Copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction or use beyond the exceptions granted by the Fair Use clause of U.S. Copyright law may violate federal law.