Critical Factors of Success for First-Year Students in Four-Year Institutions: A University, Faculty and Student Initiative

Lippi, Angela Luisa (2009) Critical Factors of Success for First-Year Students in Four-Year Institutions: A University, Faculty and Student Initiative . Master's, Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

With more students investing in a college education today and stagnant retention rates nationwide, there is a need to examine academic success – how it happens and the factors involved. More specifically, what are universities with high retention and graduation rates doing differently that allows for this academic success in its students? What are faculties within these institutions doing to aid in their student’s success? What are the behaviors of students who achieve high grade point averages throughout college and graduate within six years? Most importantly, what are the critical factors that lead to academic success? The preliminary review of literature revealed that the grade point average a student earns in their first academic year is the best predictor of degree attainment. This finding guided the research and focus on the first college year and the first-year student. Further review detailed that academic success does not occur independently, it is a combination of efforts from students, universities and faculty working together towards it. The major aim of this study was to evaluate the critical factors that lead to academic success. Academic success for first- year students encompasses academic persistence into the second year, development of academic and intellectual competence, identity exploration and development, multi-cultural awareness, civic responsibility, maintaining interpersonal relationships and health and wellness. Given all of these components the successful first-year students will persist to their second year as well-rounded individuals. The findings in the literature review revealed that the critical factors of success for first- year students in four-year institutions are: Academic persistence, campus engagement, first-year seminars and university and family support. The study demonstrates how the factors lead to academic success and further details how universities, faculty and students can work together to achieve academic success within the first college year.