Date of Award

8-2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Secondary Education and Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Marigold Hudock

Second Advisor

Ali Hachem

Third Advisor

Stacy Hendricks

Fourth Advisor

Eric Jones

Abstract

Using an explanatory sequential design, this mixed-methods study explores the impact of a first-year experience (FYE) course on the retention of SGRA at a regional four-year public institution in East Texas and examines the financial benefits it provides the university. Using quantitative analysis of secondary data from FYFT students during academic years 2021-2023 at a selected institution, this study examines the association between participation in an FYE course and first-to-second-year retention and second-to-third-year retention. No significant association was found between the participation of FYFT students in the FYE course and retention for either year. Significant associations were found in two separate student groups at greater risk for attrition. Examination of the return on investment of the FYE course revealed positive gains through estimated tuition revenue generated by the additional students retained. A qualitative focus group explored students’ perceptions regarding the influence the FYE course and campus supports had on their decisions to persist. Four themes emerged from the descriptions of students’ lived experiences: campus connection, academic integration, personal challenges, and choosing to persist. The integration of the quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that although the FYE course provides indirect support for academic and social integration, the decision to persist is a complex process and is influenced by several factors.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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