Melvin Shuster

The Impact of the University Experience on Students' Educational Aspirations: an Investigation of the Personal Characteristics and University Factors ... Educational Aspirations at Cccu Institutions Melvin Shuster

The study presented in this book examined the individual characteristics and college environmental factors influencing the educational aspirations of 1,536 first time, full-time students entering Council of Christian College and University (CCCU)institutions in 1994 and graduating after 4 years. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data from surveys administered to the same individuals as 1st year students and seniors. The findings suggest that the educational aspirations of CCCU students in general were affected by both the faculty and the broader college environment. Students were more positively influenced by personal contact and direct interest shown in them by a faculty member than by oppotunities to publish. An overall satisfaction with the college experience tended to increase the odds of a student aspiring to post-baccalaureate studies. The findings suggest that CCCU institutions promote and assist faculty in their efforts to develop mentoring relationships with students.