Date of Award

1984

Degree Name

EdD Doctor of Education

Dissertation Committee

Jack R. Morrison, PhD, Director; Edward F. DeRoche, PhD; Susan M. Zgliczynski, PhD; William L. Pickett, PhD

Keywords

education, freshmen university students, higher education, student development mentoring-transcript program, San Diego (California), University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: (a) to determine the effects of participation in a Student Development Mentoring-Transcript Program on freshmen University students, (b) to ascertain the perceived value of participation in such a program for University students, (c) to develop recommendations regarding the implementation of mentoring-transcript programs at colleges and universities, and (d) to determine areas for further research on this topic. Subjects for the study were randomly selected from the 1982 Freshman Class at the University of San Diego. Mentors were selected from among faculty, administrators and professional staff members at the University. The study employed an experimental design measuring differences between experimental and control groups on five dependent variables: (1) use of campus services, (2) satisfaction with campus services, (3) satisfaction with the university environment, (4) participation in extracurricular activities, and (5) change in students' level of confidence in ten developmental areas. Subgroups within experimental and control groups were also compared to determine if there were differences in the effects of participation in the program upon: resident vs. commuter students; male students vs. female students; students of high, average or low academic ability; students with faculty mentors vs. students with administration or staff mentors. Instruments used for data collection were the following: the American College Testing Program’s Student Opinion Survey, the Cooperative Institutional Research Program's Entering Student Survey, the University of San Diego Student Development Transcript, and two questionnaires developed by the researcher. Data were tested by means of chi-square, t-tests and analysis of covariance. Some of the major findings and conclusions of the study were: 1. Participation in a Mentoring-Transcript Program heightens students' awareness of developmental opportunities available to them at the University and assists them in establishing developmental goals. 2. Participation in a Mentoring-Transcript Program increases students' confidence in their ability to solve problems and to make decisions. 3. Assisting students through a Mentoring- Transcript Program promotes among participating students positive attitudes toward the University environment. 4. The role of mentor is a potentially powerful and productive role for faculty and staff in their relationships with students. 5. The Student Development Transcript is viewed by students, faculty, administration and staff as a useful and practical instrument.

Document Type

Dissertation: Open Access

Department

Education

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