College Student Perceptions of Student Life Programs

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study explored undergraduate student satisfaction with student life programming at a small Northeast college. Phase I of this study employed a quantitative instrument (N = 240) to determine the factors affecting satisfaction and extent of involvement; Phase II employed focus groups (N = 4) to further probe Phase I findings. Astin’s (1993) work regarding the ways in which college impacts undergraduate students frames this study; specific involvement factors closely associated with satisfaction includes student interactions in clubs, social events, and relationships with peers. The findings may assist in program development to enhance students’ undergraduate experience