The college adjustment process of fifteen conditionally admitted adult students at Indiana University East

During the Fall 1990 semester, a longitudinal qualitative study of fifteen first-semester conditionally admitted adult students was undertaken at Indiana University East (IU East) to gain insights into the college adjustment process of those students. Through a series of four interviews, the researcher studied factors affecting the college adjustment process of the participants in the study.Participants reported being motivated to enter college as a result of undergoing one or more life transitions. Each participant was attending college for vocational reasons, most seeking occupationally specific degrees. However, almost all reported anticipating personal growth through learning as providing the greatest satisfaction from the college experience.Participants reported having anxiety regarding academic ability to succeed in college. Yet, challenges reported by the participants were generally situational, reflecting financial concerns, unexpected health problems, and family concerns. Effective time management was essential in adjusting to college. Almost all cut back on involvement in community and social activities. At times, family members had difficulty understanding the personal transformation experienced by the participants.Fourteen of the fifteen participants successfully completed the Fall 1990 semester, each with a 2.0 or higher grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). All fourteen enrolled in classes spring semester. When asked to indicate ways in which IU East had assisted them with college adjustment, participants indicated a supportive, caring faculty was of key importance during their first semester. Those who were a part of a federally funded support services program (67% of the participants) frequently mentioned that having a support system upon which to rely made a positive difference.The primary factors found to affect the college adjustment process were determination to succeed and willingness to undergo personal changes in the learning process. Other positive factors included degree of faculty support, presence of institutional support for new students, and perceived caring attitude among faculty. Factors which aggravated the adjustment process included conflicts involving family, employment, finances and health. Although degree of academic preparedness could be assumed to affect the college adjustment process, no relationship was found between high-school graduation rank and first-semester grade point average or fall-to-spring retentionDepartment of Educational LeadershipThesis (D. Ed.