Graduate Student Engagement

Stefanie Stefancic Texas A&M University

Why Support Graduate Students?

Graduate education in the United States sees staggering rates of drop outs While difficult to determine based on

influences within specific programs (Baird, 1996) it is estimated that: Overall there is a 50% attrition rate at the doctoral

level

It is estimated that Only 40% of social science graduate students

will complete their degree Approximately 60% for sciences While professional fields (including education)

see a higher graduation rate of around 80%

Data (cont.)

Data (cont.)

Studies have shown that there are significant barriers and socialization needs for graduate students within the department (Golde, 1994 & Lovitts, 1996). Includes faculty/student relationships Rigor and understanding of research in the

field Connection and support of peers

What are their needs?

The magnitude of research on graduate socialization within college departments is staggering (Bowen, 1998)

Very little has been studied about the role institutional culture of campus resources play in the success of graduate students (Nesheim, Guentzel, & Gansemer-Topf, 2006).

Constructs of good service/support

Practitioners should consider: Student Experiences – in and out of the

department Time, money, job opportunities, clarity of purpose

Socialization College/department, faculty, peers, profession

Programming/Services Organizations, networking, counseling, orientation

Ongoing Research

Current Research shows that graduate students desire a connection to the institution. They want their connect to be a more

developed relationship then that of their affinity to their undergraduate institution.

They desire connection to other graduate students outside their programs

They also desire social outlets within the campus environment.

Things you should do Assess on your campus

Given the limited information on graduate services – don’t assume what others are doing will work for your students

Work with graduate advisors and departments Consider supporting the development of a

student organization for grads Is there already one? Who advises it? What is their

focus? Where are students connecting off campus? What types of graduate housing communities exist?