Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Michael F. Burnett

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a model existed that significantly increased the researcher's ability to accurately explain whether or not a recruited student in the College of Agriculture at LSU will enroll based upon the current recruitment strategies. The target population for this study consisted of 1,130 prospective freshmen recruited to attend the College of Agriculture in the fall 1997. A comparison of students who resided on the College of Agriculture's 1997 prospective freshmen data base, with the university undergraduate data base gave an accessible population of 226 students. The actual sample size was determined using Cochran's formula for categorical data to be 143. Since complete data on all the variables for the subjects in the accessible population was obtained, all 226 subjects were studied. The instrument used in this study was a computerized recording form. Data were collected by copying the variables of interest from university undergraduate admissions and the College of Agriculture data bases. Results showed that substantively and statistically significant models exist which enhanced the researcher's ability to accurately explain enrollment status. The variable which had the highest correlations with enrollment was the dollar amount of scholarships awarded to the student. Discriminant analysis was used to determine models that explained the subject's enrollment status. The lowest total percent correctly classified was on the most efficient model at 80.09%. The comprehensive model correctly classified 85.84% of the cases; the comprehensive recruitment model correctly classified 83.19% of the cases. Variables which made significant contributions to the model included: the dollar amount awarded to the student, whether or not the student received a scholarship, whether or not the student came from within Louisiana, and whether or not the student received a departmental scholarship. Financial aid, geographic location, college mail, campus visitation programs and outreach programs were found to be essential recruitment activities. The refinement of the model and the need to apply it at the departmental level was recommended. Rigorous research of this nature should be conducted to improve the science of enrollment management.

ISBN

9780599213081

Pages

156

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.6854

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