Factors Influencing Academic Success for Design Students: A Study of Curricular Expectations and Ethical Issues

摘要

Federal legislation, America's College Promise, urges community colleges and 4-year universities to comply with guidelines for college graduation rates and improved academic success outcomes as indicated in this bill. This study examines these student success factors. A pilot study of 22 students in a design degree program at a state university in a major metropolitan area was conducted to identify non-cognitive factors that impact academic success and graduation rates. A literature review was also conducted to examine the impact of financial aid, social situations, transfers between two-year and 4-year institutions and perceived satisfaction with course content and expectations of the role of the professor in the educational process. This research will be used to inform the second phase of research examining course content delivery methods and value-added strategies for improving education for students in design majors and in urban university settings based on reported satisfaction and demographic survey data.