Date of Award

5-1-2004

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of new first-year students who enrolled at the University of North Dakota after participating in a summer camp. The sample of subjects was selected from nine sections of the Introduction into University Life course at the University of North Dakota. A total of 142 subjects participated in the study, but focused on the 23 subjects who responded that the summer camp experience was “considerable” or “somewhat” influential in their decision to attend and enroll at the University of North Dakota.

All nine instructors of the Introduction into University Life course assisted in this research by distributing and collecting the survey instrument. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the subjects who responded that their summer camp experience was “considerable” or “somewhat” influential in their choice to attend and enroll at the University of North Dakota.

Findings of the data analysis supported the following conclusions. Students’ summer camp experiences among institutions of higher learning in North Dakota differ from one another. The friendly students, faculty, and staff contributed to presenting a comfortable campus climate to the potential new student. Student’s perceptions about campus cleanliness, quality, and services continue to be important factors in college choice. Perceptions by others outside the campus community about the University of North Dakota and their experiences influence the perceptions, experiences, and opportunities that potential students gain prior to choosing a college. Finally, it was concluded that meeting people while at camp who were positive about the University of North Dakota, its size, and academic reputation was a major influence in college choice.

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