The Relationship Between Community College Academic Advising and Time to Degree Completion

225 Pages·2016·7.12 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2016
The Relationship Between Community College
Academic Advising and Time to Degree
Completion
Brenda Wepfer Pongracz
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Education

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Brenda Wepfer Pongracz

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. William McCook, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty
Dr. Sydney Parent, Committee Member, Education Faculty
Dr. Richard Hammett, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2016
Abstract
The Relationship Between Community College Academic Advising and Time to Degree
Completion
by
Brenda Wepfer Pongracz

MM, Temple University, 2000
MM, Cleveland State University, 1996
BA, Hiram College, 1993

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
October 2016
Abstract
Increasing student on-time completion is a challenge for many higher education
institutions. In the community college chosen for this study, only 5.2% of its first-time-
in-college, full-time students graduated within 3 years with a 2-year degree. The purpose
of this study was to explore the relationship between participation in the college’s
academic advising program and students’ time-to-degree completion, based on the pre-
and post-entry attributes outlined in Tinto’s institutional departure theory. A non-
experimental, correlational, quantitative research method with multiple regression
analysis was applied, using a convenience sample of 190 graduating students from the
institution’s 2011 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) cohort.
Specifically, the quantitative design employed bivariate correlation analysis to select
applicable pre- and post-entry characteristics and then regression analysis to determine
the degree to which academic advising predicted time-to-degree completion based on
characteristics. The regression analysis indicated that the variables of first-generation,
intent to transfer, use of services, club participation, and financial aid eligibility
significantly impacted student time to degree completion. The data analysis also
indicated that students who did not see an academic advisor graduated faster than those
who did. These findings led to a white paper recommending implementation of a tiered
academic advising approach, development of specific advising outcomes, and increased
data collection to improve the advising structure at the institution. By working to
increase the IPEDS graduation rate, the institution can provide opportunities for students
to increase their employment and earnings potential, improving the overall quality of life
for students, their families, and the community, thus promoting positive social change.
The Relationship Between Community College Academic Advising and Time to Degree
Completion
by
Brenda Wepfer Pongracz

MM, Temple University, 2000
MM, Cleveland State University, 1996
BA, Hiram College, 1993

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
October 2016
Dedication
This document is dedicated to my wonderful husband and children who supported
me throughout this process and allowed me the time to complete my degree. I would also
like to thank my parents, who always believed I would obtain my doctorate. And to my
in-laws, who are very excited to have a Dr. Pongracz in the family!
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my doctoral chair, Dr. William McCook, and committee
members, Dr. Sydney Parent and Dr. Richard Hammett, who provided support, insight,
and assistance throughout the process of writing this document. I would also like to
acknowledge my statistical support team of Robert and Ann, who provided great
conversation, understanding, and a different perspective for me while analyzing my data.
Finally, I would like to thank all my wonderful colleagues and supporters at my current
institution, who helped me formulate ideas and talk about research possibilities. Their
support and collaboration throughout this process made it much more enjoyable and
helped me grow as a scholar and practitioner. Finally, the support of the Walden research
team and professors throughout my studies gave me the information and resources
needed to complete this study.
Table of Contents
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi
List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii
Section 1: The Problem ........................................................................................................1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................1
Definition of the Problem ..............................................................................................2
Rationale ........................................................................................................................5
Evidence of the Problem at the National Level ...................................................... 5
Evidence of the Problem at the Local Level ........................................................... 8
Definitions......................................................................................................................9
Significance..................................................................................................................11
Community College Funding ................................................................................ 13
Accreditation ......................................................................................................... 13
Student Financial Impact ...................................................................................... 14
Employment and Economic Impact ...................................................................... 14
Guiding/Research Question .........................................................................................16
Research Question Alignment with the Problem, Purpose, and Literature .......... 19
Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................20
Theoretical Foundation ......................................................................................... 21
Student Attrition.................................................................................................... 26
Summary of the Literature Review ..............................................................................39
Implications..................................................................................................................41
Summary ......................................................................................................................44
i
Section 2: The Methodology ..............................................................................................45
Introduction ..................................................................................................................45
Research Design and Approach ...................................................................................45
Setting and Sample ......................................................................................................49
Instrumentation and Materials .....................................................................................51
Data Collection and Analysis.......................................................................................54
Assumptions, Delimitations, Scope, and Limitations ..................................................62
Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................65
Data Analysis Results ..................................................................................................65
Data Preparation.................................................................................................... 66
Sample Characteristics and Descriptive Statistics ................................................ 70
Descriptive Analysis Interpretation ...................................................................... 72
Questions and Hypotheses .................................................................................... 75
Research Question 1 ............................................................................................. 76
Research Question 2 ............................................................................................. 76
Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 77
Multiple Regression Analysis ............................................................................... 78
Block Stepwise Multiple Regression .................................................................... 79
Research Question 1 Answered ............................................................................ 84
Research Question 2 Answered ............................................................................ 85
Multiple Regression Analysis Interpretation ........................................................ 85
Results Support a White Paper for Policy Recommendations .............................. 90
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................91
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Section 3: The Project ........................................................................................................94
Introduction ..................................................................................................................94
Project Overview .........................................................................................................94
Project Description................................................................................................ 95
Project Goals ......................................................................................................... 96
Rationale ......................................................................................................................96
Connecting Recommendations and Research ....................................................... 97
Connecting Recommendations and Research Results .......................................... 97
Addressing the Current Gap in Practice ................................................................ 98
Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................98
Background and Definition of the White Paper .................................................... 99
Basic White Paper Structure ............................................................................... 100
Benefits and Uses of White Papers in Higher Education ................................... 102
Academic Advising Context and Research to Support the Project............................102
History of Academic Advising ..................................................................................103
Purpose of Academic Advising .................................................................................105
Structure of Academic Advising ................................................................................111
Summary ....................................................................................................................118
Academic Advising Outcomes and Assessment ........................................................118
Assessment of Outcomes .................................................................................... 120
Educational Goals ............................................................................................... 122
Teaching and Learning ....................................................................................... 123
Academic Plan .................................................................................................... 124
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