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A STUDY OF FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY STUDENT ORGANIZATION
INVOLVEMENT
Prepared for
Scott Ansevin-Allen
Prepared by
Chris Ciota, Corey Dunn, Lisa Neufeld, Dan Shelley, Mike Weeden, Mahia Valle
A course paper presented to Programs for Business Administration
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Bachelor of Science Degree
Marketing Research Course
Franklin Pierce University
December, 2007
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Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary .............................................................................................................4
Introduction
Background Information of Student Organizations.................................................5
Nature of the Problem..............................................................................................5
Purpose of the Project ..............................................................................................6
Problem Statement ...................................................................................................6
Research Objectives.................................................................................................7
Definitions................................................................................................................7
Literature Review
Introduction..............................................................................................................8
Recruitment............................................................................................................10
Campus Involvement .............................................................................................11
Importance of Student Involvement.......................................................................13
Methodology
Problem Identification ...........................................................................................15
Development of Survey .........................................................................................15
Definition of Population ........................................................................................16
Sample Size............................................................................................................16
Data Collection Method.........................................................................................16
Assumptions...........................................................................................................16
Limitations .............................................................................................................17
Results
Question 1 ..............................................................................................................18
Question 2 ..............................................................................................................18
Question 3 ..............................................................................................................18
Question 4 ..............................................................................................................19
Question 5 ..............................................................................................................19
Question 6 ..............................................................................................................19
Question 7 ..............................................................................................................20
Question 8 ..............................................................................................................20
Question 9 ..............................................................................................................20
Question 10 ............................................................................................................20
Cross Tabulation 1 .................................................................................................20
Cross Tabulation 2 .................................................................................................21
Cross Tabulation 3 .................................................................................................21
Cross Tabulation 4 .................................................................................................22
Cross Tabulation 5 .................................................................................................23
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Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations
Discussion ..............................................................................................................24
Conclusion .............................................................................................................25
Recommendations..................................................................................................26
References..........................................................................................................................28
Appendix
Appendix A: FPU Student Organization Involvement Survey..............................30
Appendix B: Currently an active member? ...........................................................33
Appendix C: If No, what affects involvement? .....................................................34
Appendix D: How many meetings attended? ........................................................35
Appendix E: Rate experience with clubs. ..............................................................36
Appendix F: How many events attended? .............................................................37
Appendix G: Student involvement in Clubs/Organizations...................................38
Appendix H: Male open-ended response...............................................................39
Appendix I: Female open-ended response.............................................................40
Appendix J: Meetings attended each month ..........................................................41
Appendix K: Class standing...................................................................................42
Appendix L: Gender ..............................................................................................43
Appendix M: Cross Tabulation 1...........................................................................44
Appendix N: Cross Tabulation 2 ...........................................................................45
Appendix O: Cross Tabulation 3 ...........................................................................46
Appendix P: Cross Tabulation 4 ............................................................................47
Appendix Q: Cross Tabulation 5 ...........................................................................48
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Executive Summary
The marketing research team conducted a study for the Department of Student
Activities from Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, N.H. The purpose of this study was
to measure the level of student organization involvement at FPU. The researchers
developed a survey that would measure the current attendance rate of each student
organization, to identify why students at FPU choose not to participate in student
organizations, to determine what incentives student organizations could offer prospective
students, and to research other institutions in regard to the above three objectives. The
research demonstrated that more than half of the FPU student sample population is not
currently active in any student organization. The research also demonstrated that most of
the inactive students were also unfamiliar with any of the clubs offered at FPU and the
main factor affecting their participation is a combination of too much course work, their
employment, and athletic organizations. Furthermore, according to the research noninvolved students were most likely to have no experience with students organizations and
are less likely to attend meetings or events. The research showed the need to create more
awareness of the benefits of becoming involved in student organizations, and the need to
increase the current retention rate of student organizations as well.
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Introduction
Background Information of Student Organizations
Franklin Pierce University commits its energies and resources to creating an
academic home in the truest sense. The Institution’s curricular theme of Individual and
Community, serves as the foundation from which the University educates students
representing a rich diversity of background. “Through the admissions process, we seek
and admit students who are committed to advancing their lives, and the lives of others,
through hard work, high standards, and community service” (Franklin Pierce University,
2007, ¶ 1).
The Department of Student Activities is dedicated to working with students
throughout their four years. Franklin Pierce University (FPU) encourages students to
engage beyond the classroom and put into practice that which they have learned in ways
not before realized. Through Student Government, Clubs, Orientation, Alternative Spring
Break, Community Service and Student Leadership Programs they provide opportunities
for students to make a positive impact on the college and outside communities.
Nature of the Problem
The problem at hand is to find out why some Franklin Pierce Students
choose not to get involved in Student Involvement, consisting of clubs, and organizations
on the FPU campus. FPU is located in Rindge, New Hampshire. The research team asked
some of the students on campus why they choose not to get involved, one student stated,
“I don’t get involved because I never know what the clubs are, or what they offer, and I
don’t ever see them advertised” (Anonymous FPU Student, Fall 2007). The researchers
then investigated how clubs are advertised on campus. 100% of the clubs advertise in the
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Emily Flint Campus Center located at Franklin Pierce. All though the Campus Center has
high traffic, the traffic mainly consists of underclassmen. The clubs advertise by using
the limited amount of five 8 ½ ‘x 11’ flyers. When students are looking at five flyers of
the 28 clubs on campus, some may get lost in the few seconds they have to read and
retain the material presented on the flyer.
The students also don’t see how valuable it is to them for the future, because they
are classified as Generation Y, where they take “instant gratification” over “preparing for
the future”. The researchers also asked a freshman his opinion on the matter. Sam Penny,
responded by saying, “I’m only a freshmen, with four full years ahead, so there is plenty
of time to get involved.”
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this research is to find out whether student involvement in student
organizations can be improved. To do so the researchers will conduct surveys with the
students on campus and obtain their results. In addition, the researchers goal is to find
ways to increase attendance at all current organizations. Another goal is to identify the
incentives that might help students become more involved with the organizations. The
researchers will conduct a comparison of student organizations of other universities to
Franklin Pierce University.
Problem Statement
Research is necessary to determine what Franklin Pierce University can do to
improve student organization involvement.
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Research Objectives

To measure current attendance at each student organization

To identify why students at Franklin Pierce University choose not to
participate in student organizations.

To determine what incentives student organizations could offer prospective
students.

Research other institutions in regard to the above three research objectives.
Definitions
Student Organizations: A group of students, sharing a common interest, funded
by Franklin Pierce University. This group of students must abide by their own
organization’s constitution as well as the Student Government Association’s
organization existence policy.
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Literature Review
Introduction
An increasing number of students at Franklin Pierce University means that
student organizations must focus on increasing the current attendance rate by advertising
their meetings and events more heavily on campus. Current students at FPU tend to like
incentives such as, free gifts offered from organizations on campus, as well as improving
themselves and building their resume for the future. This literature review focuses on the
attendance rate of student organizations and how Franklin Pierce University can attract
more students to become involved in these organizations. With the proper knowledge, the
Franklin Pierce Administration may be able to increase the attendance rate and
participation rate of FPU students.
Campus activities include a variety of academic and special interest clubs such as
the Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, Pierce Arrow (news
paper), Raven (Year book), WFPC FM Radio Station, and twenty-five social clubs.
Special events and bus trips are offered on weekends and there is a weekly movie series.
Athletic programs meet the needs and interests of many students. They include many
recreational and intramural sports. At the inter collegiate level, men compete in baseball,
basketball, crew, cross country, lacrosse, golf, soccer, tennis, and ice hockey. For women,
basketball, cross country, crew, golf, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, softball, tennis, and
volleyball are available. The research team will be focusing only on student organizations
and clubs, such as the Student Government, Campus Activities Board, and every other
club on campus.
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Understanding why college students participated in extracurricular activities such
as college student organizations can be associated with several factors. Individual student
characteristics, along with the present college environment (e.g., the kind of institution,
the curriculum, the faculty, and peers), influenced levels of activity participation
(Astin, 1993, pg. 34).
The student life of an institution included "social life, opportunities to attend
cultural events, opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, and regulations
governing campus life" (Astin, 1993, pg 34). A student who attended a large institution
would probably have a greater number of extracurricular activity opportunities as well as
have more diverse social opportunities, for example, like those found through
participation in college student organizations. Students with more opportunities to
participate in the overall student life of the institution could have more student-to-student
interactions. Consequently, student interactions were found to cultivate a more active
social life in college (Astin, 1993, pg 36). Having an active college social life by
participating in college student organizations could influence how one perceives his or
her own college experience, “Leadership experience in student organizations increased
the development of altruistic values and social concern. Members of student
organizations had significantly higher life management skills upon entry into college
compared to their peers and those who pursued membership through their junior year
showed significantly higher growth in the lifestyle skills of developing purpose and
academic autonomy. Students who pursued leadership roles began “ahead” of their nonleadership peers and showed continued growth, sustaining and further developing these
skills” (Mount Union College, 2007, ¶ 14).
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Recruitment
The students need to find the unique selling point of their club, then, try to focus
on the unique qualities of your organization and communicate these to the prospective
students. They need to remember to stay in the club’s purpose and constitution. Students
at any college campus want to know two things when it comes to potential clubs or
organizations, “What’s in it for me?” and “What do I need to do?” So the members of
clubs need to give interested students some direction by explaining the responsibilities
and requirements expected to them by writing a job description. “They may want to
include some of the following in the club’s job description: specific duties, qualifications,
training, commitment and evaluation. Remember not to overwhelm the student with the
job description but inform them of what is expected.” (Plymouth State University, 2007,
¶ 2).
Also, student organizations must learn to work along with faculty members to
demonstrate the benefits of becoming a part of a student organization are to prospective
students. “Several researchers have described benefits of participation in student
organizations such as more intimate interpersonal relationships, greater interdependence,
and higher development in educational, career, and lifestyle plans than their peers,
furthering attainment of educational and developmental goals, promoting persistence to
graduation” (Powell, 2007, ¶ 3).
The market research team plans to implement the following in order to effectively
market the student organizations on the FPU campus by advertising through: Banners,
Posters, Flyers, Table Tent, Balloons, Handbill, Newspaper Ads, Brochures, Stake
Posters in the Ground, Press Release, Radio Stations, T-shirts, Display Cases, Posters in
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Local Businesses, Mailers, Word of Mouth, Flyers/Posters to Campus, Departments,
Club Mailboxes, Graduate Offices, Library, Bulletin Boards, Music Stores, Newspaper
Inserts, Activities Fair, New Student Registration, Community Clubs and Organizations
(Mount Union College, 2007, ¶ 15).
Campus Involvement
Increased satisfaction with the college experience as a result of organization
participation motivates college students to become active participants in the student life
of their institution. The extracurricular activities that comprise an institution's student life
produce opportunities for students to interact with one another and facilitate involvement
with the social aspects of the college as well as with the more formal academic
environment.
For each of the fourteen categories of a "quality of effort" scale measuring the
amount of extracurricular activities students became involved in at their campus on the
CSEQ, members of college student organizations had significantly higher mean scores
than nonmembers (Abrahamowicz, 1988, pg. 233). Activities that were cited ranged from
the number of library visits by students to membership and participation in clubs and
organizations. One possible explanation for this result could be that college student
organization members naturally were more involved in student life in comparison to
nonmembers.
Extracurricular participation, however, appeared to nurture activity beyond the
scope of the member's student organization. Members of college student organizations
extended their involvement into other campus areas. Increased participation in faculty
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relations, library visitation, interest in theater and the arts, and technology were a few of
the areas cited for increase student involvement (Abrahamowicz, 1998, pg. 238).
Williams and Winston, Jr. (1998, pg. 52-59) found that when compared to nonmembers of student organizations, members understood their abilities and limitations
more clearly and began to explore their interests and values. As shown in the
significantly higher levels of task achievement in education and career plans on the
SDTLI, student organization members became more aware of resources and learning
opportunities available to reach these goals. Pascarella and Terenzini (1991, ¶ 13) found
that when thinking in retrospect, college graduates perceived their extracurricular
involvement as "having a substantial impact on the development of interpersonal and
leadership skills important to general occupational success”. College student organization
participation enhanced interpersonal and leadership skills, allowing students to explore
their goals and to identify steps to achieve these goals.
Schuh and Laverty (1983, pg. 28) studied the long-term effects of involvement
obtained from organization participation on a sample of student leaders from three
institutions. Leadership positions in extracurricular activities such as student government
and campus newspapers were found to have a positive effect on increased participation in
community and civic organizations. In general, students continue to stay aware and
become involved in community and political activities even after their terms as college
student organization leaders end (Schuh & Laverty, 1983, pg 30). The study emphasized
that college student organization membership can be associated with continued
organizational involvement and continued interactions with a variety of peers long after
graduation from college.
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Continued extracurricular involvement in student organizations produced
informed citizens who actively participated in addressing those issues that are of most
interest to them. Students viewed community involvement in a positive light and saw
their involvement as directly affecting their leadership skills (Schuh & Laverty, 1983, pg.
32). The perceived influence on leadership and other skills emphasize the potential
impact organizational participation could have on the development of college students.
Importance of Student Involvement
In order to achieve better attendance in clubs and organizations the researchers
must first understand the importance of student involvement. Mike Bosley, a
representative of the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Central Florida was
interviewed about the importance of student involvement in general. He spoke of how
important it is for freshman to get involved with organizations. “First of all, it helps
make the transition from high school into college much easier. Secondly, by
participating in events, students are able to meet new and exciting people. Finally,
students are able to receive excellent opportunities for individual growth and
development through university involvement” (Baker, 2007, ¶ 6).
There are also advantages and disadvantages in which Mr. Bosley spoke about.
The disadvantages were over-commitment and poor academic performance. However,
Mr. Bosley quickly stated that the advantages “outweighed the disadvantages.” By
carefully choosing a type of club or organization that interests them the most, it reduces
over-commitment and decreases poor academic performance. There are long-term
benefits to joining a club/organization. “Pre-professional clubs are best for students
whose desire is to receive career training before graduating and entering the work force.”
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Although Mr. Bosley states that “there are, every now and then, minimal dues
students must pay to help off-set operating costs,” there are no clubs/organizations on the
Franklin Pierce University campus that are like this. The University funds all student
organizations.
Franklin Pierce University attracts in-coming freshmen to join clubs and
organizations by formulating club/organization sponsored events and activities during the
freshmen orientation. This act can be compared to the University of Central Florida.
Both UCF and FPU can compare in various aspects of student attractions and enrollment
issues by putting signs up concerning up-coming events, posting banners about
enrollment into clubs and organizations around campus hot spots, and by giving new and
transfer students packets of information regarding various clubs and organizations on
campus.
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Methodology
Problem Identification
The marketing research team from Franklin Pierce University conducted research
for the Department of Student Activities. The research is necessary to identify why
students choose to get involved in student activities (clubs and organizations). The
research team then took it a step further and researched why students choose not to get
involved in clubs and organizations on campus.
Some of the students on the Franklin Pierce campus aren’t aware of all the clubs
that are available on campus. Some clubs only advertise by putting up a flyer in the
campus center, so their name doesn’t reach the whole campus. On the other hand, some
students know that there are clubs on campus, but they just don’t know what they offer,
or when they meet. Bailey Gaffney wanted to join Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), but
she said, “I know exactly what they do, I just don’t know when they meet”(B. Gaffney,
Personal Communication, Fall 2007).
Development of Survey
To develop the survey the research team began by talking with Scott AnsevinAllen, the director of student activities of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, to
develop research objectives. The research objectives were developed on October 2, 2007
and reviewed by Scott Ansevin-Allen on October 12, 2007. The survey was then created
on October 26, 2007 and reviewed by the marketing research class at Franklin Pierce
University on November 2, 2007. After the class reviewed the survey, the research team
made revisions and turned in the newly revised copy to Dr. Jason Little on November 7,
2007. Dr. Little revised the survey and handed it back to the research team on November
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9, 2007. The research team then completed final revisions to the survey on November 9,
2007.
Definition of Population
The population is the Rindge campus of Franklin Pierce University which consists
of 1,700 students. The researchers chose this as the population because the research is to
determine if students participate in student activities including clubs and organizations. It
is an accessible population that is easy to get in touch with in the short time period for
conducting research.
Sample Size
The sample was 160 students at the Rindge campus, 80 males and 80 females.
Also, the sample consisted of 40 people of each class standing (freshman, sophomore,
junior, senior), 20 females from each class as well as 20 males.
Data Collection Method
The researchers used the non-probability convenience sampling method. The
researchers handed out the questionnaires to students in the campus center, classrooms
and dormitories. These questionnaires were handed out from November 12-20 2007. The
researchers also used a quota sampling method based on gender and class standing to get
an equal response from each class as well as both genders.
Assumptions
The researchers assumed that all of the students answered the survey correctly and
honestly. The researchers also assumed that everyone answered all of the questions and
that they were interested in the survey.
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Limitations
The researchers found that time and the small sample size to be limitations to the
research process. More available time would have allowed for a greater sample
population.
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Results
Question 1
An average of 52.5% of respondents answered “No” to being an active member of
a FPU student organization. Out of the 160 students surveyed 47.5% of the sample
population answered “yes” to being currently active members of an FPU student
organization. This demonstrates a lack of involvement in FPU clubs, due to the fact the
over half of the sample population said they are not currently involved in any clubs
(Appendix B).
Question 2
Out of 86 responses for question 2, a total of 28 (17.5%) respondents stated that a
combination of too much course work, their employment, and athletic teams, affect their
involvement in these student organization. 7.5% (12) of the respondents simply have too
much course work, 6.3% (10) say their employment affects their participation, and 7.5%
(12) responded that they were athletes (Appendix C).
Question 3
The research demonstrated that although 26.3% of students rate their overall
student organization experience as “Good”, 15.6% of the FPU student community is
completely “Unfamiliar” with any of the student organizations offered. A total of 7
students out of 160 (4.4%) rated their experience with student organizations as “Poor”.
21.3%, meaning that 34 respondents rated their club experiences as “Fair”. 27 (16.9%)
students stated that their experience was “Very Good”, and a sum of 25 respondents
claimed that their experience with the organizations was “Excellent” (Appendix D).
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Question 4
When asked how many times they attended a student organization meeting in the
past month, 77 out of 160 students attend “0” meetings a month, that is 48.1% of the
sample population that does not attend any meetings at all. 10% of students attend “9+”
meetings a month, 9.4% attend 3 meetings a month, 7.5% attend 4 meetings a month,
7.5% attend 2 meetings per month, 6.3% attend 5 meetings a month, 5.6% attend 6
meetings per month, .6% attend 7 meetings, and .6% attend 8 meetings a month
(Appendix E).
Question 5
A total of 59 respondents attend “0” organizations events a month, which is
36.9% of the sample population, 33 respondents said they attend “1” event a month,
20.6% of the sample population, 23 students claimed they attend “2” events a month,
14.4% of the sample, 18 students said they attend “3” events a month, 11.3%, 13 students
stated that they attend “4” events a month, 8.1% of the sample, and finally 14 students
stated that they attend “5+” events a month, 8.8% of the sample population (Appendix F).
Question 6
In question 6, respondents were asked to circle the club(s)/student organization(s)
that they are currently involved in. 9.4% of the sample is involved in the Campus
Activities Board (CAB); second most involved club surveyed is the Gamers club with
8.8%. The clubs with the least amount of student activity as shown through the survey
are Amnesty International, Gospel Choir, and Yearbook with 0.0% (Appendix G).
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Question 7
Students were given the freedom to write in a club, if it was not currently being
offered on the Rindge campus. 23 male students and 19 female students out of the 160
gladly suggested new and interesting clubs. The top male responses include
snowboarding, adult cinema, paranormal, and food. The top female responses include
snowboarding, culinary arts, and gymnastics (Appendix H, I).
Question 8
In question 8, students were asked to specify the approximate amount of times
they attend student clubs/organizations each month. The results for each category are as
follows: none 48.8%, 1-2 meetings 10.6%, 3-5 meetings 23.8%, 6-8 meetings 8.0%, 9+
meetings 8.8% (Appendix J).
Question 9
The survey involved 23.8% freshmen, 30% sophomores, 23.7% juniors, and
22.5% seniors (Appendix K).
Question 10
Respondents indicated their gender in question number 10. 53.1% of the
respondents were male, and 46.9% of the respondents were female (Appendix L).
Cross Tabulation 1
The cross tabulation showed that sophomores were most likely to currently active
be members of a FPU student organization, while freshmen were least likely to be active
members of any student organizations. Out of 38 freshmen students, 28 responded “No”
to being a part of a club. Out of 48 sophomores 34 responded “Yes” to being active
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members, juniors had 38 student answers, and 20 of those said “No”. Finally, out of 36
seniors 22 said “No” to being active members of a club (Appendix M).
Cross Tabulation 2
The cross tabulation showed that a slightly more than half of the male and female
sample populations are not active members of an organization. Out of 85 male
respondents, 45 said “No” and 40 said “Yes”. Out of 75 female respondents, 39 said
“No” and 36 said “Yes” (Appendix N).
Cross Tabulation 3
The cross tabulations demonstrate that students who are active members in a
student organization are more likely to have a better overall experience with the current
clubs and organizations offered at FPU. These students’ responses ranged from 8
respondents saying they had a “Fair” overall experience, 20 stating they had a “Good”
overall experience, 23 stating they had a “Very Good” overall experience, 24 stating they
had an “Excellent” overall experience, and one respondent who said they were
unfamiliar.
On the other hand, uninvolved students are most likely to either have a “Fair”
overall experience, with 26 respondents claiming this out of 84 who answered “No” to
being active member, and 24 of the 84 respondents stated that they are completely
“Unfamiliar” with any of the clubs offered at FPU. Seven respondents claimed that they
had a “Poor” overall experience, 22 more stated that they had a “Good” overall
experience, 4 said they had a “Very Good” experience, and 1 respondent said they had an
“Excellent” overall experience (Appendix O).
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Cross Tabulations 4
The cross tabulations shows that, the majority of students, regardless of their class
standing consider a combination of too much course work, employment, and athletic
organizations prevent them from becoming involved in student organizations. Twentyeight of the 86 students who are not active members of a club chose this response. In the
cross tabulation, research demonstrates that seniors are most likely to claim that too much
coursework prevents them from becoming involved, with 6 respondents out of the 23
seniors. However, sophomores are least likely to have too much course work affect their
involvement, with 1 respondent out of the 15 sophomores. Freshmen and sophomores
both with 3 respondents each said their employment was the major reason for their lack
of involvement. Juniors and seniors both coincided with 2 respondents each, who also
stated that their employment affected their involvement. Subsequently, freshmen were
most likely to be athletes, with 4 responses. Both sophomores and juniors had 3
respondents each and in this case seniors were least likely to be athletes with only 2
responses.
The research also demonstrates that juniors and seniors are most likely to have a
combination of too much course work, employment, and athletic organizations which
prevent them from becoming involved in student organizations. However, sophomores
we recorded as being the least likely to be affected by a combination of these factors,
with 5 respondents claiming so. Finally, freshmen were most likely to respond “Other” ti
factors that affect their involvement, with 11 votes, while sophomores were least likely to
choose “Other” with only 3 votes. Both juniors and seniors had similar results with 5
respondents each, stating that “Other” factors affected their involvement (Appendix P).
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Cross Tabulation 5
The cross tabulation shows that females are most likely to consider “too much
coursework” a factor which prevents their involvement, with 6 female respondents out of
39, while 6 males responded the same out of 47 respondents. 6 out of 47 male
respondents claimed that their employment affected their involvement, while 4 out of 39
females claimed this to be the problem. Female respondents were more likely to be
athletes, with 7 out of 39 respondents choosing this answer, while 5 out of 47 males
claimed to be athletes. Males were most likely to choose “a combination of the above” as
the factor that affects their involvement, with 15 male responses and 13 female responses.
Furthermore, male respondents were most likely to choose “Other”, with 15 votes. On the
other hand, 9 female respondents chose “Other” (Appendix Q).
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Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendation
Discussion
According to the collected survey responses from Franklin Pierce University
students, 84 of the 160 students surveyed, more than half said they were not active
members of a student organization. This is directly linked to the literature review which
states, “Anything we can do to increase the amount of time that new college students
spend on campus – in study groups, in the library, in co-curricular activities, and
especially in living and working on campus – will enhance their probability of success”
(Gardner, 1996). There is a need to create awareness of student organizations on campus.
As the survey clearly demonstrates, 15.6% of the FPU sample student population
responded that they were completely “Unfamiliar” with any clubs or student
organizations. Again, students that are unfamiliar with student organizations are not
aware of the benefits and the current incentives being offered, such as club events and
meetings. According to the results the current incentives have not aided in increasing the
student organization retention rate at FPU. In relation to the literature, “If you choose to
get an education, know that it won’t happen just in the classroom. The balance of your
college education, and some of your most memorable experiences, will take place within
student organizations” (Mount Union College, 2007).
Our research also coincides with literature stating that, “On the other hand, types
of ‘noninvolvement’ are found to be congruent with the lives of adult students. Most
adult students live off-campus, commute to school, attend part-time, and are employed
off campus, often full-time. These activities remove adult students from the university
campus and decrease the likelihood of positive involvements and interactions with peers
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who share similar struggles and experiences”(Morgan, 2002). The previous statement
relates to the survey results from question two, which asked the non-active students to
choose what factors affect their involvement in the student organizations. These results
determined that out of these 86 students, 28 respondents agreed that a combination of too
much coursework, their employment, and athletic organizations prevent them from
becoming involved in student organizations.
Question seven asked students to write in a club they’d like to see on campus. 9
students wrote in that they’d be interested in having a snowboarding club on campus.
This result was almost equally prominent among male and female students, with 5 male
write ins and 4 female write ins. Although this does not directly relate to the literature, its
result demonstrates that there are other clubs in demand. Along with the snowboarding
club, students also agreed on a paranormal club, a food club, and an adult cinema club, all
which had at least three votes.
Conclusions
After surveying 160 students at the Franklin Pierce University, we have come to
the conclusion that a lack of student involvement does exist at FPU. The research
demonstrated that more than half of the sample population is not involved in a student
organization. Next, the researchers were able to determine why FPU students do not
become involved in student organizations. The results showed that the top reason
students are not becoming involved on campus is because of a combination of too much
course work, their employment, and athletic organizations.
However, the majority of the sample population agreed that their experience with
the student organizations were generally “Good”. The sophomore class demonstrated to
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be the most actively involved class, freshmen were the least involved class. This is
evidence of the existing lack of awareness and general knowledge on student
organizations at FPU. The Department of Student Activities should focus on capturing
the students attention in a different way, it is necessary that they reengineer their previous
forms of advertising.
In conclusion, the research has allowed the team to measure the attendance rate of
members of student organizations. Currently, 52.2% of FPU students are not active
members. The research team has also been able to identify why students are not
participating in students organizations. The results showed that most students chose “a
combination of the above”, meaning that, too much course work, their employment and
athletic organizations prevent the students from become active club members. The
Department of Student Activities should also focus on expressing the benefits of
becoming part of a student organization. Finally, the survey has effectively measured the
rate of student involvement at Franklin Pierce University, and why students are not as
eager to become involved.
Recommendations
Based on the compilation of survey result and literature, the market research team
found that awareness of student organizations must improve. The Department of Student
Activities should focus on advertising the benefits of becoming involved in a student
organization. “Awareness of student preferences will help aid student leaders, members,
and advisors in planning and conducting programs” (Powell 2007).
According to the literature, the benefits of participating in student organizations
include, gaining interpersonal skills, leadership skills, networking, building student
27
resumes, setting and attaining goals, among others. In order for this to function, the
Department of Student Activities should also work closely along with faculty members to
further motivate students to become a part of these organizations. Student organizations
must also make sure they are efficiently advertising their clubs, meetings and events to
the appropriate target audience. The market research team recommends using banners,
flyers, in-mail ads, radio ads, television ads, and newspaper ads. The researchers also
recommend avoiding mass, cluttered, or bulk advertisements, so to not lose a potential
students’ attention. Faculty, students, and the Department of Student Activities must all
work together to effectively promote student organization awareness at Franklin Pierce
University, and should aim to increase the student involvement rate by focusing on
showing students what they can get out of being a part of a FPU student organization.
28
References
Abrahamowicz, D. (1988). College involvement, perceptions, and satisfaction: A study
of membership in student organizations. Journal of College Student Development,
29(3), 233-238.
Astin, A.W. (1993). What matters in college? Four-critical years revisited. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Baker, A (2007). Plymouth.edu. Retrieved October 16,2007 from http://plymouth.edu.
(M. Chamberlin, personal communication, March 5,1998).
Morgan, W. (2002). A Journey Through Adult Student Involvement on Campus.
Retrieved
October
17,
2007
from:
http://www.colostate.edu/depts/SAHE/JOURNAL2/2001/Journey.htm
Mount Union College (2007). Student Involvement and Leadership. Retrieved October
17,
2007
from:
http://www.mcu.edu/student_life/student_involvement_and_leadership
Powell, D. (2007). Student Leader Preferences: What Students Want from Involvement in
Student Organizations”. NACTA Journal. Retrieved December 6, 2007 from:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4062/is_200706/ai_n19434747
Schuh, J.H. & Laverty, M. (1983). The perceived long-term influence of holding a
significant student leadership position. Journal of College Student Personnel,
24(1), 28-32.
Van Campen, J (2007). Franklin Pierce.edu. Retrieved October 16, 2007 from
http://fpc.edu/.
Williams, M. and Winston, Jr., R.B. (1985). Participation in organized student
29
activities and work: Differences in developmental task achievement of traditional
aged college students. NASPA Journal, 22(3), 52-59.
30
Appendix A
Franklin Pierce University Student Organization Involvement Survey
We are a marketing research team from Franklin Pierce University, conducting research
for the Department of Student Activities. The purpose of this survey is to determine how
to improve Franklin Pierce University students’ involvement in student organizations.
Your individual responses will be kept confidential and reported as aggregate data only.
1. Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce University Student
Organization?
___Yes (1)
___No (2)
2. If you answered “No” for question #1, please indicate which of the following
factors currently affect your involvement in student organizations.
__ I have too much course work. (1)
__ My employment. (2)
__ I am an athlete. (3)
__ A combination of the above. (4)
__ Other. (5)
3. Please rate your overall experiences with the current clubs and organizations
offered at Franklin Pierce University. (Choose One)
___Poor (1)
___Fair (2)
___Good (3)
___Very good (4)
___Excellent (5)
___Unfamiliar with any clubs (6)
4. Approximately how many times in the past month have you attended a student
organization meeting?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9+
31
5. Approximately how many student organization events do you attend a month?
0
1
2
3
4
5+
6. Please indicate any club or student organization you are currently involved in: (Circle
all that apply).
AGAPE (1)
Psychology (20)
Amnesty International (2)
Raven Thunder (21)
Anime (3)
Students In Free Enterprise (22)
Anthropology (4)
Sci-Fi (23)
Brothers Reaching Out (5)
Student Government Association (24)
Black Student Alliance (6)
Sistuhs (25)
Campus Activity Board (7)
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (26)
Cinema (8)
Wind Ensemble (27)
College Democrats (9)
Yearbook (28)
College Republicans (10)
Gamers (11)
Gospel Choir (12)
Graphic Design (13)
Gay Straight Alliance (14)
Hillel (15)
Horse Power (16)
International (17)
Law (18)
Medical (19)
32
7. If there is a club that is not offered at Franklin Pierce University, but interests you
please specify: ____________________________.
8. Please check off the number of meetings you normally attend each month.
(Check One).
__ None (1)
__ 1-2 meetings (2)
__ 3-5 meetings (3)
__ 6-8 meetings (4)
__ 9+ meetings (5)
9. Please indicate your class standing
Freshman ___ (1) Sophomore___ (2) Junior___ (3) Senior ___ (4)
10. Please indicate your gender.
Male ___ (1) Female ___ (2)
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your documented responses will be
kept confidential and reported as aggregate data only.
33
Appendix B
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce University student organization?
N
Valid
160
Missing
Mode
0
2
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce University student organization?
Valid
Yes
Frequency
76
Percent
47.5
Valid Percent
47.5
Cumulative
Percent
47.5
100.0
No
84
52.5
52.5
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce University student
organization?
60
50
Percent
40
30
20
10
0
Yes
No
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce University student
organization?
34
Appendix C
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate which of the following factors currently affect your
involvement in student organizations
N
Valid
86
Missing
74
Mode
4
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate which of the following factors currently affect
your involvement in student organizations
Valid
Missing
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
I have too much
course work
12
7.5
14.0
14.0
My employment
10
6.3
11.6
25.6
I am an athlete
12
7.5
14.0
39.5
A combination of
the above
28
17.5
32.6
72.1
Other
24
15.0
27.9
100.0
Total
86
53.8
100.0
System
Total
74
46.3
160
100.0
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate which of the following
factors currently affect your involvement in student organizations
40
Percent
30
20
10
0
I have too much
course work
My employment
I am an athlete
A combination of the
above
Other
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate which of the following
factors currently affect your involvement in student organizations
35
Appendix D
Approximately how many times in the past month have you attended a student organization meeting?
N
Valid
160
Missing
0
Mode
0
Approximately how many times in the past month have you attended a student organization
meeting?
Valid
0
Frequency
77
Percent
48.1
Valid Percent
48.1
Cumulative
Percent
48.1
1
7
4.4
4.4
52.5
2
12
7.5
7.5
60.0
3
15
9.4
9.4
69.4
4
12
7.5
7.5
76.9
5
10
6.3
6.3
83.1
6
9
5.6
5.6
88.8
7
1
.6
.6
89.4
8
1
.6
.6
90.0
100.0
9+
16
10.0
10.0
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Approximately how many times in the past month have you attended a
student organization meeting?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9+
36
Appendix E
Please rate your overall experiences with the current clubs and organizations offered at Franklin Pierce
University. (Choose One).
N
Valid
160
Missing
0
Mode
3
Please rate your overall experiences with the current clubs and organizations offered at Franklin
Pierce University. (Choose One).
Poor
Frequency
7
Percent
4.4
Valid Percent
4.4
Cumulative
Percent
4.4
Fair
34
21.3
21.3
25.6
Good
42
26.3
26.3
51.9
Very Good
27
16.9
16.9
Valid
Excellent
Unfamiliar with any clubs
Total
25
15.6
68.8
15.6
84.4
100.0
25
15.6
15.6
160
100.0
100.0
Please rate your overall experiences with the current clubs and organizations
offered at Franklin Pierce University. (Choose One).
Poor
Fair
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Unfamiliar with any clubs
37
Appendix F
Approximately how many student organization events do you attend a month?
N
Valid
160
Missing
0
Mean
1.59
Mode
0
Range
5
Approximately how many student organization events do you attend a month?
Valid
0
Frequency
59
Percent
36.9
Valid Percent
36.9
Cumulative
Percent
36.9
1
33
20.6
20.6
57.5
2
23
14.4
14.4
71.9
3
18
11.3
11.3
83.1
4
13
8.1
8.1
91.3
100.0
5+
14
8.8
8.8
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Approximately how many student organization events do you attend a
month?
0
1
2
3
4
5+
38
Appendix G
Percentage
Percentage of
of Respondents
Respondents Involved
Involved in
in Clubs/Organizations
Clubs/Organizations
2%
2%
0% 4%
2%
2% 0%
0% 0%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
4%
4%
2%
2%
2%
2%
10%
10%
12%
12%
9%
9%
5%
5%
2%
2%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2% 2%
2%
1%
1%
4%
4%
2%
2%
11%
11%
3%
3% 3% 0%
3% 0%
2%
2%
2%
2%
39
Appendix H
Club
Club
Franklin
Franklin Pierce
Pierce University
University Male
Male Students
Students Response
Response
Class
Class Standing
Standing
Food
Food
Adult
Adult
Cinema
Cinema
Tv
Tv Station
Station
Paranormal
Paranormal
Sports
Sports
Woodwork
Woodwork
Snowboard
Snowboard
Japanese
Japanese
Rugby
Rugby
White
White
Student
Student
Alliance
Alliance
Accounting
Accounting
Sports
Sports
Specific
Specific Law
Law
Programs
Programs
Theatre
Theatre
Responses
Responses
per
per Class
Class
Freshmen
Freshmen Sophomore
Sophomore
22
11
11
11
11
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
11
22
4
4
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
5
5
1
1
1
1
11
11
33
11
11
6
6
0
0
22
7
7
Total
Total Per
Per
Club
Club
2
2
11
11
11
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
11
1
1
1
1
10
10
2
23
3
40
Appendix I
Franklin
Franklin Pierce
Pierce University
University Female
Female Students
Students Response
Response
Class
Class Standing
Standing
Total
Total Per
Per
Freshmen
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Club
Freshmen Sophomore Junior
Senior
Club
Ski
11
1
Ski
1
Food
22
2
Food
2
Snowboard
11
11
22
4
Snowboard
4
Art
0
Art
0
Advocacy
1
1
Advocacy
1
1
Invisible
Invisible
Children
11
1
Children
1
Knitting
11
1
Knitting
1
Literary
11
1
Literary
1
Culinary
Culinary
Arts
22
2
Arts
2
Travel
Club
1
1
Travel Club
1
1
Club
Club
History
History Club
Club
Gymnastics
Gymnastics
Tv
Tv Station
Station
Ski
Ski
Responses
Responses
per
per Class
Class
11
11
4
4
3
3
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
11
11
11
7
7
5
5
19
19
41
Appendix J
Please check off the number of meetings you normally attend each month. (Check One).
N
Valid
160
Missing
0
Mode
1
Please check off the number of meetings you normally attend each month. (Check One).
Valid
None
Frequency
78
Percent
48.8
Valid Percent
48.8
Cumulative
Percent
48.8
1-2 meetings
17
10.6
10.6
59.4
3-5 meetings
38
23.8
23.8
83.1
6-8 meetings
13
8.1
8.1
91.3
9+ meetings
14
8.8
8.8
100.0
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Please check off the number of meetings you normally attend each month.
(Check One).
50
Percent
40
30
20
10
0
None
1-2 meetings
3-5 meetings
6-8 meetings
9+ meetings
Please check off the number of meetings you normally attend each month.
(Check One).
’
42
Appendix K
Statistics
Please indicate your class standing
N
Valid
160
Missing
0
Mean
2.45
Mode
2
Please indicate your class standing
Valid
Freshman
Frequency
38
Percent
23.8
Valid Percent
23.8
Cumulative
Percent
23.8
Sophomore
48
30.0
30.0
53.8
Junior
38
23.8
23.8
77.5
Senior
36
22.5
22.5
100.0
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Histogram
50
Frequency
40
30
20
10
Mean = 2.45
Std. Dev. = 1.086
N = 160
0
0
1
2
3
4
Please indicate your class standing
5
43
Appendix L
Statistics
Please indicate your gender
N
Valid
160
Missing
Mode
0
1
Please indicate your gender
Valid
Male
Frequency
85
Percent
53.1
Valid Percent
53.1
Cumulative
Percent
53.1
100.0
Female
75
46.9
46.9
Total
160
100.0
100.0
Please indicate your gender
Male
Female
44
Appendix M
Cross Tabulation 1
Count
Total
Please indicate your class standing
Freshman
Are you currently an active
member of a Franklin
Pierce University student
organization?
Yes
No
Total
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Freshman
10
34
18
14
76
28
14
20
22
84
38
48
38
36
160
Bar Chart
Please indicate your
class standing
40
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Count
30
20
10
0
Yes
No
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce
University student organization?
45
Appendix N
Cross Tabulation 2
Count
Please indicate your
gender
Male
Are you currently an active
member of a Franklin
Pierce University student
organization?
Total
Yes
No
Female
Total
Male
40
36
76
45
39
84
85
75
160
Bar Chart
Please indicate your
gender
50
Male
Female
Count
40
30
20
10
0
Yes
No
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce
University student organization?
46
Appendix O
Cross Tabulation 3
Count
Please rate your overall experiences with the current clubs and organizations
offered at Franklin Pierce University. (Choose One).
Poor
Are you currently an active
member of a Franklin
Pierce University student
organization?
Yes
No
Total
Fair
Good
Very Good
Total
Unfamiliar with
any clubs
Excellent
0
8
20
23
24
1
76
7
26
22
4
1
24
84
7
34
42
27
25
25
160
Bar Chart
Please rate your
overall experiences
with the current clubs
and organizations
offered at Franklin
Pierce University.
(Choose One).
30
Poor
Fair
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Unfamiliar with any clubs
Count
20
10
0
Yes
Poor
No
Are you currently an active member of a Franklin Pierce
University student organization?
47
Appendix P
Cross Tabulation 4
Count
Total
Please indicate your class standing
Freshman
If you answered "No" for
question #1, please
indicate which of the
following factors currently
affect your involvement in
student organizations
Junior
Senior
Freshman
3
1
2
6
12
My employment
3
3
2
2
10
I am an athlete
4
3
3
2
12
A combination of
the above
7
5
8
8
28
Other
Total
Sophomore
I have too much
course work
11
3
5
5
24
28
15
20
23
86
Bar Chart
Please indicate your
class standing
12
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
10
Count
8
6
4
2
0
I have too
My employment I am an athlete A combination
much course
of the above
work
Other
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate
which of the following factors currently affect your …
48
Appendix Q
Cross Tabulation 5
Count
Please indicate your
gender
Male
If you answered "No" for
question #1, please
indicate which of the
following factors currently
affect your involvement in
student organizations
Total
Female
Male
I have too much
course work
6
6
12
My employment
6
4
10
I am an athlete
5
7
12
A combination of
the above
15
13
28
Other
15
9
24
47
39
86
Total
Bar Chart
Please indicate your
gender
15
Male
Female
Count
10
5
0
I have too
My employment I am an athlete A combination
much course
of the above
work
Other
If you answered "No" for question #1, please indicate
which of the following factors currently affect your …