Say What You Do, Do What You Say: Closing Gaps Between College Students' Expectations and Realities

• In Event: 26.081 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 26.081-5 - College Student Access Poster Session

Abstract

This study examined challenges in navigating the gap between students’ expectations for and the realities of college. Using an organizational socialization framework, qualitative survey comments were analyzed and institutional recruiting documents were reviewed. Survey data revealed that students felt a lack of institutional investment directly connected to the failure of the institution to live up to their expectations. Document analysis revealed that institutional portrayals of campus life did not match students’ campus experiences. Implications for policy, research, and practice that serve to bridge the expectation-reality gap are discussed.

Authors

• Amy Aldous Bergerson, University of Utah

• C.Kai Medina Martinez, University of Utah

• Colin Ben, University of Utah

• Yudi V Lewis, Utah Valley University

• Michelle Amiot, Salt Lake City School District

• Jen Molloy, University of Utah

• Kegan Walker, University of Utah