Examining the Impact of Culturally Engaging Campus Environments on College Students' Self-Efficacy

• In Event: 72.027 - Culturally Engaging and Influential Precollege and College Environments

Abstract

Persistence and degree completion rates continue to constitute a paramount concern for higher education researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Only 57% of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students who entered 4-year institutions in 2005 completed a bachelor’s degree in six years. There is some evidence that students’ success in higher education is partially a function of their self-efficacy beliefs. This study is aimed at understanding how culturally engaging campus environments shape self-efficacy in college. Authors used bivariate correlations and multiple regression analysis techniques to analyze a sample of 1,056 college students across three campuses. Results show that several aspects of culturally engaging campus environments are associated with higher levels of self-efficacy in college. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Samuel D. Museus, University of Denver

• Diana Lourdes, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Michael Steven Williams, Baruch College - CUNY