Beginnings Matter: How Honors Programming Influences First-Year Intent to Return

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable: Equity and Identification (Table 8)

Abstract

Across the U.S., honors programs vary by their organization and offerings, with structural differences that influence both curricula and requirements. The goal of this study was to build on prior research by exploring the nuances of honors participation and its impact on first-year student retention. This study utilized 2019-2022 National Survey of Student Engagement data focusing on a subset of honors students at 22 universities. A document review collected institutional information and means comparisons and chi-square analyses suggested differences in intent to return for certain features of honors programs. Follow-up logistic regression analyses further explored the effects of these features. The findings suggest that honors programs could dedicate more resources to early programs to set the tone for honors participation.

Authors

• Amber D. Dumford, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University

• Anayah Walker, University of South Florida

• Kevin Lee, University of South Florida

• Melissa S. Ramge, University of South Florida