The Importance of Academic Adjustment in Explaining First-Year University Student Success

• In Event: 29.042 - Sense of Belonging in College

Abstract

Research shows that academic adjustment matters in the first year of university. This study investigates how academic motivation, academic self-efficacy, self-regulated study behavior, and satisfaction with the chosen degree program influence successful academic adjustment in university and how these variables and adjustment affect three important indicators of student success: GPA, attained credits (ECTS) and intention to persist. Results show that motivational and behavioral variables influence GPA and ECTS not directly, but only through academic adjustment. Furthermore, only satisfaction with the degree program predicts intention to persist. Universities should integrate the development of self-regulated study skills - the biggest contributor to academic adjustment - in the first-year program and monitor students’ satisfaction with the program they have chosen.

Authors

• Els Cornelia Maria van Rooij, University of Groningen

• Ellen Jansen, University of Groningen

• Wim van de Grift, University of Groningen