Student involvement in clubs and organizations related to undergraduate field of study [abstract]
Abstract
This study analyzed a common problem facing departments within the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. Many departmental clubs struggle to build membership, while other student organizations with no direct congruency to a student's undergraduate degree flourish with membership. Why do students choose not to join departmental clubs or organizations that correspond with their major? A three part Delphi study was conducted to identify what factors influenced a student's decision to not be involved in their departmental club or organization. Participants in the study represented CAFNR undergraduate majors relating to more than 15 clubs and organizations. Results indicated that a student's decision to be involved in departmental clubs and organizations is very individualized and advisors must seek to understand each student's decision in order to effectively recruit and retain membership in student organizations related to undergraduate field of study.