Abstract:
Through a qualitative interview process, this research sought to fill a gap in the student withdrawal from college literature and to bring clarity to and additional understanding of how personal and family issues contributed to student withdrawal. Research participants were students of sophomore, junior, or senior class standing at a Midwestern university. This study filled a void in current research on student departure because it examined how a particular segment of the withdrawing student population, namely those who cited personal or family hardships, came to the conclusion to withdraw. According to institutional data of withdrawal in Fall 2002-03, a total of 382 students withdrew from all of their courses. Personal was the top-ranking reason chosen by students as their reason for withdrawal and was selected by 92 students, followed by employment (72); medical (56); financial (44); transferring (43); family (40); academic (15); dissatisfied (11); military (6); and no reason (3). As a category of withdrawal reason, personal was chosen more by women than men, 59 percent to 41 percent, respectively, according to university data.In interviews, students described the personal or family issues that affected their ability to remain enrolled; recalled when, how, and through whose advice, support, or guidance they arrived at their decision to withdraw; described their college experiences and sense of support within the institution; reflected on their decision to withdraw and considered what, if anything, they or the institution could have done to prevent the withdrawal; and discussed their short- and long-range plans for education. The resulting evidence provided an understanding of these students' feelings, choices, decisions, perceived options, and reflections about their decision to withdraw from classes in a time of personal or family difficulty. Conclusions and recommendations arising through this research held significance for institutional approaches to working with students who withdraw during a semester.