College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2022
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Ed Boucher, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
This research-based project analyzes issues within the Granite Heavy Civil Minor that contribute to declining student retention. This document specifically focuses on the program’s course curriculum and graduation date extensions as major drivers of student withdrawals from the minor. Two separate surveys were conducted from students within the minor and students who had dropped out of the minor, to gauge the specific issues students have with the program. The results concluded that many students dislike certain courses in the curriculum, such as CE 222 and CE 321, and felt that these required courses were unessential and unhelpful in preparing them for the heavy civil construction industry. The results also concluded, as some courses were only offered once per academic year some students would have to extend their graduation dates, therefore leading to their drop out of the program. Many students were originally told that they would not need to extend their graduations prior to joining the program, however this was not the case. The minor course curriculum is rigorous and does not adhere to student schedules or students’ overall preparation for the heavy civil industry. These aspects were major drivers as to why students dropped out of the minor.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/554
Poster Board