This study examined differences between Extenders (students who extended their continuous full-time enrollment beyond eight semesters) and Completers (students who completed their degree within eight semesters of continuous full-time enrollment). Student perceptions of the influences of faculty on the enrollment pattern of students were also investigated. Subjects included 81 Extenders and 211 Completers enrolled in a large research university in the southeastern United States. Demographic independent variables included student gender, ethnicity, verbal and math Scholastic Achievement scores, and college affiliation. Measures of student environmental press, characteristics of faculty, student-faculty interaction, and faculty concern for teaching and student development were independent perceptual variables. Other independent variables related to development of a major, average weekly out-of-class faculty contact and career orientation of students. The dependent variable was pattern of enrollment (Extender/Completer).

Ed. D.