manoa sophomore experience

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s highest attrition rate occurs between students’ first and second years. This issue may be attributed to students succumbing to the sophomore slump, demonstrated by decreases in grades, motivation, and outlook on college experiences. To address this issue, a campus-wide program comprised of members from both academic and student affairs was established in Spring 2010 and was named the Mānoa Sophomore Experience (MSE). To better understand our student population and how to address their needs, MSE members collaboratively developed, analyzed, and applied the results of three assessment resources: 1) Survey (601 student respondents), 2) Focus groups with students, faculty, and staff (3 separate sessions), 3) Written reflection assignment (over 500 student respondents). Each of the assessment resources examined first- and second-year students and their challenges faced, interest and likelihood of attending MSE activities, level of use of campus resources, what they enjoyed most about attending UHM, and suggestions for MSE programming. Using the data collected from assessment, MSE successfully developed and executed programming for UHM’s first- and second-year students. This poster outlines the assessment methods, sample student programming, and assessment results.

Manoa Sophomore Experience: An Example of Successful Data-Driven Programming

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s highest attrition rate occurs between students’ first and second years. This issue …