Survey of Current Students: Implications for Recruitment and Retention

Survey results from students who recently (current freshmen and sophomores) made the decision to enter Oregon State Universityʹs (OSU) College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) indicated that 1 ) more women were entering OSU from high school, whereas men were more likely to attend a community college and then transfer. 2) first contacts at OSU were very important to studentsʹ enrollment decision, 3) literature from OSU, visiting campus and parents were considered among the most valuable sources of college information. 4) a very low percentage of students (12.9%) received information from 4-H/Extension staff members even though over 36% of the students reported 4-H experience, 5) universities are competing for students more than at previous times, and 6) students continue to have difficulty With financing their education.