Perceived Benefits From Participating in Content-Based Student Organizations

Abstract

University students often seek affiliation with student-led, content-based organizations. We explored student expectations and perceived benefits from affiliation in terms of perceived cohesion. We asked members from three student organizations to provide self-reported data about their expectations from affiliation, reasons for staying or leaving, and benefits received from membership. We found that a sense of belonging was the largest expected benefit from affiliation. Issues involving feelings of morale were the strongest reason for attrition.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the members, leaders, and advisors of the three student organizations for participating in this study. This research was funded by the Texas State University Graduate College Doctoral Fellowship program.