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Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the relationship of intramural participation with academic performance and retention rates in first time in college (FTIC) students. Intramural participation of all students was tracked during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. An intramural database of participants was cross-referenced with an institutional database to compare grade point average (GPA) and retention rates based on intramural participation. There was no significant difference in GPA between the intramural participation groups as determined by one-way ANOVA, F(2, 586) = 1.669, p = .189 (during the fall 2010 semester) or F(2, 557) = .102, p = .903 (during the spring 2011 semester). The retention rate was 5.9% higher in those FTIC students that participated in intramurals. The results support the consideration of intramural participation as a factor in increasing retention through providing opportunities for campus engagement without the fear of hindering academic performance.

Keywords

campus recreation freshman persistence

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Relationship of Intramural Participation to GPA and Retention in First-Time-in-College Students

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References