2 Txt or Not 2 Txt?: Examining Student Interaction via Text and Its Influence on Students’ Intent to Persist

Abstract

Texting is a universal form of communication used by traditional undergraduate students. Its influence on higher education cannot be understated, particularly as it pertains to institutional retention efforts. Communication with an academic advisor has been shown to impact student persistence and retention. Tinto’s theory of student departure posits student persistence is the result of a longitudinal process emphasizing student integration within an institution’s social and academic settings. Student interactions with academic advisors warrant further research given the advisor’s contribution to student integration. Traditional undergraduate students, age 18–24, were surveyed to examine the impact texting with an academic advisor had on a student’s intent to persist. Results indicate a significant, positive correlation exists between a student’s interaction with an academic advisor via text and their intent to persist. Texting, because of its prevalence, warrants consideration in strategic outreach efforts within the academic advising function to positively impact an institution’s retention efforts.