The life significance of undergraduate outdoor academic programs: Alumni perspectives
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Abigail Fuesler (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Andrew Bobilya
Abstract: Undergraduate outdoor academic programs have existed in the United States of America since the 1970s. These programs necessitate financial support, copious time from students and faculty, access to outdoor spaces, and specialized training for faculty, and so despite a strong academic tradition, these programs are challenging to justify to college administrators. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceived life significance of experiences in an undergraduate outdoor academic program and if those experiences impacted graduates' careers. To address the gap in the literature, this study utilized a significant life experience theoretical framework and engaged alumni of three longstanding undergraduate outdoor academic programs via an Internet survey. The results indicate that respondents found their undergraduate outdoor academic program to be extremely impactful on their career whether their current work is in the outdoor industry or another field.
The life significance of undergraduate outdoor academic programs: Alumni perspectives
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Created on 3/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- higher education, outdoor academic program, significant life experience
- Subjects
- Outdoor education
- Experiential learning
- Undergraduates
- Social surveys
- Universities and colleges--Alumni and alumnae