A research team in Oregon seeks to determine whether the no-cost/low-cost schedule designation required at Oregon’s community colleges and universities by HB 2871 has an effect on student enrollment behavior. Additionally, we seek to determine whether the no-cost/low-cost schedule designation has an effect on course completion and whether there is a different effect for traditionally underserved student populations. This presentation will share our study design and planned research method. The results of this study will help us answer questions from faculty, bookstore managers, and other stakeholders about the impact of the schedule designation.
Our research questions are as follows:
1.Does the presence of no-cost/low-cost schedule designation affect student enrollment behavior?
2.Is there a significant difference in enrollment intensity in courses with the no-cost/low-cost schedule designation compared to courses without the designation?
3.Is there a significant difference in course enrollment, course fill rate, or enrollment intensity if the data is disaggregated as follows: part-time vs full-time status, race/ethnicity, Pell grant eligibility, age, and sex/gender?
Learning Outcomes:
1. Attendees will become familiar with this project and the projected research process.
2. Attendees will be given contact information and the opportunity to offer feedback on this project in the coming year.
3. Attendees will be given the opportunity to discuss future collaboration.
Link to slides:
https://tinyurl.com/designationstudy
Link to more info on research question and data request:
https://tinyurl.com/designationstudymethod
