Experiences in Adventist colleges and universities: an international perspective

This study examines the college experiences of a sample of graduates of Adventist colleges and universities outside North America. Data were collected using an online questionnaire using Survey Monkey. Responses from 171 alumni suggested that they attended Adventist higher learning institutions for their Adventist values and the opportunity to grow spiritually. About 77% rated their college experience to be good to excellent. They rated their college experience as quite effective in career/life preparation skills and development of community and social values. They were often involved in activities related to religiosity and friends/ relationships. Professor/classroom experience was the best predictor of overall college ratings. Current involvement in religious/community services and life satisfaction are associated with involvement in religious/ spiritual activities, extra-curricular activities and enhanced social/community values while in college. Background of the study In 2005, the Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU) in North America conducted a study to examine the awareness and perceptions among Adventist college-bound youth regarding Adventist higher education. In this study, Sauder (2008) reported that college-bound youth attending public schools in North America had low awareness of Adventist colleges and universities. In addition, there were few contacts from Adventist colleges and universities with these students. Resulting from the study, a centralised marketing enrolment system managed by a full-time AACU employee in collaboration with the enrolment teams from the colleges and universities was established. This move strengthened one of AACU’s strategic initiatives: a collaborative enrolment management and marketing strategy, including system-wide branding, promotion, and prospective student search efforts, primarily among Seventh-day Adventists attending public high schools. A follow-up to the 2005 AACU study, the College-Impact study was completed in 2012. It was designed to examine the college experiences, involvement and satisfaction of alumni who graduated from Adventists colleges and universities in North America as well as Adventists who graduated from public colleges/universities. However, since the College-Impact survey link was promoted in churches and forwarded to many Adventists around the world, the study also included responses from a convenient sample of graduates of Adventist international colleges and universities. It is this sample of graduates (those who received undergraduate degrees from Adventist colleges outside North America) that is the focus of this paper. The result of this study is intended to inform college and university administrators of the strengths and challenges of the Adventist college environment and assist in programme modification and implementation so that current students will continue to have positive college experiences. Together with the 2005 AACU study, we hope this investigation will help us better understand Adventist higher education and assist in improving student life programming, branding and marketing.