Responses during the last weeks of the class tend to be longer and more thoughtful than those submitted in the early weeks. It helps to document for students that they are indeed learning something in the course. Students at both institutions are urged to get involved in activities in addition to courses. For students needing financial help, this can be in the form of employment. For other students, working with a faculty member or joining a Greek organization, the marching band, athletics or other activities may provide the focus for involvement.
All observers agree that some student involvement outside the classroom is positive.
The Harvard survey reconfirmed this general finding. It is interesting to note that of the Harvard students surveyed, more than half of all the undergraduates had some part-time job. Interestingly, there was no significant relationship between paid work and grades. In addition, there was no relationship between paid work and satisfaction with college. When all extracurricular and non-academic commitments of students including paid work were considered, there still appeared no significant relationship between a student's level of involvement and grades.