A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE PERSISTENCE OF AGRO-FISHERIES STUDENTS TOWARDS DEGREE COMPLETION

The study focused on the factors that support/enhance or hinder persistence of agro-fisheries student towards degree completion which employed a qualitative approach including interviews and focus group discussion. The participants were the third year BS Agro-fisheries students. The study considered the background characteristics of the participants, their individual experiences concerning social and academic integration factors as well as those factors that are external to the university, which influence their persistence towards degree completion. Overall results affirmed that agro-fisheries students come to college with a variety of personal, academic, and social background characteristics that both prepare and dispose them, to varying degrees, to engage with the other factors such as the institution and classroom-related factors help develop, enhance or hinder their persistence towards degree completion. Results of this study suggested that the university has not gone far enough on a practical level to ensure that these underrepresented students of agro-fisheries degree program are supported in an effective manner. Thus, it should be prioritized by providing an educational environment with adequate, effective and accessible administrative and educational support services for the students' academic success.