The Impact of University Student Services and Student Life Characteristics on Students’ Perceptions of Online Education

Abstract

Student support services and student life have been an integral part of most institutions of higher education for decades. Academic advising, registration coordination, formal tutoring, and informal study groups are some of the more important venues that support academic success. This research fills in a critical gap in the higher education literature by reporting on how six university student support services and six student life characteristics impacted student perceptions of academic success in the online environment. The findings also document students perceived ability to move to the online platform, satisfaction with the online learning experience, and willingness to take future online courses by surveying business students at a comprehensive, AACSB-accredited business school. The results indicate a positive impact of services offered by the Academic Advising Office, Registrar’s Office, and the Writing Center whereas a lukewarm response to the Tutoring Center and Peer Mentoring support services. Among student life attributes, campus technology solutions were most helpful to students in achieving their academic goals.