Abstract:
Student involvement in collegiate organizations has implications for administrators, faculty advisors and students. Previous studies concluded that participation in collegiate student organizations is associated with retention and satisfaction in college;, student development; increased interpersonal skills; leadership development; and development of communication, teamwork, organizational, decision making, and planning skills, in addition to developing a positive longitudinal view on volunteering and community service. This study assessed the leadership characteristics and traits of student organizations, the degree of involvement, and the professional development needs of collegiate organizations in a College of Agricultural Sciences. Participants noted the three best collegiate activities of the organizations included fundraisers and sales, participation in shows, and trips. The most frequently reported reason for joining a collegiate organization was because it related to career goals, followed by the opportunity for leadership development. Professional development needs included various statements in the categories of activities, involvement, organization, membership, and time. Results from this study provide an understanding for the leadership patterns of collegiate members, influences on involvement in the organization, and the needs of the members.
Keywords:
leadership characteristics, professional needs, collegiate student organizations
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