Honors Research Symposium highlights SFA students’ innovative work on university retention

Students present their research on topics related to university retention during the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Honors' sixth annual Honors Research Symposium. The symposium showcased the research efforts of first-year students enrolled in SFAS 1101 "New-Lumberjack Experience."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University's School of Honors recently hosted its sixth annual Honors Research Symposium to showcase the research efforts of first-year students enrolled in SFAS 1101 "New-Lumberjack Experience." The students presented their research posters on topics related to university retention, and the posters will be on display in the McKibben Education Building through the spring semester.

The theme for this year's symposium focused on key factors influencing student retention at SFA. The students were divided into groups, each of which researched one of five important topics: belonging, student organization participation post-COVID-19, mental health, research and student mindset. Their findings included critical analysis of current campus retention initiatives, interviews with SFA leaders and recommendations for future improvements to enhance student engagement and success.

Dr. Michael Martin, professor of English, led the class with the assistance of honors student instructor, Katie Friedrichsen.

"The students took a multistep, multimodal approach to their projects, beginning with reading and discussing scholarly articles and research, followed by conducting interviews with campus leaders," Martin said. "By the end of the process, students gained a deeper understanding of both undergraduate research and critical issues affecting university retention."

In addition to Martin's leadership, the program benefited from the expertise of several faculty members and librarians who have helped guide students through the research process. Staff members from the East Texas Research Center have assisted in past years by providing access to rare source documents for students' archival research.

The event's diverse range of topics and the students' dedication to exploring critical campus issues sparked engaging conversations with faculty, administrators and campus leaders. Jennifer Crenshaw, senior program associate for the School of Honors, noted the impressive effort required by students to complete this intensive project in just under one month as part of the one-credit course.

"The Honors Research Symposium aligns with the mission of the Division of Academic Affairs, fostering excellence in teaching, research and student engagement," Crenshaw said. "This event is a unique opportunity for students to connect with campus leaders and share their insights on issues that directly impact the university community."

The 2024 symposium was open to all honors students, faculty, staff and administrators, with invitations extended to those who have supported honors initiatives in the past.

SFA's School of Honors is committed to creating opportunities for students to engage in scholarly inquiry, develop research skills and contribute to the intellectual life of the SFA community. Through initiatives like the Honors Research Symposium, students are better prepared for academic and professional success after graduation.

For more information about SFA's School of Honors, visit sfasu.edu/honors.