Unveiling Freshman Program Dynamics: Student Expectations and Implementation Status in Haramaya and Dire Dawa Universities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the current status and students’ expectations in freshman program implementation at Haramaya and Dire Dawa universities. A convergence parallel mixed method research design was employed. A total of 493 respondents (320 students, 166 instructors, 2 directorates, and 6 coordinators) were included in the study. Students and instructors were selected using simple random sampling and freshman program directorates and coordinators were selected using purposive sampling. The data were gathered through a questionnaire and interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test, and correlation). Qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. The results revealed that the current practice of the freshman program was at a moderate level (CM=3.19, CSD=1.23) of implementation and affected by many challenges. The freshman program implementation moderately ((M=3.14, SD=1.29) fulfilled the student’s expectations.  The study revealed students’ expectations difference (t (318) = 2.480, p=0.014) between the two universities in the implantation of freshman programs. Therefore, the practice of freshman programs and students’ expectations in the programs were within the range of moderate status in the two selected Universities. To improve the implementation of freshman programs, universities can consider providing adequate resources, enhancing classroom management systems, and providing training for both students and instructors.