Students' Experiences and Outcomes from Participation in an Extracurricular Club

Abstract

Student involvement in extracurricular activities has the potential to contribute to a variety of valued college outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand the outcomes associated with recreation students' participation in the Professional Golf Management Student Association, as well as the experiences that contributed to those outcomes, using qualitative research. Four major themes that represented the experiences and outcomes of student involvement emerged from in-depth interviews. These themes suggested students had their needs for relatedness, self-determination, competence, and enjoyment met through their club involvement. All students reported that their club involvement contributed to their sense of belonging and identification with their peers and academic program. The students, especially those involved in club leadership roles, believed they could make a difference in the success of their club, academic program, and community through their club involvement and that they were also developing important interpersonal and professional skills. Finally, the students reported that involvement in the association contributed to the enjoyment of their academic program and the creation of meaningful memories.