The 2005 CIRP survey revealed several other significant changes in student attitudes over a range of subjects. For example, nearly 26 percent of respondents reported a high interest in personally participating in community action programs, the highest level since 1996 and 4.1 percent higher than the 2004 survey. Just over 41 percent believe it is essential or very important to personally influence social values.
“This survey shows that a growing number of students arrive at college ready to become involved in community service,” says Dr. Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. “While earlier studies suggest that too few students sustain such commitments into their advanced college years, these new data should encourage educators to redouble their efforts to create new connections between academy study and challenges in larger society.”
This group of freshmen also appears to continue a trend of declining support for military spending. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, 45 percent of American freshmen approved of increased military spending. That number has since dropped to 34.2 percent. More than 36 percent of respondents also say it is important or essential to keep up with political affairs and 12 percent worked in local, state or national political campaigns in high school.
The survey also reports a record low number of incoming freshmen who reported drinking beer during their high school years. After reaching a high of 73.7 percent in 1982, the number has dropped to 43.4 percent.
“Our findings of decreased high school drinking have been replicated in several other national studies and using a variety of measures,” says Pryor. “What is also clear is that college drinking is not in decline.”
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
