, University of Miami,University of Missouri, University of North Carolina–Charlotte and University of Oklahoma.Finally, 21 schools were sampled from the bottom tier of the News & World Report ranking.These schools include: Florida Atlantic University, Jackson State University, Lamar University,Morgan State University, Oakland University, Prairie View A&M University, South Dakota StateFigure 3: The curricular complexity histogram for all schools included in the study. The averagecomplexity value of these schools is 273.6, with a standard deviation of 104.2. top mid bottom Curricular ComplexityFigure 4: The curricular complexity
task?). EVT guided the developmentof the data collection instrument and coding of students’ responses during data analysis.Examining course withdrawal decisions contributes to the larger project’s overarching goal ofunderstanding the learning environment in FECs by providing insight into a specific aspect of thelearners in that environment.MethodsTo address our research question, data were collected qualitatively. We developed a form fordepartments in charge of teaching large FECs in a research university in the mid-Atlantic thatcaptured reasons for withdrawing from a course. Participating departments required this form tobe completed, and IRB approval was secured for this study.Data collectionData were collected from 147 engineering students