Impact Analysis of an Evening Program: Perceptions of Need, Time to Degree, and Degree Completion

Program evaluations in the literature for evening classes generally fail to examine impact-related questions and focus instead on satisfaction with services and curricular offerings. This study examined the consequences for students if evening classes were not available. All student groups reported negative impacts on degree completion and increased time to degree without these courses, among other problems such as difficulty scheduling courses and an inability to accommodate work schedules. While nontraditional students depended most on evening classes, traditional students and graduate students needed these courses as well, particularly to allow for student employment, clinical experiences, and practicum. The study results engendered greater support from university administration for the evening classes program. (Contains 2 tables.)