Organizational Factors and First-Year University Students’ Absenteeism- An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the rate of absenteeism among newly enrolled male and female students at King Saud University during the academic years 1445 and 1446 AH, with respect to organizational factors. The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical methodology, and the study population comprised of all newly enrolled students. The study found that the rate of absenteeism among newly enrolled students during the academic year 1446 AH was higher than that recorded during the academic year 1445 AH, in relation to organizational factors. Furthermore, the proportion of newly enrolled students who benefited academically — defined as those who successfully passed their courses following the lifting of academic exclusion — was higher in the academic year 1446 AH compared to 1445 AH, similarly attributed to organizational factors. The study recommends the development of organizational frameworks and academic advising practices to mitigate educational loss resulting from absenteeism, alongside the continuation of longitudinal and tracking studies in this domain.