THE IMAGE OF UBON RATCHATHANI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE CONTRIBUTING TO STUDENTS’ DECISION TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION

Abstract

The objectives of the research were to study students’ decision to seek admission to Ubon Ratchathani Polytechnic College and to find the guidelines to improve the image of  the college that could affect students’ decision to pursue their study at the college under study.  The samples used in the research were the college’s  personnel  and students at vocational and higher vocational certificate levels totaling 298. The target group numbered 16. Statistics used in data analysis were frequency, percentage, means, standard deviation and content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1. The states that affected the students’ decision to seek admission at the college in the study were at a high level (= 3.56).  Maximum aspects were reliability (= 3.61), and confidence (= 3.56). A minimum aspect was recognition  (= 3.52).  In terms of reliability, it was found that those who graduated from the institute were  capable and recognized by society (= 3.60).  In light of confidence, it was found that a maximum aspect was that students’ parents were proud to have their children study at this institute (= 3.74). In terms of recognition, it was found that a maximum aspect was the college students were a role model of the society (= 3.70).  2.The guidelines for promotion of the image of Ubon Ratchathani Polytechnic College were as follows.  On reliability:  promotion should be focused on the learning activities so that students got more involved in the process of learning and teaching; knowledgeable personnel should actively get involved in imparting knowledge and skills to the college students. On recognition: college students should be encouraged to do activities with or for communities; promotion should be made in accordance with needs of the labor force.  On confidence:  students should be assured that they would get the job in line with their skills; the college should act as the learning center and provide the service to  communities and the public;  the college students should be taught to be a role model of society.