We have noticed this trend at our school also. My mother also teaches at another local college and this same problem seems to exist. I think some of these issue are something that could be addressed early in a college career. Younger students coming directly from a High School environment seem to have more of the entitlement attitude. When the expectations of the college environment are imposed upon them they may wake up and take their work more seriously. Not saying that takes care of the problem 100% of the time otherwise we would not have this discussion but I believe it does work for some of the students. I have also found sharing stories from my industry helps. Showing examples of the quality of work that is expected in the industry can drive a bit of fear in the students that are below the quality bar that is expected.