Digital Commons Network^™

A Burning Issue: A Quantitative Correlation Study On Students’ Overinvolvement In Cocurricular Activities Contributing To Burnout, Shelby Robbins

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Cocurricular involvement plays a large part in the holistic college experience. However, too much involvement in cocurricular activities may lead students to experience burnout over the course of their four years in college. The quantitative correlation study investigated students’ overinvolvement in cocurricular activities through the Cocurricular Involvement and Burnout Survey. Participants were students who were involved in said activities at a private, faith-based, liberal arts institution located in the Midwest. The research question that guided the study was: To what extent, if any, does overinvolvement in cocurricular activities contribute to burnout for college students at a four-year institution? The results …

Parent Involvement: A Quantitative Study On Parent Involvement Within Residence Life, Kimberlie Kline

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore college students' parents and their perspective on involvement when it comes to contacting residence life professionals on behalf of their student. In this quantitative study, the researcher collected survey responses from fifty parent participants. The study explored the research questions: What causes parents to become involved with residence life personnel on the behalf of their student? What does this involvement look like, as well as, what type of involvement is it? The study found that parents of freshman and sophomore students are most likely to reach out about housing and health concerns …

Perceptions Of Classrooms Physical Environments And Nature On College Students, Benjamin Williams

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study is to discover how students are affected by the physical environment they learn in and if the restorative benefits of nature adds to the positive experience of learning. The physical environment or the classroom, can complement the learning experience alongside with the curriculum that is being taught, but the physical environment is often overlooked. This study asks how students perceive the physical environment of college classrooms, if they see it affecting their classroom learning, and if students perceive the elements of nature to affect classroom learning. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach is used to …

Understanding Forgiveness During College: A Phenomenological Study, Ethan Mcneil

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

College students see their understanding of many different topics and ideas change during their time in college. One such topic is forgiveness. This phenomenological study looks to gauge an understanding of how students’ understanding of forgiveness changes during college at a small, private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in the rural Midwest. The results of the study showed that students’ understanding deepens, even if they still struggle to practice different aspects of forgiveness. The discussion explains the results of the study and introduces opportunities for educators to engage students about forgiveness, teaching, and mentoring them as their understanding grows and …

Promoting Persistence: Female Stem Professors And Graduation Rates Of Female Stem Students, Madison Miyakawa

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

In higher education there have been notably more men than women pursuing areas of study in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This quantitative mixed method study investigated pre-existing data including faculty male to female ratios and female graduation rates within the STEM fields. This study also surveyed current male and female students studying STEM in their final undergraduate year at a Midwest, faith-based, liberal arts college, with the intention of analyzing the impact of the role of female professors on the retention and graduation rates of female students studying in the STEM fields. The discussion unpacks the responses of …

An Internet-Connected Community: How College Students Experience Residential Living In The Age Of New Media, Jared Hobson

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Higher education professionals, particularly those in the realm of Residence Life, are working with outdated knowledge. Emerging research is showing that the incoming cohorts of college students are fundamentally different than their predecessors because of new media technology's prevalence in our society. This study aims to determine if the usage and presence of internet-connected technology impacts how students experience community within their residence halls. In this context, students' sense of community is defined as the extent to which these individuals develop senses of attachment, belonging, and involvement.

To Lead Or Not To Lead: Undergraduate Women’S Experiences In Leadership, Kait Bedel

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Women have increasingly occupied a greater percentage of the college student population in recent history. Given the importance of involvement and leadership development during the undergraduate years, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect that participating within a leadership role can have on a woman’s view of self-as-leader as well as her overarching leadership development. This study implemented a qualitative, phenomenological design through the use of individual interviews. The interview protocol was designed to be semi-structured which allowed the participants freedom in their ability to communicate about their leadership experiences. The data collected from these interviews revealed …

Living Life Together: A Qualitative Exploration Of Taylor University’S Lifestyle Covenant, Jana L. Roste

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

In pursuit of exploring student, staff, and faculty perceptions’ of the Life Together Covenant (LTC) at Taylor University, this qualitative study consisting of individual interviews with ten senior students, ten staff members, and ten faculty members, found that participants generally perceived the LTC as a guide or set of expectations to live cohesively at Taylor. However, outside of this unified purpose, the three participant groups’ perceptions and experiences of the LTC varied.

Tension, Division, And Chaos: A Phenomenological Study On The Impacts Of The 2020 Election On Belonging In White Student And Students Of Color, Bailey S. Sauls

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This qualitative study researched the impacts of the 2020 presidential election on college students’ sense of belonging and the differences in impacts between White students and students of color. Belonging is crucial to student experience, and students of color face more barriers to belonging than White students. Additionally, the 2016 presidential election left more lasting negative effects on mental health and student experience than previous elections. These impacts were more directly felt by students of color. In this study ten White students and ten students of color were interviewed about their experiences during the 2020 election. Both groups indicated that …

Selfies, Stories, And Statuses: The Impact Of Social Media Usage On The Self-Esteem Of College Students, Nick Dennig

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Social media is pervasive in today’s culture, and this reality is true among college students as well. As a result, students must understand what, if any, impact social media usage had on their lives, specifically self-esteem. This quantitative, true experiment answered the question “What impact does social media usage have on the self-esteem of college students?” For the purpose of this study, social media usage was defined as time spent on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. This study took place at a private, small, four-year, liberal arts institution in the Midwest and included 61 participants. Participants were asked …

The Impact Of The First-Year Experience On A College Student’S God Image: A Phenomenological Study, Josiah Peterson

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The first year of college comes with many new experiences, including those that impact and change a student’s faith. This phenomenological study investigated how the first-year experience of students at a Midwest, faith-based, liberal arts college impacted faith development and particularly God images. Results revealed that the community around the students, the difficulties and struggles they faced, and the new perspectives they encountered led students to view God in more relational and loving ways than prior to their first year of college. The discussion introduces readers to opportunities for student development educators to engage with first-year students in their faith …

Should Universities Encourage Students To Be Undecided?: A Consideration Of Major Declaration Patterns And First-Destinations, Amber D. Stanley

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Research on undecided students is contradictory at best. Studies both support and condemn the undecided states based on factors like persistence, changing majors, and graduation rates. Given the conflicting nature of the research on undecided students and the absence of research on undecided students and first-destinations (i.e., first jobs following graduation), it is difficult to discern whether or not institutions should actively encourage students to choose an undecided status.

This study sought to combine major declaration and first-destination data to explore what, if any, relationship exists between major declaration patterns and first-destination outcomes. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to compare …

Let’S Talk About Sex: Healthy Sexuality Programming At Faith-Based Institutions, Kenedy M. Kieffer

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

College is a time in life where students grow and develop inside and outside of the classroom. Attitudes that students develop related to healthy sexuality should not be different from anything else learned in college, as it is a central part of who they become by the time they graduate. This research study explores the methods faith-based institutions are employing to educate students toward healthy sexuality when requiring specific sexual behavior expectations to which students adhere. These methods included institutional commitment to educating students, educating through relationships with students, specific groups being educated, and educating in curricular and co-curricular spaces …

Promoting Persistence: Faculty Of Color And The Graduation Rates Of Students Of Color At Predominantly White Institution, Serena Draper

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Over the last several decades, access to higher education for students of color has rapidly expanded. Yet while the population of students of color continues to grow in higher education, faculty diversity has not matched pace. This disparity creates curiosity regarding the relationship between faculty representation and persistence in college. In light of this reality, this study examined the relationship between faculty representation and graduation rates by race and ethnicity at predominantly white institutions. This study used publicly available IPEDS data to measure the 6-year graduation rates for varying racial groups and the percentage of faculty of those groups at …

Not-So-Silent Night: How A Small-Town Institution Has Developed And Sustained A Nationally Renowned Tradition, Ryan W. Kristofek

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the origin and impact of a popular tradition at Taylor University known as Silent Night. Through a phenomenological design, this study investigated traditions, specifically Silent Night, at a small, faith-based, liberal arts institution in the Midwest called Taylor University. The following questions guided this exploratory research: What is the student perception of the value of Silent Night? What is the personnel perception of the value of Silent Night? What are the institutional elements surrounding a successful campus tradition? Key findings from this study include an understanding of traditions defined from student and …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Undergraduate Students’ Experiences Of Psychological Safety In The Classroom, Josh Meredith

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Psychological safety is defined as an individual’s perceptions that the space is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, such as asking questions or proposing an idea. The current study explored student experiences of psychological safety in the metaphorical, interpersonal undergraduate classroom learning environment. Twenty-two students were interviewed. Several themes emerged from the study, including students’ internal perceptions and external experiences of the classroom learning environment. Findings offer insight for higher education practitioners.

The Academic Challenges Of First-Generation College Students Within A Four-Year Institution, Maribel Magallanes

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Existing literature affirms an increase of first-generation college students (FGCS) attending a four-year institution and their lack of academic preparation to graduate on time. The purpose of this study was to better understand the academic challenges FGCS experience in a four-year institution and how those challenges contribute to their overall academic experience. To capture the unique experiences and academic challenges of FGCS, the study engaged in a qualitative narrative research design. The study involved one-on-one interviews with FGCS attending a four-year institution. Written biographies and a number of common themes that contributed to understanding the academic challenges of FGCS are …

Involvement: Assessing Factors Contributing To 'Inactive Athletes' Persistence, Alec Devries

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to discover why students remain enrolled at an institution after departing from their athletic team. This study was conducted at small private, faith-based liberal arts institutions within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Forty respondents participated in a quantitative analysis inquiring about their experiences and satisfaction into their persistence at their institution of enrollment. Findings include the lack of support ‘inactive athletes’ received during their athletic experience, as well as the high value participants placed on their academic experience. Implications for future practice include, a continuous emphasis on student development and academic affairs …

Remember When: Alumni Involvement And Meaning Making Impacted By Perceptions Of Traditions Culture In Higher Education, Christina R. Brandsma

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of traditions culture on alumni involvement and meaning making. Through a transcendental phenomenological design, his study investigated traditions at a small, faith-based, liberal arts institution in the Midwest from the perspective of alumni. This exploratory research was guided by the following questions: How have traditions impacted the meaning alumni made of their college experience and their personal identity? How do traditions influence the current involvement of alumni with their institution? Key findings from this study include an understanding of traditions defined from an alumni perspective, the benefits alumni perceive from …

"I Finally Found A Place Where I Feel Like Home": Understanding The Relationship Between A Sense Of Belonging And The Transfer Student Experience, Ashley Smith

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The rate at which college students transfer from one higher education institution to another is steadily increasing. The purpose of the study was to develop a greater understanding of the relationship between a sense of belonging and the transfer student experience. The study implemented a mixed-methods embedded design. A survey adapted from the Basic Human Needs Scale was administered to participants to produce a Belonging composite score. The survey questions were followed by three open-response questions that allowed participants to explain further the relationship between their sense of belonging and transfer student experiences. Quantitative data revealed an above-average sense of …

The Extra Mile: How Collegiate Coaches Can Better Prepare Student-Athletes For Retirement, Kayla Hunter

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The power of high athletic identity coupled with the unfamiliar process of athletic retirement presents a unique crossroads for individuals approaching the end of their intercollegiate athletic careers. Despite the presence of several resources to aid student-athletes, the literature reports a range of both positive and negative experiences for retiring student-athletes. Collegiate coaches serve a prominent role in the lives of student-athletes and therefore present a valuable avenue through which mentorship, identity development, and preparation for retirement can occur. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to explore the impact, if any, of collegiate coaches on the retirement process of …

Thinking Deeply In College: An Inquiry Into Contemplation Amongst Undergraduate Students, Dan R. Read

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

In student development theory, a crisis is considered the impetus for development. For undergraduate students, contemplation is one of the ways students resolve their crises. This study was an inquiry into those contemplative practices and was guided by the following research question: What are the contemplative practices of undergraduate students, and what are the outcomes of those practices? After eleven students were interviewed, findings revealed 1) an enrichment of the meaning of the word space to include space in time; 2) contemplation is perceived by students as deep thinking; 3) contemplation is often connected to spiritual practices; and 4) students’ …

Not-So-Neutral: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Smartphones And Student Quality Of Life, Talis Rudzitis

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

As smartphones grow in purpose and function, they become more pervasive in the average college student’s life. Consequently, the more students integrate smartphones into their lives, the more consideration must be taken to understand the impact smartphones have on human life. This correlation study explored the relationship between smartphones and student quality of life. For the purpose of the study, “smartphone consumption” best communicated the variable “smartphones” and was measured by the average number of minutes participants spent on their smartphones per day. Moreover, the variable “quality of life” was measured by students’ self-perception and satisfaction of their own health …

The Relationship Between The Christian College Experience And Women's Feminist Identity Development, Cynthia L. Moberly

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to explore how women at a faith-based institution score on the Feminist Identity Development Scale, the perceptions and attitudes those women have toward their personal feminist identity development, and the factors in the college experience that may influence such attitudes. Feminist identity is the conception of feminism or of the self as feminist. This study explored the scores of freshmen and seniors on the Feminist Identity Development Scale (Bargad & Hyde, 1991) and considered open-ended reflections from seniors concerning their college experience. Findings included the following: (1) students’ perspectives are polarized concerning gender roles …

On-Campus Living: A Quantitative Exploration Of Engagement In Coeducational And Single-Sex Residence Halls, Jason Katsma

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This study investigates residential living arrangements as they relate to engagement using the National Survey of Student Engagement. It examines any difference in men and women in engagement with living in coeducational or single-sex residence halls on a small, faith-based, liberal arts college in the Midwest. Engagement continues to show value in helping students get the most out of their college experience. This study found no significant difference between coeducational and single-sex residence halls. Also, no difference emerged between men and women populations of both living arrangements. This finding adds to research pertaining to the relationships between place of residence …

Thriving In Students Of Color At A Predominantly White Institution, Travis J. Trotman

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Every year, students of color across the United States diversify their university campuses; in return, many of them fail to engage with their peers or succeed in their class work due to feelings of neglect or fear that contribute to a lack of engagement and success. To begin to explore the challenges students of color face when enrolled at a predominantly white institution, one must look into how their experiences help or hinder their thriving.

Beyond surviving in a college environment, thriving conveys a student’s full engagement in his or her intellectual, social, and emotional experiences. A sense of psychological …

Partnering With College Students In Need Of Change: A Case Study Analysis Of Motivational Interviewing In A Residence Hall, Brett Borland

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This study explores the use of motivational interviewing by a resident director in his residence hall at a faith-based, liberal arts institution in the Midwest. The purpose of this study was to determine if the practice of motivational interviewing led students to enact meaningful change in their lives. A secondary purpose was to observe how the practice of motivational interviewing affected the relationship between the resident director and his students. Data was collected through a questionnaire sent to students after meeting with the resident director who used motivational interviewing in an academic support meeting, as well as two interviews with …

"I Don't Fit Into The Identity You Expect Me To Have": Development Of Self-Authorship In Lgb Students At A Faith-Based Institution, Sara Bretz

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to build an understanding of how lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students grow in their self-authorship development at faith-based, small, private, liberal arts institutions. Self-authorship is one’s ability to define one’s own internally held beliefs, values, relationships, and identities. Five sexual minority students participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews inquiring about their experiences at an eastern U.S. faith-based institution with an established educational group focusing on issues of sexuality and gender. Findings included the importance of faith-related development and experience, clarity in communication, support systems, perspective weighing, and leadership experiences. Implications for future practice include …

Ways Of Knowing: An Exploration Of The Epistemological Development Of Undergraduates, Eli Casteel

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Today, the United States is polarized; people cannot agree on facts or how they know their facts. This study was aimed at researching how people know and the development of an epistemic lens, that is, how they know what they know. Literature suggests many undergraduates understand the world as either black and white or relativistic (King & Kitchener, 1994). However, through educational experiences some students move beyond relativistic thinking. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the significance of an undergraduate course on ways of knowing. The study investigated the experience of undergraduates and how a course …

The Relationship Of Tuition Discounting And Student Loan Debt At Faith-Based Institutions, Alana Marie Dean

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Tuition discounting and student loan debt are two topics in United States higher education of growing concern among practitioners. Both of these financial constructs affect the overall cost of college and how students pay for their education. Bringing both concepts together, the purpose of the study was to explore quantitatively a relationship between tuition discounting and student loan debt at faith-based institutions. Specifically, the study examined the relationship of these two financial constructs at member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). The definition of tuition discounting employed is the practice of providing non-repayable institutional grants and …