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Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Multilingual Children In Public Mainstream Schools In Tennessee, Maria Dias Aug 2024

Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Multilingual Children In Public Mainstream Schools In Tennessee, Maria Dias

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study, grounded in a phenomenological perspective, delves into the lived experiences of early childhood teachers who teach multilingual children in mainstream classrooms in Tennessee. Amidst the rising number of multilingual learners in mainstream educational settings and the dearth of adequate teacher training to address their needs, this research illuminates the experiences of these teachers. Furthermore, it seeks to advocate for the integration of translanguaging pedagogy into teacher training programs and state policies. This study employed a qualitative study using the three-in-depth-interview series from a phenomenological perspective (Seidman, 2019). The first interview focused on participants’ overall teaching experiences and …

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Students Speak: A Qualitative Examination Of The Intersection Of Identity And Sexual Violence In A University Setting, Danika M. Charles Jul 2024

Students Speak: A Qualitative Examination Of The Intersection Of Identity And Sexual Violence In A University Setting, Danika M. Charles

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual violence remains a public health concern in the United States. Much of the research has focused on gender-binary individuals, despite the heightened vulnerability of Black, transgender, and nonbinary (BTN) individuals due to societal stigma and discrimination. Campus climate surveys have been recommended by the Obama Administration to address sexual violence, though they often underrepresent BTN students, failing to capture their unique experiences. This study aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the intersection of gender and racial identities, using an intersectional stigma framework to explore the prevalence and impact of sexual violence on BTN students and advocate for …

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Woosah! Minoritized Student Affairs Professionals: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue At A Predominately White Institution, Julius J. Grayson Jun 2024

Woosah! Minoritized Student Affairs Professionals: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue At A Predominately White Institution, Julius J. Grayson

Theses and Dissertations

Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis this study explored the rich experiences of seven racially minoritized student affairs professionals (RMSAPs) who experienced racial battle fatigue (RBF) and the impact it had on their health at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Social psychological research has identified both blatant and subtle forms of racial discrimination have adverse which lead to deleterious mental health outcomes for racially minoritized individuals. The findings indicated that these racially minoritized student affairs professionals were experiencing racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue at their predominately white institution. In order to reclaim their wellness, participants shared the strategies they used …

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Voices From The Marginalized: The Experiences Black Employees Have On Search Committees And The Role Of Institutional Racism, Jacqueline Drummer Jun 2024

Voices From The Marginalized: The Experiences Black Employees Have On Search Committees And The Role Of Institutional Racism, Jacqueline Drummer

Theses and Dissertations

The history of Black people across the globe is marred by structural racism created by colonialism. Structural racism is deeply embedded in the American culture and academia is not excluded from this phenomenon. The research demonstrates that the problem of racism is not only prevalent in four-year academic institutions but also exists in two-year colleges. Our academic institutions are a microcosm of the broader society whereby we bring our worldviews, biases, and beliefs with us into the workplace. When these views are negative towards marginalized groups, actions can be adverse and impact the experiences of these demographics. My qualitative single …

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Black Students Matter: A Phenomenological Approach To Exploring Sense Of Belonging Among Black Students Attending A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Alison K. Chandler Jun 2024

Black Students Matter: A Phenomenological Approach To Exploring Sense Of Belonging Among Black Students Attending A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Alison K. Chandler

Dissertations

As the number of Black college students who have enrolled in federally designated Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) has risen, it has become necessary to examine how their sense of belonging has been fostered, particularly given the educational disparities and equity gaps in retention, persistence, and graduation rates. Furthermore, the focus on initiatives geared towards Latinx students may contribute to feelings of inadequacy among Black students, which is compounded by racialized experiences that have occurred in educational settings both prior to and during college. This phenomenological study explored the experiences of nine Black undergraduate students at a private four-year HSI in the …

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Undergraduate Student Sense Of Belonging And Edtech Tool Engagement: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of The Virtual Campus Experience, Veronica Wilson Jun 2024

Undergraduate Student Sense Of Belonging And Edtech Tool Engagement: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of The Virtual Campus Experience, Veronica Wilson

Dissertations

The contemporary postsecondary learning experience is heavily mediated by educational technology (EdTech) tools and yet little is known about the ways in which these tools impact student engagement and sense of belonging, two indicators which are important to student persistence and graduation. Using Strayhorn’s (2023) critical socioecological sense of belonging framework, this convergent mixed methods study offers insights into these relationships by examining student engagement with EdTech and student sense of belonging and the impact of student traits on the relationship between EdTech and sense of belonging. This study was conducted at a private, broad access Hispanic-Serving Institution in the …

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Persistence Of Female Faculty In Stem, Andrea Constantinou Jun 2024

Persistence Of Female Faculty In Stem, Andrea Constantinou

Dissertations

The lack of women entering certain STEM fields impacts female representation in research faculty, teacher faculty, and leadership positions in higher education. Through a narrative inquiry methodology utilizing the theoretical paradigms of self-determination theory and relational autonomy, this study extended understanding of the factors that motivate persistence for women in certain STEM fields. While prior research focused on understanding the barriers to retention, this study sought to identify the factors motivating retention for women in certain STEM fields. The results of this study contribute to understanding the motivating factors that influence a woman’s persistence in STEM. The data gathered from …

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Twenty Years Of Community-Based College Success: Oral Histories From Practitioners, Partners, And Peer Mentors Supporting City University Of New York (Cuny) Students, Benjamin J. Carey Jun 2024

Twenty Years Of Community-Based College Success: Oral Histories From Practitioners, Partners, And Peer Mentors Supporting City University Of New York (Cuny) Students, Benjamin J. Carey

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

For the past twenty years, community-based college success programs have supported a generation of young people entering all twenty-five City University of New York (CUNY) Colleges. As the country’s largest urban university system, CUNY has historically been a major engine of economic mobility for young people in New York City. However, gaps in academic preparation and navigational support have weakened student persistence and graduation rates. Community-based organizations (CBOs) that have provided college access support to New York City public school students since the 1980s began to extend their services into college to provide targeted interventions and improve student outcomes. Grounded …

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First In My Family: Overcoming Obstacles And Utilizing Resources To Successfully Complete The Educational Journey, Milana Tarbuk Migic Jun 2024

First In My Family: Overcoming Obstacles And Utilizing Resources To Successfully Complete The Educational Journey, Milana Tarbuk Migic

Dissertations

First-generation college students encounter many hardships when trying to persist throughout their educational journey. They are expected to be successful in navigating their careers, family life, and school – all without anyone else’s experience to reference. When a student is the first in their family to go to college, they are expected to succeed with a lack of understanding the process. This qualitative study explores what assets first-generation students have and apply in their college experience that contribute to their persistence. This research is guided by Dr. Tara Yosso’s Cultural Wealth Model which examines many forms of cultural capital that …

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Stress And Coping Mechanisms Of Non-Traditional International Doctoral Students, Ndidi Patience Iwuagwu May 2024

Stress And Coping Mechanisms Of Non-Traditional International Doctoral Students, Ndidi Patience Iwuagwu

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions are battling with the shrinking enrollment rate of students and the various college alternatives (Drozdowski, 2022); however, it has been evidenced in the literature that these issues can be augmented with international student enrollments and adult learners (Donaldson, 2022). Pursuing a doctoral degree is a tedious move (Devonport & Lane, 2014), and leaving one’s comfort zone to study in a different land for non-traditional international students can be exhausting due to the responsibilities at hand. Thus, this qualitative study examines the stressors experienced by non-traditional international doctoral students, the coping mechanisms utilized in the cause of these …

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Strengthening And Supporting The Community Of First-Generation Students Of Color, Manuel Pech May 2024

Strengthening And Supporting The Community Of First-Generation Students Of Color, Manuel Pech

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

First-generation students of color overcome many barriers when attending college by finding institutional resources to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. However, students often feel these resources are scarce at Predominantly White Institutions (PWI). Thus, I created a coaching program focused on community building, academic strategies, and mentorship to connect students to campus resources, improve well-being, and lead to high academic achievement. Peer-to-peer coaches for first-generation students of color often find it challenging to coach students from different backgrounds and ethnicities. This is due to the power or cultural dynamics, gender differences, and fears of the unknown they might encounter when …

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Black Genius: An Achievement Distortion, Brenda Burgo May 2024

Black Genius: An Achievement Distortion, Brenda Burgo

Dissertations

Is the achievement gap real? Using a mixed-methods approach, this study reframed standardized testing through a Quantitative Critical and Black Critical lens. It interrogated the deficit framing of Black student achievement by asking the following questions: (1) To what extent do the aggregated standardized test scores for Black students in California correlate with other measures of achievement? Included in this analysis are: (a) To what degree does the ratio of Black students relate to the achievement variables? and (b) To what extent did COVID impact this correlation? (2) What beliefs do Black educators have regarding the standardized test scores of …

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Ripple Of Hope: Understanding The Lived Experience And Academic Achievement Of Latinx Students At Arrupe College And Dougherty Family College: A Case Study, Richard P. Virgin May 2024

Ripple Of Hope: Understanding The Lived Experience And Academic Achievement Of Latinx Students At Arrupe College And Dougherty Family College: A Case Study, Richard P. Virgin

Dissertations

One of the most common and important entry points into higher education for Latinx and other underrepresented students is through community college. However, national completion rates for Latinx community college students have been trailing their white peers. This gap in academic achievement has prevailed since the 1990s. The trailing rates of degree completion for Latinx students can lead to lower lifetime salary earnings, lack of career advancement, greater risk of losing employment, and an increased chance of living in poverty. However, a successful community college model may be seen as a disruptor in the educational sector due to its much …

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Title Ix On The Hill, Riley Peck May 2024

Title Ix On The Hill, Riley Peck

College Honors Program

This thesis seeks to answer the question, “What does Title IX mean at the College of the Holy Cross?” It considers and triangulates the words and experiences of students, faculty members, and Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity (Office) administrators to gauge the understandings and potential misconceptions of available resources and the College’s culture. Further, it draws upon archival analysis to situate the Office in a broader historical context of the College and also includes an auto-ethnographic component. This thesis concludes with general suggestions for the Office and the College at large to more efficiently combat sexual violence and …

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Early Career Women Of Color As Social Justice Change Leaders, Amy Anh Hoang Dinh May 2024

Early Career Women Of Color As Social Justice Change Leaders, Amy Anh Hoang Dinh

Master's Theses

The student affairs profession is predominantly female, but women, especially women of color (WOC), are disproportionately in entry-level positions. The majority of student affairs professionals also believe social justice is important but desire more support for their social justice work. This study examined how early career WOC perceived the power dynamics that they encountered in their social justice-oriented organizational change efforts, the strategies and tactics they utilized to lead change efforts, and the aspects of their identities that were the most salient to them during their change efforts. The study design used a phenomenology methodology and an intersectionality theoretical framework. …

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Empowering Achievement: Investigating Leadership, Agency, And Access For First-Generation College Students, Antonia Marcelle Pettit May 2024

Empowering Achievement: Investigating Leadership, Agency, And Access For First-Generation College Students, Antonia Marcelle Pettit

Education | Master's Theses

This research demonstrates that first-generation college students excel when they can be open to new spaces, people, and experiences and have access to robust support systems and the necessary resources to build solid personal self-efficacy. The intentionality behind this research is grounded in students finding their agency and self- efficacy to become strong and confident leaders within their communities and future workplaces. One of the theoretical frameworks this research touches on is Vince Tinto’s interactionalist theory of student persistence, which identifies the importance of academic and social integration in higher education students. All six participants in the study were in …

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Understanding The Role Of Academic Advising And Student Resilience In Male College Students' First-Year Retention: Differences By Race/Ethnicity, Brittany K. Gogates May 2024

Understanding The Role Of Academic Advising And Student Resilience In Male College Students' First-Year Retention: Differences By Race/Ethnicity, Brittany K. Gogates

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Institutions of higher education continue to struggle with retaining and graduating students within 6 years, and gender and racial/ethnic disparities are apparent. Only 60% of male and 67% of female students who entered a 4-year institution in 2014 graduated within 6 years (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). In 2022, only 27.6% of Black and 20.9% of Hispanic/Latino Americans between ages 25 and 29 have completed a baccalaureate degree (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). For those students who entered college in fall 2017, Black students had the lowest first-year retention of 52.1%, and Hispanic/Latino students were not far ahead, with a 59.5% …

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Examining How Artistic Expression In The Classroom Can Increase Students' Academic Performance And Understanding Of Course Material, Jake Taylor Marrazzo May 2024

Examining How Artistic Expression In The Classroom Can Increase Students' Academic Performance And Understanding Of Course Material, Jake Taylor Marrazzo

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examined how artistic expression in the classroom can increase students’ academic performance and understanding of course material. This study consisted of graduate students in the Masters of Arts in Higher Education program at Rowan University, during the Fall/Spring 2023-2024 semesters, enrolled in at least one of the following courses: Crisis Management, Higher Education in America, and The College Student. The study utilized an artistic expression activity, painting, in connection with participants' course material and readings to understand the benefits of artistic expression on student success in the classroom. Some findings of this study show that artistic …

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The "Essence" From Within: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Racial And Ethnic Minoritized Women (Raemw) Senior Level Administrators At 4-Year Predominately White Institutions (Pwis) In The United States (U.S.), Felicia Crockett May 2024

The "Essence" From Within: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Racial And Ethnic Minoritized Women (Raemw) Senior Level Administrators At 4-Year Predominately White Institutions (Pwis) In The United States (U.S.), Felicia Crockett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of senior level RAEMW administrators who work at 4-year PWIs in the U.S. and analyze the impact of institutional environments on their success. The theories that guided this study were: Crenshaw’s (1994; 1989; 2015) intersectionality framework and four tenets of CRT which include counter-storytelling, the permanence of racism, interest convergence, and intersectionality (Hiraldo, 2010, 2019). This study was guided by the three research questions: 1) How do RAEMW senior level administrators describe their experiences navigating higher education, 2) How do senior level RAEMW administrators describe the impact of institutional environments …

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Experiences Of Women Trustees: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Women Trustees At Private Religious Colleges In The South, Amanda Main May 2024

Experiences Of Women Trustees: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Women Trustees At Private Religious Colleges In The South, Amanda Main

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

In the United States, women are underrepresented on college governing boards and trusteeships, occupying only about one-third of those positions (Madsen & Longman, 2020). In the Southern United States, female representation is dramatically lower, with women holding somewhere between 11-15% of those board positions (Madsen & Longman, 2020). Feminist research identifies persistent sexism as the reason for the continued gender inequities. Sexism in social and organizational structures may present as microaggressions, a lack of agency, lack of female role models and mentors, explicit and inherent gender-based biases, lack of flexibility in work arrangements, and women being assigned work that does …

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Exploring Staff Burnout In College Access And Retention Programs, Yajaira Nunez May 2024

Exploring Staff Burnout In College Access And Retention Programs, Yajaira Nunez

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to develop ways to support staff working in access and retention programs in higher education, who are experiencing or prone to burnout. The guiding questions were (a) How could collaboration with administrators working in access and retention programs in higher education facilitate learning to cope with burnout? and (b) How could strategies be developed collaboratively to address burnout in both current and future staff? I conducted three cycles using appreciative inquiry as a guide with six participants from different institutions between January and March 2024. The cycles included a GroupMe chat, a Zoom retreat, …

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Should We Move To Suspend Robert’S Rules Forever: A Review And Proposal For Student Government Communication, Harper Estus May 2024

Should We Move To Suspend Robert’S Rules Forever: A Review And Proposal For Student Government Communication, Harper Estus

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to understand and improve how student leaders in student government (senators) communicate with one another during their meetings. My research question was, how can I effectively work with the Associated Student Government (ASG) at the University of San Diego (USD) to improve the senator’s meeting communication through parliamentary practice? The use of Robert’s Rules (parliamentary procedure) is common for student government. I analyzed mixed-method data through three cycles: focus group, survey, and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that there are pros and cons to meeting structures, most participants are open to different meeting …

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Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Neurodivergence: University Of San Diego Accommodations And Resources, Carina Mendoza May 2024

Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Neurodivergence: University Of San Diego Accommodations And Resources, Carina Mendoza

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

This research focuses on better understanding the unique classroom experiences faced by autistic and neurodiverse students at the University of San Diego (USD) and offers recommendations to improve their college experience. Through a well-studied literature review and data collection through semi structured interviews and focus groups, the overall goal was to have a more holistic understanding of the current support services from faculty and staff that are available for students at USD. The study will provide unique challenges and curated recommendations for students with autism spectrum disorder and neurodiverse identities. This research also identifies specific areas where the USD can …

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Is This My Place? Contributing Factors To Community College Students' Longitudinal Sense Of Belonging And The Connection Of Sense Of Belonging To Student Success, Kelly Elizabeth Love May 2024

Is This My Place? Contributing Factors To Community College Students' Longitudinal Sense Of Belonging And The Connection Of Sense Of Belonging To Student Success, Kelly Elizabeth Love

Dissertations and Theses

Community colleges serve a large percentage of historically under-represented populations including students of color, low-income, and first-generation students. Unfortunately, less than half of students who begin at a community college return the following Fall and only about one-fourth of students eventually graduate. Previous research indicates that students' sense of belonging may be a key factor in retention and completion rates. However, large-scale datasets have yet to comprehensively explore students' sense of belonging in the community college setting. To address that issue, the purpose of this quantitative exploratory study was to examine individual and institutional variables associated with a measure of …

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Supporting International Students' Emotional And Social Wellbeing: Addressing Pressing Issues Related To Tuition And Visa Status Anxiety, Jinyi Chen May 2024

Supporting International Students' Emotional And Social Wellbeing: Addressing Pressing Issues Related To Tuition And Visa Status Anxiety, Jinyi Chen

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to engage and build community with international students and to find ways to support them emotionally and socially leading to better mental health outcomes. My research question was: how can I support international college students to alleviate common mental health issues many continue to experience as a result of their international status? This occurs particularly when they must deal with tuition and visa status anxiety. I did three cycles in the research process using online surveys, interviews, and a large debriefing group meeting. Findings indicated that visa status anxiety is one of the most …

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From Counterspaces To Community:A Qualitative Case Study Analysis Of Black Community Making At A Pwi, Charles Watkins May 2024

From Counterspaces To Community:A Qualitative Case Study Analysis Of Black Community Making At A Pwi, Charles Watkins

Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined how Black college students build and maintain a sense of community at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Informed by relational sociological methodology and the conceptual framework of Black placemaking, this study foregrounded the nuanced process of community building, focusing on the interplay between Black students and the spaces—physical and digital—they cocreate collectively. This study particularly emphasized the significance of the Black Student Union (BSU) as a foundational Black student organization at PWIs. The following lines of inquiry guided this study: (a) How do Black undergraduate students at a PWI define the Black community? (b) What …

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Bridging Usd Graduate Student Life And Mcnair Scholars Program: How To Enhance Mcnair Scholars’ Transition To Graduate School, Emily S. Esquivel May 2024

Bridging Usd Graduate Student Life And Mcnair Scholars Program: How To Enhance Mcnair Scholars’ Transition To Graduate School, Emily S. Esquivel

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Research has shown a need to support graduate students with intersecting identities (e.g., first generation, underrepresented). Further, there is little research on the transition of McNair students to graduate school. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to learn about how McNair students at the University of San Diego (USD) can navigate graduate school preparation with the support of Graduate Student Life (GSL). The research questions that guided this project were: (1) How can I collaborate with GSL to enhance support for USD McNair Scholars as they transition to graduate school? and (2) How can GSL support McNair Scholars’ sense …

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Language Proficiency Requirements And International Enrolment: A Systematized Review, Kennedy M. Wonnacott May 2024

Language Proficiency Requirements And International Enrolment: A Systematized Review, Kennedy M. Wonnacott

Major Papers

The internationalization of the Canadian higher education system is becoming increasingly delicate, yet complex. This major research paper aims to develop an understanding of the impact that language proficiency requirements have on international students’ ability to study abroad at post-secondary institutions. This paper employs a theoretical framework of neoliberal education and culturally relevant pedagogy to analyze enrolment management practices and opportunities through a student-centred lens. A systematized review of the literature concerning English language proficiency (ELP) of international students in higher education was conducted. Results were synthesized into two key themes: language proficiency and university admissions and the student experience. …

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Building A Bridge Between Student-Centered Teachers And Teacher-Centered Students, Kimber Summers May 2024

Building A Bridge Between Student-Centered Teachers And Teacher-Centered Students, Kimber Summers

MA TESOL Collection

No abstract provided.

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Impact Of Social Integration On Student Persistence In Commuter Students, Julianna Paolini May 2024

Impact Of Social Integration On Student Persistence In Commuter Students, Julianna Paolini

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to quantitatively examine the ways in which social integration impacts student persistence in the commuter student population on the Glassboro campus at Rowan University. Additionally, this study examines the levels of social engagement in the commuter student population and in what ways is their engagement impacted. The sample consisted of 159 participants who commute to Rowan University’s main campus who are enrolled as undergraduate students. Participants were surveyed utilizing a Qualtrics survey that was distributed to students starting in December of 2023 and ending in February 2023. The survey consisted of questions about the …

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