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How Federal Work-Study Affects The College Student Experience, Cole William Kallio-Crotteau
How Federal Work-Study Affects The College Student Experience, Cole William Kallio-Crotteau
Masters Theses
By creating a quantitative assessment and using one on one interviews, participants were asked to describe their collegiate experience as it has changed and evolved while enrolled in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. To achieve the greatest amount of data, four participants were individually interviewed who currently held FWS-funded positions and determined the affects the program had on their time at the Midwestern institution. All participants perceived college experiences were impacted in some way positively, citing multiple examples of growth and development throughout their time involved.
A Qualitative Case Study On Best Practices Of Emotional Support Animal Policies, Jordan E. Dadez
A Qualitative Case Study On Best Practices Of Emotional Support Animal Policies, Jordan E. Dadez
Masters Theses
This study sought to understand the best practices and protocols of Emotional Support Animal policies in residential life. A qualitative case study was conducted to provide insight on the best practices of residential life Emotional Support Animal Policies. Four participants from institutions with established policies were interviewed to gain understanding of these protocols and policies, what is involved in the approval and accommodations process, and what challenges the participants face. The results showed a need to evaluate and change the current process that most institutions utilize for Emotional Support Animal approval. The approval process and accommodations process are two separate …
A Profile Of Policy Discussions Regarding Gender-Inclusive Housing Amongst Four-Year Public Institutions In The Midwest: A Qualitative Approach, Alexis Hill
Masters Theses
This study utilized a qualitative approach to analyze gender-inclusive policies amongst four-year public institutions in the Midwest. This study focused primarily on residence life administrators, who are responsible for the creation and implementation of such policies on their campuses. 40 institutions completed a survey inquiring about their policies or practices, and four institutions were interviewed as a follow-up. Several themes emerged from the study, which included: 1) even if an institution did not have a policy, they more than likely have a practice; 2) change in trends are inevitable and professionals must be willing to change with them; and 3) …
Provisional Admission Impact On College Self-Efficacy: A Qualitative Approach, Carolyn A. Davis
Provisional Admission Impact On College Self-Efficacy: A Qualitative Approach, Carolyn A. Davis
Masters Theses
This qualitative study examined how a provisional admission program (Gateway) at a mid-sized institution in the rural Midwest impacts students' college self-efficacy. Participants were five students who were successfully released from the Gateway Program at the end of the 2016 - 2017 academic year, and were in their sophomore year at time of study. Data was collected from one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that the program's services, with a high emphasis on intrusive advising by program advisors, positively impact students' college self-efficacy. The researcher concludes that students are more efficacious in their abilities after being provided the structure of …
Rape Myth Acceptance In Social Fraternities And Sororities Compared To Nonaffiliated Students, Karissa B. Light
Rape Myth Acceptance In Social Fraternities And Sororities Compared To Nonaffiliated Students, Karissa B. Light
Masters Theses
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the acceptance and attitudes toward rape myth and sexual assault among fraternity and sorority members and nonaffiliated students as well as the differences in acceptance between men and women. Utilizing the data gathered through a quantative survey using the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA), the researcher found that although there is no definite difference between Greek-affiliated students compared to nonaffiliated students or between men and women, there are some differences to take note of.
Kids, Spouses, School, Oh My! The Non-Traditional Student Experience, Amber J. Webb
Kids, Spouses, School, Oh My! The Non-Traditional Student Experience, Amber J. Webb
Masters Theses
According to the Hussar and Bailey (2017) the number of non-traditional students on college campuses are expected to rise, closing the size of gap in enrollment numbers between traditional and non-traditional students. Though, the non-traditional student has traditionally been defined as students aged 25 and older, this study used Horn and Carroll's (1996) definition, as students who possess certain characteristics that make them vulnerable to academic problems (i.e. delayed enrollment, part-time enrollment, financial independence, full-time employment while enrolled, having dependents, being a single parent, or not receiving a standard high school diploma). Horn and Carroll (1996) further used these characteristics …
Factors Influencing Persistence Of Students With Learning Disabilities At Four-Year Institutions, Abigail Frye
Factors Influencing Persistence Of Students With Learning Disabilities At Four-Year Institutions, Abigail Frye
Masters Theses
This study investigated the persistence and transition of college students with learning disabilities at a mid-sized Midwestern university. The qualitative, narrative approach was used to determine which factors influenced the persistence of students with learning disabilities at a four-year, mid-sized university and which college services and resources students with learning disabilities utilized. This research found that students do utilize college services and supports to assist through their transitions into college. The participants in this research relied on the support of their family and friends while they approached and navigated their college transition. This study found that students with learning disabilities …
The Impact Of Faith Development On College Student Decision Making, Kaitlyn Christine Noah
The Impact Of Faith Development On College Student Decision Making, Kaitlyn Christine Noah
Masters Theses
Utilizing qualitative methodology, participants' process of faith development was analyzed to determine the impact that development has on their decision making processes in college. To accomplish this, individual interviews were conducted with four participants who came from a faith-based background and it was determined that faith development plays a significant role in each of their decision making processes while in college. Participants all adapted their faith in college to better align with their adult lifestyle. Recommendations were made to better help student affairs professionals understand the process of faith development and comprehend the ways this can affect their students' identity …
Understanding The Transition To College For Students With Learning Disabilities, Breanna Rehor
Understanding The Transition To College For Students With Learning Disabilities, Breanna Rehor
Masters Theses
This study sought to investigate the transition to college for students with learning disabilities at a mid-size Midwestern university. A qualitative approach was used to provide insight in student's perspectives on the transition from high school to college. Three undergraduate students with learning disabilities were individually interviewed to gain understanding of the transition to college. The results demonstrated a critical need for institutions to address the transition to college for students with learning disabilities and create incentives that guide support for student success. Students utilizing various support systems like academic student services, and peers. The transitions to college for students …
Students Perspective Of Healthy Living In College, Andrea Coxey
Students Perspective Of Healthy Living In College, Andrea Coxey
Masters Theses
Using qualitative methodology, the researcher studied what participants definition of a healthy lifestyle as compared to how they actually live. Through conducting six one on one interviews with participants, it was found that physical health was the most widely recognized aspect of health, and that each participant had a unique definition of health. Mental health was not initially recognized by participants but was shown to be an important connection to all aspects of health including physical health, emotional health, sleep and nutrition. Participants recognized the importance of involvement and their transition to college as impacting their definition of health and …
Race, Identity, And Communication: Experiences Of College Students From Underrepresented Groups, Raya D. Petty
Race, Identity, And Communication: Experiences Of College Students From Underrepresented Groups, Raya D. Petty
Masters Theses
There is a significant difference of the completion of college between minority students and white students. The achievement gap is influenced by race and socioeconomic status of the students. The purpose of my study was to examine the relationship between academic performance and achievement and sociocultural factors including race and socioeconomic status. My thesis will affirm previous research that recognizes a need for resources specifically dedicated to assist marginalized groups in higher education. It will bring attention to minority students, first-generation college students and students with a low socioeconomic status. The project includes a literature review that explores identity, intersectionality, …
An Analysis Of The Meaning, Barriers, And Value Of Developmental Education For First-Generation Minority Students At A Community College, Molly Murphy
Masters Theses
This qualitative, phenomenological study was designed to learn more about how first-generation, minority community college students perceive the meaning, barriers, and value of developmental education. Five participants were interviewed in a semi-structured format. The results provided nuanced and personal accounts from students who revealed that developmental education affects their feelings of self-efficacy, that systemic financial challenges are consistent barriers to success, and that the connections between teachers and their students, or lack thereof, are perceived to have an impact on the usefulness of developmental education. Finally, results indicated the importance of working with students individually to understand how their ethnic …
Art Majors' Perceptions Of Their Self-Concept, Academic Self-Efficacy, And Social Identity, Sara E. Triplett
Art Majors' Perceptions Of Their Self-Concept, Academic Self-Efficacy, And Social Identity, Sara E. Triplett
Masters Theses
This study utilized a qualitative approach was used to provide insight into students' perspectives on their self-concept, academic self-efficacy, and social identity in relation to their majors at a mid-size Midwestern university. Two undergraduate students majoring in 2D Studio Art and three undergraduate students majoring in Theater Performance were interviewed. Through individual interviews several themes emerged such as: 1) using art to have a meaningful impact on the audience, communicating a message, and clarifying their understanding of the world was important; 2) clear professional support strengthened art majors' self-efficacy; and 3) peer groups play a large part in art majors' …
Influences On International Students' Selection Of A Regional U.S. Institution: A Descriptive Study, Yazmin Rodriguez
Influences On International Students' Selection Of A Regional U.S. Institution: A Descriptive Study, Yazmin Rodriguez
Masters Theses
This study examined the factors influencing international students' election to study in the United States in general and at a regional four-year institution, specifically. Furthermore, it was designed to gather descriptive information about the barriers and challenges they face. A triangulation mixed methods approach was utilized based on a previously described push-pull model. The findings indicated that Availability of scholarships or work, cost and fees, and Visa processing and visa cost are the most difficult factors that international students face when making the decision to study in the U.S. This corresponded well with the qualitative responses from the …
Students' Perceptions Of Safety On A Campus In Relation To Firearms, Porfirio Gallegos Jr.
Students' Perceptions Of Safety On A Campus In Relation To Firearms, Porfirio Gallegos Jr.
Masters Theses
This study will utilize a qualitative approach to better understand students' perceptions of safety on-campus in relation to firearms. Results found that participants felt safe on-campus due to its rural setting. Determination of geographical upbringing was noted as influential overall in perceptions of firearms. Participants were more confident with faculty having concealed firearms than students. Results also indicated that students have a lack of knowledge when it came to state legislation, their university's policies, and the protocol in place at their university in response to a mass shooting. Students reflected Perry's (2010) multiplicity stage of development appropriate for this age …
A Photo Illicit Study Of Black Women's Sense Of Belonging At A Predominately White Institution, Kayla Alexandria Slusher
A Photo Illicit Study Of Black Women's Sense Of Belonging At A Predominately White Institution, Kayla Alexandria Slusher
Masters Theses
This qualitative study sought to examine how Black women define and create their sense of belonging while attending a predominately White institution using a photovoice approach. The women took photographs of spaces that they frequently occupy and then engaged in a face-to-face interview to discuss the photographs. The researcher also investigated four Black women, ranging from junior to graduate level, to identify how they developed a sense of belonging at the research site institution. Results of the study showed that a feeling of comfort was most important when identifying belongingness in a space. The participants were able to create a …
Is The Relationship Between College Drinking Behaviors And Social Anxiety Mediated By Alcohol Expectancies And Traumatic Life Experiences?, Cortney Lin Kingsmill
Is The Relationship Between College Drinking Behaviors And Social Anxiety Mediated By Alcohol Expectancies And Traumatic Life Experiences?, Cortney Lin Kingsmill
Masters Theses
The relationship between alcohol consumption and social anxiety is difficult to understand, as there have been mixed findings in the research. In general, a positive correlation has been found between the two, with a focus on the mediating effect of alcohol outcome expectancies. Both positive expectancies and trauma have been correlated positively with social anxiety and drinking behavior. This paper reviews the literature and examines the relationship between social anxiety and alcohol consumption. A mediated model between these two variables with the mediators being alcohol expectancies and traumatic experiences was proposed, but this model did not fit the date. Specifically, …
Development And Implementation Of A Program For Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At One Four-Year Institution: A Case Study, Katelyn Reinke
Masters Theses
Using a qualitative case study approach, the development of a program for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at a four-year institution was researched. Interviews and existing documents were used to understand how the program started and how it has changed to meet the needs of its students, giving meaning to the programs current curriculum and practices. Participants gave insight into the development and implementation of the program, the role they play in the program, and insight on aspects they believe to be important when starting a new program. The research found that when starting a program the people and …
Using Young Adult Literature To Confront Mental Health: A Culturally Relevant Approach, Briana Hendrickson
Using Young Adult Literature To Confront Mental Health: A Culturally Relevant Approach, Briana Hendrickson
Masters Theses
This thesis highlights the need for addressing mental health in secondary school settings and argues that high school English educators can help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness using young adult (YA) literature. I discuss the benefits of using YA literature in the secondary English classroom and why YA literature is an effective tool for introducing timely topics like mental health. I analyze the limitations of popular YA novels such as Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places and argue that the mental health representation in these novels hinders students' ability to challenge the current …