Digital Commons Network^™

Collegiate Athletics Impact On Academic Performance, Chris Hill

Integrated Studies

The complex world of collegiate athletics in American universities presents a unique intersection of sports and academics, each influencing student-athlete trajectory. This research project explores the numerous factors impacting these individuals' academic performance and overall educational experience. Drawing on sources ranging from studies on institutional policies (Brecht & Burnett, 2019) to personal motivations (Firth-Clark et al., 2019), the investigation paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by student-athletes. Key findings highlight the powerful influence of external entities like the NCAA and the inherent pressures of media attention (Torres-Ronda et al., 2022). Similarly, internal dynamics such as peer …

National Health Insurance For The United States, Ashley Herrell

Integrated Studies

Approximately 46 million U.S. citizens lack health insurance despite the nation's abundant resources. The imperative for universal healthcare arises, with a proposed solution being mandatory national health insurance. This paradigm shift, championed by the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and citizens, aims to eradicate the issue of people foregoing healthcare due to lack of insurance, promising to enhance collective well-being. The U.S. stands out among high-income countries without comprehensive universal healthcare, leading to disproportionately high out-of-pocket expenses and inferior health outcomes. Social determinants like income, race, and rural residence exacerbate the challenge by limiting healthcare access for vulnerable groups. Embracing …

Autism Resources In Rural America, Amanda Long

Integrated Studies

The topic of this final project centers around the lack of services that are available to autistic children and adults in rural America and the steps that should be taken the ensure services are available as the growing population of children grow older and need full-time care. Our modern society as well as the current healthcare system are not prepared for the growing need of an ageing disabled population. Will these disabled children and young adults flood the current long-term care facilities that are already established? Will the already stretched thin Medicare and Medicaid system cover the costs associated with …

Social Media And It's Influence In Today's World, Cinque Hampton

Integrated Studies

Let’s be honest, the pervasive influence of social media is irrefutable. This paper is going to dive into the involvement and impact that social media platforms have on modern society. From your everyday casual platforms like Facebook to videos games children play like Roblox. There are 100 plus social media sites that people have access to. This paper will analyze how social media has shaped trends, beliefs, cultural expression, and even identify formation. Social media has also made an impact on mental health, the way people view themselves and their thought process. This paper will also look at the addiction …

Youth In A Mental Health Crisis, William Simmons

Integrated Studies

Recent research has shown that many of today’s youth are experiencing a mental health crisis that they are not prepared to handle on their own. A large portion of youth have a mental, emotional, or behavioral issue and may not even realize it or are not able to seek help. This problem is further exacerbated by continual budget cuts made to school spending and a justice system that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. This research paper will give a brief history of the juvenile justice system and what advances have been the most influential. It will also examine the flaws of …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Reduction Of Symptoms: A Review, Joshua Williams

Integrated Studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a life altering and often debilitating disorder that can have a profound effect on someone’s life. While there is currently no cure, research into different treatments for PTSD is ongoing. Conditions co-morbid with PTSD can cause difficulty in research. Several illegal drugs like psilocybin, cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline have shown promise, but need further research as treatments for PTSD symptoms.

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms, reduction

Examining Early Childhood Education's Influence On Future Success, Elisabeth Meacham

Integrated Studies

There are many factors that influence the long-term outcomes of a child. This paper researches the influence that early childhood education has on children from birth to compulsory school age and the child’s future success as a student and member of society. Notable long-term research studies that are examined in this paper are The Perry Preschool Study, Chicago Longitudinal Study, The Abecedarian Projects, and Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K Study. The majority of research indicates that children that receive quality early childhood services are more prepared for school, have better grades, go further in their educational careers, are less likely to do …

How To Effectively Construct A Preschool Classroom To Provide A Quality Learning Environment, Olivia Groom

Integrated Studies

The design of a preschool classroom is crucial to the success of each student and can have many different roles depending on who you are talking to. For a teacher, a preschool classroom is somewhere they spend an abundance of time and energy with the goal that their students will be successful. For a student, the preschool classroom can be a place where they are discovering themselves for the very first time. In addition, they might see their classroom as a haven, away from all their worries and difficulties. In order to incorporate all these needs, the design of a …

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges For Future Growth, Jeffrey Forguson, Jeffrey Forguson

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses the challenges facing artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to replicating the human brain and how these challenges are perceived by the human employee. Through my research I found approximately 19 challenges facing the growth and future development of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. is in 93% of all global industries and the remaining 7% are seriously looking into it. I reviewed academic sources to determine the challenges facing the advancement of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. extends all the way back to the 18^th century Industrial Revolution. Since that time, human employees have feared becoming …

Communication Through Coaching College Basketball, Brice Margenthaler

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to explain the communication process through coaching basketball at the college level. Coaches communicate in many different ways and have different styles of coaching that help build their programs. Watching basketball from a fan's point of view is different from the coach’s point of view. Coaches communicate on a daily basis, and communication is an important aspect in successfully coaching basketball at the college level. Throughout this paper communication tactics and how coaches communicate with players will be presented and explained. Communication is an important aspect in successfully coaching basketball at the college level. …

An Analysis Of Prominent Historical Figures Throughout History The Character Traits That Defined Them, Jake Mayo

Integrated Studies

Studying Social Sciences and historical figures is a great avenue for understanding ourselves and the greater world surrounding us. Understanding social sciences is important as it allows us to use different systems to better understand ourselves as people and our place in the world. Understanding historical events and historical figures allows us to better understand those who came before us and what made them who they are. We can use both social sciences and understanding historical figures to better understand the present, appreciate diversity, develop empathy and understanding, inspire change, learn from our mistakes, better understand our culture, and enhance …

Police Brutality In The United States, Jacob Bell, Jacob D. Bell

Integrated Studies

Police brutality is exemplified by using excessive or unjustifiable force by law enfoand federal governments have been against brutality for a long time and have taken action against it. This study examined the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The relationship between historical events and present-day societal issues is undeniable. To shed light on the tense dynamic between black males and law enforcement officials in the United States, it's important to examine how the black population has been treated in the past. Throughout history, people of African descent have often been viewed as hostile and aggressive, which has …

In-Schools Suspension (Iss) And Out Of School Suspension (Oss): The Effects And Inequities On Special Education Students, Jennifer Connell

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The effects of ISS (In school suspension) and OSS (out-of-school suspension) on special education students is a long-debated issue. Using a high school in a rural, suburban area as a foundation, the history of special education in schools, the disproportionate handing out of punishment between general education and special education students, the effects of segregation versus having special education students in general education classes, as well as how to better support special education students in the educational setting will be explored.

In this disquisition, the history of special education in schools and the effects of suspensions on special education …

When War Follows You Home: The Final Battle Of Reintegration Among Veterans, Jenny Mercer

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader about some of the most common reintegration struggles veterans face upon returning to the civilian world. The topics heavily focused on include mental health, physical health, coping mechanisms, interpersonal relationships, career and financial struggles, and community involvement. In addition to focusing on reintegration issues veterans face, there is also a relationship discussed between the culture and lifestyle of currently serving military members and how this often has a direct influence over some of the struggles veteran’s face in the future. Spreading awareness of some of the issues veterans face is …

Past And Present: Important Women In Leadership Roles, Robyn Stevenson

Integrated Studies

Women as leaders is not a new concept. History shows us how many women accomplished wonderful things; current day news shows us how many women are still accomplishing wonderful things. With the past and the present, we should expect our future to be even more dominated by women. This paper takes a look at the women that have showed up for the world in many different ways, and gives a brief look into their lives. Some of the women are very well known, some have stayed under the radar and not as recognized. But the one thing that they all …

The Persuasive Nature Of Mythology And Folklore Through Human Behavior, Entertainment, And Popular Culture, Jaylan Valentine

Integrated Studies

The purpose of the collected research explained throughout this paper is to provide information on how humanity has been shaped through history. Through the recognition of mythology and folklore as the most influential aspects in the overall evolution of mankind. The creation and use of mythology and folklore are directly intertwined with the history that humanity teaches itself through years of schooling, recorded research, and oral communication. The sharing of mythology and folklore has changed throughout history as humanity continued to grow, starting from oral storytelling and arriving at present-day cinematic displays. Some of these cinematic representations are commonly known …

Leadership In Modern Policing, Shawn Craven

Integrated Studies

The growing need for effective and moral law enforcement leadership is at an all-time high due to the changing societal needs and complexities. Modern law enforcement leaders must possess many skills and competencies that reflect the profession's demands and their communities. Effective police leadership requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement obtained through effective knowledge, skills, and abilities that are enhanced by training. A review of available research literature supports that to be an influential and effective police leader, you must possess high-quality and moralistic leadership values and attributes to advance departmental and public trust. This conclusion points …

Teaching Strategies For Diverse Learning Styles, Angela Daniel

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Students tend to perform best when they are taught, at least in part, with the learning style that they favor. There are three major learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Students that favor a visual learning style prefer to have content delivered in a way that contains many visual elements. If a student prefers an auditory style, they respond best with a style that’s delivery is given in a lecture or discussion format. Kinesthetic learners need to have movement incorporated within the content. Teachers need to explore a variety of teaching strategies to best accommodate these broad learning styles. …

The Effects Of Social Media And Technology On Young Adults, Parents, And Teachers, Ladonna Schwartz, Ladonna R. Schwartz

Integrated Studies

How is technology affecting adolescents, teachers, and parents. We are looking at the negative and positive effects not only on social media and technology but websites. Discussion of bullying, sexting, and peer pressure. Take inconsideration Tic Tok, Snap Chat, Instagram, and Facebook, most people log on their social media more than once a day, what affect does this have on our work life, social life, home life and life in general. Technology can make education easy or hard. Teachers work with technology every day to make it where students have easy access to homework and notes that are needed. Also, …

Effective Classroom Management On Overall Learning Outcomes, Emily Rust, Emily Rust

Integrated Studies

Education is a lifelong learning process and is constantly changing. Therefore, classroom management is a process as well. Due to the constant changes, educators must adapt to achieve successful academic outcomes. This research offers a better understanding of how classroom management impacts overall learning outcomes. Knowing what strategies prevent poor behavior and how to act on it when a situation arises is explored as well as how to keep student’s best interests in mind and meet students on their level through effective classroom management. When that happens, positive learning outcomes are achieved through the implementation of effective classroom management processes.

The Barriers Of Non-Traditional Students In Higher Education, Rachel Evitts, Rachel Evitts

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Non-traditional college students face many barriers in higher education. Non-traditional student enrollment is on the increase but a significant number of these students never make it to graduation day. Financial struggles, family obligations, juggling careers, self-confidence, and the covid-19 pandemic pose as the greatest barriers to success for these students. Research surrounding these problems and current solutions already in place have increased in recent decades but little has helped to improve graduation rates. Last dollar scholarships, increases in grants, and resources for low income students are being utilized at post-secondary institutions all over the United States but need to …

Racism In The Classroom: Why Is It Occurring? What Is Being Done?, Heather Mitchell, Heather Mitchell

Integrated Studies

Racism has been an issue that has been in the United States for many of years. Since the 1800’s history has taken place in forms of the Civil Rights Era, The Reconstruction Era, and milestones have been made with influential people such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Septima Clark. From the fight for Civil Rights to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Brown vs Board of Education case and the denigration of race we have come such a long way. The research for this paper examines the cases and the people who are listed above as well as looking at the …

Mexican Drug Cartels And Their Effects On Society, Michael Alan Broadway

Integrated Studies

This paper addresses the rapidly growing threat of Mexican Drug Cartels that are operating globally. It covers the history of illicit goods and services and how drug cartels are the latest to take control of these practices. Nine different Mexican Drug Cartels are covered in depth as well as the three major drugs of distribution in today’s market. The many threats that Mexican Drug Cartels bring to the Mexican and U.S. population are covered and many horrific examples are given to add context to the extent of the threat proposed by cartels. The numerous illicit businesses cartels have diversified into, …

Americas Supply Chain: Unforcasted Commerce Challenges Or Leadership Failure, Jon Tobias

Integrated Studies

The current supply chain disruptions are affecting commerce in some manner which leads to scarcities of products and labor globally. The research will show that supply chain issues are directly related to commerce and leadership which plays an important role in our economy. Supply chain operations are defined, and the different levels of supply chain activities are explained. Possible points of failure within the system as well as probable causes leading to empty shelves and unavailable products is explained in detail. The research describes how massive labor shortages, high petroleum prices, and shortages of essential sub-components has led to this …

Safety In Combat Sports: Is Boxing Safer?, Aaron Baum

Integrated Studies

Combat sports are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous sports or activities an athlete can participate in. Leading the way in terms of popularity is the sport of boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The resounding consensus among combat sports fans and athletes is that the sport of boxing is the safest option, but with the more recent discovery of Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the brain damage that occurs because of repeated strikes to the head, it appears that boxing is the most dangerous combat sport. The reason for my research project is to see what sport …

The Evolution Of United States Military Firepower, Benjamin Lawrence

Integrated Studies

The United States has used many different weapons over the years for its military. What exactly caused them to make changes and advance artillery? This essay shows that war is the main reason for technology development. Where did the United States start when it came to weapons? Where are they now? What does the future of weapons look like for the military? This essay is beneficial to those who want to learn a little about what has been used since the United States was first established. I am en route to becoming an Officer in the Army. This paper is …

Developing Cultural Competency As A Counselor, John Arnold

Integrated Studies

For many people counseling is a terrifying experience. Just the thought of sharing your deepest fears or most private problems can be overwhelming. We can all agree that counseling is a necessary option for people in our society. What I have researched is the importance that we focus on the quality of this service. Unfortunately, many people have had bad experiences with counselors that prevent them from getting the help they need. Some of these bad experiences could have been potentially avoided if the counselors were more culturally competent. Cultural competency is essential for counselors who want to be effective …

Psychology And Social Media, Allyson Wrigley-Carter

Integrated Studies

Social media is extremely successful in today’s world. This can be explained using psychology. This paper outlines three perspectives of social media use and the various psychological concepts that explain them: the Poster, the Viewer, and the Connector. The Poster creates and uploads content to social media in hopes of the feedback given by those who see it. This can lead to addiction and provides social approval. Many Posters also engage in a false identity to some extent. The Viewer utilizes social media for many reasons, all of which fall under four categories: education, inspiration, entertainment, and socialization. They are …

Covid-19’S Impact On Healthcare, Austin Johnson

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Covid-19 is a highly infectious virus that has drastically impacted healthcare systems across the world. This virus had such a unique makeup that modern-day medicine did not have an answer for it and the impact it’d have on the population as it rapidly swept across the planet. Due to the severity of this virus, effects can be seen regarding supply shortages, healthcare staff shortages, and everyday PPE requirements. Even by looking past the humanitarian effects caused by Covid-19, the financial burden on the healthcare systems cannot be ignored. Although this pandemic is generally viewed as a negative part of …

When In Doubt, Go To The Library, Phyllis Albright

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This paper is about the history of the public library system from the establishment of the first free modern public library, and how the face of the public library system has changed dramatically over the years. What was once just a place to peruse book titles and pick up the latest new release, has turned into a safe, open space to hold meetings, workshops, arts and crafts activities, programs on many subjects, and even research your genealogy. It is a place where patrons can come to and find help with a wide variety of subjects.