Education Commons^™

Graduate Student Awareness Of Student Services, Shayla Schumacher

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Studies have shown that student services aid in students’ success while attending college, however many students may not utilize these resources or even know they exist. Furthermore, there is limited research on graduate students’ awareness and usage of these services. Graduate students face different circumstances than other student populations yet may not access these beneficial resources. This study uses a mixed methods survey to examine graduate students’ awareness and usage of student services at a state school. This study shows attending the university as an undergraduate student first contributes to a student’s knowledge and usage of student services.

Education Based On Graduate Marginalized Perspective, Bryanna Edwards

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The United States Education system has received many budget cuts throughout the years. Sixty-six percent of Americans believe that the United States Education system needs major changes or to be rebuilt (Pew Research, 2013). There has been much debate regarding the first step toward reform. To begin to answer this question this research investigated some of the most restrictive educational spaces.

The most available and beneficial first steps to reform lie in the minds and practices within the educational institution. This research could lead to cultivating more inclusive policies and practices, to serve an increasingly diverse student population. Although disciplines …

The Phenomenon Of Academic Advisor Training At Minnesota State Colleges And Universities: A Quantitative Descriptive Research Study, Sara Leigh

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Academic advisors can have a positive impact on the progress of an increasingly diverse student population in higher education, but there is no required professional certification or educational background for academic advisors. The lack of required certification puts the onus for academic advisor training and professional development on the campuses where advisors work. By surveying the professional academic advisors in the Minnesota State higher education system to assess available training and professional development, this quantitative study sought to identify and describe the phenomenon of advisor training within the Minnesota State higher education system. Survey data shows a majority of advisors …

Academic Dishonesty: The Ghost Of Papers Past, Wayne T. Whitmore

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research project examined student’s acts of academic dishonesty and their beliefs regarding whether acts of academic dishonesty were acceptable through survey research conducted online at a two-year college and a four-year university in the Minnesota State (MinnState) system in southern Minnesota. This research aimed to build on existing research related to academic dishonesty in higher education. The sample included 195 students enrolled at a two-year comprehensive college and a four-year state university. Outcomes indicated a majority of students engaged in acts of academic dishonesty. Second, outcomes indicated men are more likely to engage in academic dishonesty than women. Third, …

Death Anxiety: A Quantitative Exploration Of Professional Counselors Experiences, Kaitlyn Judith Kaus

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Anxiety is often a natural human response and feeling to the thought and awareness of death. Counselors in the field will likely work with clients who experience death, loss, grief, or bereavement (ACA, 2011). Counselors must be self-aware of the phenomenon of death anxiety as this may largely impact readiness to work with clients experiencing grief and to understand the effects on one’s own ideas, thoughts, and awareness of death (Castano et al., 2011; Veilleux, 2011). The significance of the study is that it informs theoretical understanding of death anxiety among practicing counselors and focusing on the importance of counseling …

Identity Dynamics Of Minority College Students, Nabil A. Mohamed

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Identity salience hierarchy is the idea that individuals hold their important identities on a metaphorical scale—activating them when the right situation calls for it. Moreover, the hierarchy is related to the notion of commitment, otherwise defined as the number of people and meaningful relationships associated with an identity. For most college students, their salience hierarchy shifts over time as their commitment to the student identity typically increases. When a shift in hierarchy occurs, there is a transformation in identity. However, for racial, ethnic, and religious minority students, their capacity to develop an identity independent of their minority background raises questions …

Fundamental Factors For Success: Engineering Faculty And Industry Partners, Molly F. Schaefer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Partnerships and collaborations between higher education and industry have a long history in the United States. Numerous partnerships have contributed to advancements in the economy, education and training, humanity, and innovation. The subject areas of science, engineering, and technology are fields in which many of the collaborations occur, and many of the partnerships are often initiated and led by a faculty and a member of industry. Yet, it remains unclear how academia and industry achieve successful partnerships when the goals, language, culture, and organizational structures significantly differ from one organization to another. This study examined whether partnerships among engineering faculty …

Best Practices Of Teaching Public Speaking Online, Sally Dufner

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Teaching public speaking online has been highly contested by communication studies instructors. The need for having a live audience has been a staple in public speaking from its inception. The COVID 19 pandemic forced many reluctant public speaking faculty members to teach this pivotal course online. Communication studies departments were required to examine their stance of offering it online or not. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to answer the following three questions: (1) Is there validity in teaching public speaking online? (2) What are best practices in teaching public speaking courses online? and (3) How do best …

Pathways Towards An Engineering Baccalaureate Degree - Critical Incidents And Factors Leading Students To Choose Community College: A Phenomenological Study, Joan Zitur Carter

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Women and underrepresented minorities can help fill the ever-growing demand for engineers in the United States. Quality teaching methods, an understanding of the cognitive aspects of learning, and faculty addressing biases help ensure student success in engineering majors. Accordingly, the community college engineering pathway can help fill the national need for engineers. This phenomenological study sought to describe the experience of students who choose the community college pathway toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Thirteen participants were interviewed; all took engineering courses at the same community college, transferred to a four-year engineering university (10 to a R1), and …

“Seeing Everything About A Student”: Proactive Advising & Coaching As Intersectional Student Support Systems And Services, Corrin Helget

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Colleges and universities are struggling to retain their underrepresented students; some are searching for solutions and others are reluctant to update support services to better serve the students who require them the most. Underrepresented students are more likely to experience challenges and barriers that impact their ability to academically succeed and achieve their degrees. Many of these barriers are linked to their intersecting identities and are a result of systemic oppression. Underrepresented students deserve intersectional support systems and services that recognize their intersecting identities, work against interlocking oppressive systems and policies, and create a level playing field for underrepresented students. …

Stress Coping Responses Of Undergraduate University Students Prior To & Since The Onset Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kaylee Diefenderfer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students affects their psychological well-being, stress level, and mental health outcomes. Increasing students’ use of positive coping mechanisms may increase academic outcomes, and overall health and well-being. This study evaluated the stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to and since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Brief COPE inventory was used to measure stress coping responses. The results of this research indicated a significant change in 9 out of the 14 main coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to since the pandemic began. The top two stress coping …

A Quantitative Assessment And Comparison Of The Undergraduate Curriculum Prerequisite Structures For The Universities In The Minnesota State System With Particular Emphasis On Mathematics Courses, Erik Loge

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to study the consistency of the structures and the centrality of mathematics courses in the curricula of the universities in the Minnesota State University system. This research will be based on the curriculum prerequisite networks for the seven universities in the Minnesota State System. These networks will be constructed from the information in the course catalogs available on each university’s public website. The networks will be constructed with courses represented by nodes and weighted edges representing prerequisite relationships. The analysis will use curriculum network analytics to evaluate and compare the connectedness of the networks, …

Perceptions Of Faculty And Administration On The Value Of Service-Learning In The Tenure And Promotion Process At A Public Midwestern University, Odbayar Batsaikhan

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This qualitative study examines the perceptions of faculty and administration of the value of service-learning in the promotion and tenure process at Minnesota State University, Mankato, a midsized, Midwestern public university. The study aims to determine the answers to three main questions: what barriers and logistical issues do faculty face? Is the scholarship of community-engagement recognized and considered equal to other forms of traditional scholarship? Does MSU, Mankato value service-learning in the promotion and tenure process? The researcher employed a phenomenological study to answer the research questions. He used semi-structured interviews of ten participants – nine full-time tenure-track faculty who …

Perceptions Of Well-Being Among College Majors, Baylee Jahraus

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to assess the well-being perceptions of selected college students at a midsize midwestern university. To collect data, an adaptation of the Open Science Framework’s (n.d) College Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire and the CDC’s (2018b) Health-related Quality of Life scale was used. The 26-item survey was distributed to junior and senior students enrolled in 300-400 level courses in a variety of majors. The findings for each research question are presented in the cross-sectional study. The results of the study indicate there are differences in perceptions of physical and mental health between males and females and …

The Assessment Of Emergency Preparedness Among University Students, Arliah Cox

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

University students have been an understudied population when it comes to the topic of emergency/ disaster preparedness. While there have been a few studies carried out to examine students’ perceptions of preparedness, the level of preparedness must be determined to be able to close the gap when it comes to barriers preventing them from being prepared. One hundred and eighty-seven undergraduate participants at a Midwestern university completed both online and in-person surveys in March 2022. The survey included questions regarding emergency/ disaster preparedness, perception of being prepared, and barriers which can prevent preparedness. Results showed that a lack of time …

No Future For Academic Crips: An Autoethnographic Crippling Of Academic Futurity, A. Adams

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

No Future for Academic Crips attempts to situate crip theory, critical disability studies, and communication theory squarely in the context of academia, problematizing the constraints placed on autistic identity by the demands of a graduate education. Utilizing autoethnographic vignettes along with theoretical writings regarding the creation and consolidation of crip identity, this thesis theorizes what a “neuroqueer future” looks like for academics. Six vignettes are presented to demonstrate strategies for survival employed in academic spaces, followed by analysis contextualizing and criticizing those strategies. Finally, implications for neuroqueer futurity and identity are discussed.

An Evaluation Of A Brief Mindfulness And Values Training On Cyber Bullying Behavior In College Students, Emily M. Boduch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Cyber bullying is associated with many negative outcomes for both the bully and the victim (Fahy et al., 2016; Kowalski et al., 2014; Merrell et al., 2008; Quintana-Orts & Rey, 2018). There has been a large research focus on the causes (Barlett & Gentile, 2012; Mehari & Farrell, 2018) and consequences (Fahy et al., 2016) of cyber aggression, but there has not been as much focus on the evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies (Gaffney et al., 2018). While cyber bullying is primarily targeted in adolescence, Tynes, Rose, and Markoe (2013) showed that online aggression occurs amongst university students as …

“A Chilling Effect For Sexual Assault Survivors”: An Examination Of Campus-Based Advocacy And The Proposals To Title Ix Under The Trump Administration, Hunter J. Beckstrom

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Students attending colleges and universities across the United States are overwhelmingly affected by campus sexual violence. Research finds that between one in four and one in five female students will at some time during their college career experience campus sexual assault (Muehlenhard et al., 2017; Krebs et al., 2016; Cantor et al., 2015; The White House 2014). Although the sexual assault itself is traumatizing, students may also experience psychological responses such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, fear and guilt, mood disorders, and more (Deisinger, 2017). In addition to such responses, students are further impacted by social factors such as victim blaming …

Effects Of Aromatherapy On Academic Success, Perceived Stress, And Coping Skills Of Graduate Students, Lakisha S. Witter

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This quasi-experimental study will explore whether the use of aromatherapy increases students’ academic success and coping skills and decreases the level of perceived stress in graduate college students.

Alignment Or Detachment: College Educators’ Perceptions Of Experiential Learning Pedagogy, Wayne D. Finseth

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The main purpose of this study was to investigate how college educators’ perceptions of experiential learning influence the design, implementation, and assessment of their courses. A second purpose of this study was to examine the way’s college educators use experiential learning in their classes. A final purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between a college educators’ prior experience with experiential learning and how they utilize that prior experiences to design, instruct, and assess their courses. A descriptive research design was used in this study. A randomized and anonymous survey containing 29 items was emailed out through Qualtrics …

Voices Of First-Generation Students: An Examination Of First-Generation Stories On Collegiate Websites, Jillian Schemenauer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This qualitative research analyzed how four-year, public institutions represent first-generation students that attend their colleges, on their websites, and what those first-generation students share about their experiences. Twenty-nine institutions that were a part of a recognized list of colleges that have exemplary first-generation programs were utilized for this study. A critical analysis was performed to discuss and evaluate the themes that were discovered from fifty different first-generation student stories. Results indicated that first-generation students’ stories shared on collegiate websites shared similar experiences, with emerging themes being: Aspirations, family connections, engagement, and mindset. A summary of the themes, limitations, future research, …

Transformational Teaching In A Culturally Passive Environment In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study Of Stem Professors, Julie M. Kjeer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in this country has come under increasing scrutiny as employers, government agencies, and postsecondary institutions point to the lack of prepared students in STEM-related fields. Evidence compels higher education institutions to improve the quality of teaching to better prepare students for lives of productive service. While such evidence has spurred multiple reform movements, little substantive change has actually occurred. Despite a culture of passive and transmissive learning in higher education STEM disciplines, inspirational STEM professors exist who dramatically impact students in positive and meaningful ways. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was …

Higher Education And Police Officers: The Effects On Citizen Complaints, Evan D. Brown

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study was conducted to examine the effects that different levels of education may have on the number of citizen complaints filed against police officers. There are many literature articles pertaining to the education of police officers but few studies have been conducted to measure the specific effects of higher education in law enforcement. The analysis in this paper will show relationships between higher education of police officers and if it has a relationship with the number of officer complaints.

Predicting Academic Outcomes Of Reinstated Technical College Students Following An Academic Suspension, Erica E. Stene Winkler

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study explored the academic outcomes of two-year college students who were reinstated following an academic suspension at a small, Midwestern technical college. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that were predictive of student reinstatement outcomes (reinstatement success or reinstatement nonsuccess). The analysis included independent variables of age, gender, cumulative quality point status, term of dismissal quality point status, and evidence of a mental health concern. As an independent variable, evidence of a mental health concern was dichotomous (yes or no) and a qualitative review of suspension appeal paperwork submitted by students was used to identify any self-reported …

Perceived Barriers Of Homeschooled Students Moving Into Higher Education: Case Stories And Qualitative Perspectives, Lizbeth Kliewer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Homeschooling is a viable educational option for many families. Challenges often arise when students are ready to transition into higher education. Barriers to smooth transitions exist, both for the homeschooled student as well as for college admissions teams. The purpose of this qualitative study was to recognize these barriers in order to increase the potential for working toward solutions for those involved. This study used a combination of case story and qualitative research methodology to gather perspectives through interviews from three homeschooling families in southern Minnesota and three higher education professionals working in the field of admissions. Some of the …

Assessment Of Perceived Levels Of Stress And Coping Mechanisms Among University Students, Nancy Adomako-Saahene

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Majority of researchers have documented stress among college students. This study contributes to the existing literature on stress by assessing the relationship between perceived stress levels and the coping strategies utilized by university students. The study was conducted using a descriptive, inferential, cross-sectional, and correlational research design. The population for this study was students at a large, Midwestern university. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the students for the study. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess the participant’s perceived level of stress, whereas COPE Inventory was used to examine strategies participants use in coping with stress. …

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Hand Hygiene Among University Students, Linda Afia Mbroh

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: Proper hand hygiene is the key to reducing occurrence of infectious diseases in many different types of communities, including the healthcare settings, daycare centers, and grade schools. College students have been found to inadequately wash their hands, which increases their chances of contracting infectious diseases. The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among students at a large midwestern university.

Participants and Methods: Using a cross- sectional survey, and three self-reported questionnaires, data were collected from 406 undergraduate students, ages 18 years of age and above enrolled at Minnesota State University, …

Engagement And Stem Degree Completion: An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Time-To-Completion And Engagement And Pre-College Variables, Karina (Harstad) Clennon

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This quantitative analysis explored measures influencing time to STEM-degree-completion in a correlational, non-experimental analysis of archival data (N = 745). FGCS represent a significant portion of individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the United States however, FGCS are less likely to persist to graduation as compared to their continuing-generation peers. FGCS are entering colleges and universities declaring STEM majors yet, are changing their major and or leaving college without a four-year degree (Chen, 2013). FGCS, who identify as female, face additional barriers, whether perceived or actual, in the pursuit of earning a STEM degree. FGCS choose to pursue STEM majors, …

A Needs Assessment: The Barriers Preventing Students At A Large Midwestern University From Accessing The Dental Clinic On Campus For Preventative Care, Pamela Briese

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Preventive maintenance and dental care for college students is just as important now as it was when they were living with their parents, but even though colleges have been offering campus-based medical care to their students for many years, oral health care has not been included in this health prevention effort. Because of the impact that oral health has on the overall health and well-being of college students, and in following the Healthy People 2020 Oral health goal to “Prevent and control oral and craniofacial diseases, conditions, and injuries, and improve access to preventive services and dental care” (HP2020), this …

Revoicing In Undergraduate Physics Education: A Case Study, Elizabeth Noël Olson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

When an instructor repeats or "revoices" the words or ideas that a student has just said, what is the instructor's goal? What results can this tactic bring? In order to lay the groundwork for a broader investigation of these questions, video recordings were viewed of one-on-one interviews of students populating a discussion-based modern physics-like course taken by non-physics science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at a medium-sized public university. This work focuses on a one particular interview which reveals several functions of this revoicing technique. For the interview in question, revoicing instances were identified and put into three inflection …