Education Commons^™

Examining The Role Of Professional Orientation In How Trustees Of New Jersey's State Colleges And Universities Experience Their Fiduciary Responsibilities: A Mixed Methods Study, Brittany Ann Williams-Goldstein

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this sequential explanatory study was to examine, through the lenses of sensemaking theory and professional authority, the relationship between how largely non-educational professionals in New Jersey experience their fiduciary responsibilities as trustees of the state's public colleges and universities and to what extent their professional orientations influence their oversight.

Trustees draw from a continuum of orientations to navigate their responsibilities and chief among them are professional orientation, institutionally-rooted orientation, and orientations as members of traditionally underrepresented populations. Trustees frequently engage in deferential activities with their fellow board members whose professional or other orientations provide needed context for …

Transition, Mattering And Marginality: Deaf Students In A Hearing Institution, Kaitlin Shaginaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gather deaf student feedback and to better understand if they feel as though they matter to Rowan University. This study also provides an opportunity for deaf students to express their experiences transitioning from K-12 to a higher education institution. A total population of 24 were targeted in this study and they had the opportunity to complete the College Mattering Inventory (CMI), which showed their feelings of mattering verses marginality. A total of 83% of the population responded to this study. Following the completion of the survey, a total of three subject agreed to …

Mattering Versus Marginality: African American Student Perspective At Rowan University, Dante Dandridge

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gauge the perceptions of African American students in the areas of social interaction, classroom climate, faculty interactions and administrative support and determining if these students felt marginalized or if they matter in those areas. The study also intended to find correlations between mattering and academic success as well as active campus participation with a feeling of mattering. The survey used was adapted from Lovely Durham, who condensed the survey Perceptions on Community, and handed out to a portion of the African American students at Rowan University.

Seeking External Funding: Experiences Of Selected Full-Time Faculty At Rowan University, Lacey Taylor Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the obstacles and motivators that tenured and tenure-track faculty members at Rowan University's, Glassboro, New Jersey campus face while seeking and securing external funding. The surveys were distributed to all 433 tenured and tenure-track faculty members on Rowan University, Glassboro's campus. Of the subjects, there are 273 faculty members that are tenured, and 160 who are tenure-track. The results of the study conclude that Rowan University faculty members feel as though their heavy workload is a hindrance on their ability to seek and secure grant funding. Secondly, survey results indicate that Rowan …

The Persistence Of The Associate Degree Nursing Student: The Lost Nurse, Stella A. Barber

Theses and Dissertations

There is controversy surrounding the entry-level degree to the profession of nursing. This study had the focus of showing the persistence of the associate degree nursing student as a way of giving evidence to maintaining this pathway as entry to nursing. Narrative inquiry was used to interview 10 students and 3 faculty on the persistence of the nursing student. Callista Roy's Coping Adaptation Processing Scale was taken by 51 students enrolled in the same nursing program. The overarching themes of the student interviews were goals, learning environment, and admission criteria. The overarching theme as a result of the Coping Adaptation …

The Impact Of Social And Academic Integration In Developmental Education, L. Marie Dionisi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate academic and social integration among students in a developmental math course. A convenience sample was utilized in this study since many of the students either passed out or stopped out at the time the survey was distributed. The study used a survey consisting of the following six sections, background information/demographics, peer-group interactions, interactions with faculty, faculty concern for student development and teaching, academic and intellectual development, institutional and goal commitments.

The study found there was a positive response rate with interaction with faculty. In addition, many of the students were committed to …

A Study Of Cultural Awareness And Transformative Learning Through Participation In Study Abroad, Desirae Gould

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to explore the effects of study abroad on students' cultural awareness and transformative learning. This study was conducted at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. The students in this study have participated in semester long study abroad during fall 2016, spring 2017, or fall 2017 semesters. For some this was their first time travelling abroad. The literature strongly suggests that there are many benefits for students that participate in study abroad. The data analysis suggests that respondents increased their cultural awareness and have more appreciation for those that are different than them. In addition, that …

Students And Sexual Orientation: A Study Of Students And Their Development At Higher Educational Institutions, Diamond Bolden

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore and assess student sexual identity development on college students, in particular sophomore, junior, and senior students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ in the spring 2018 semester. The study also investigated the impact of demographic factors and other variables such as gender, ethnicity, and social life. The instrument used to assess students' anxiety levels and attitudes toward sexual orientation was adapted from two surveys used in previous studies, one about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) and gender development, as well as student anxiety. It was assessed with survey questions created …

A Study Of National Pan-Hellenic Council Members And Inclusivity Of Greek Life Of Rowan University, Alesha L. Debose

Theses and Dissertations

The participants in this study consisted of 31 members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Rowan University in the spring semester of 2018. The purpose of the study was to identify the attitudes and thoughts of current members of NPHC at Rowan University regarding inclusivity of Greek Life. Members of all nine NPHC organizations completed a survey indicating their thoughts on inclusion, leadership skills, and black student empowerment. The information collected from subjects was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings from Kimbrough and Crump's research regarding leadership and leadership opportunities shared similar views on the importance of leadership. Findings from this …

Transition Experiences: Feelings Of Mattering Among Military Students At Rowan University, Marisa Israel

Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of mattering among military service members at Rowan University. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Schlossberg's Theory of Mattering to reveal military students' perceptions of mattering to the institution and to examine the relationships of military students with the Rowan community. This study uses a quantitative method which includes a survey focused on capturing participants' perceptions of five focus areas of mattering to the institution including: administration, advising, faculty, peers and multiple roles. Sixty-one subjects completed a Likert-type survey using a five-point scale to assess their perceptions of matering …

Student Satisfaction Related To The Campus Residential Experience, Renee Raisa Grant

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to understand how satisfied students were with their campus residential experience. This study was conducted at a private, liberal arts college located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate, NY, given the pseudonym Able University. Convenience sampling was used to get respondents to this survey. The survey was sent out electronically to the campus residential population. The students that responded to the survey were included in the study.

A total of 372 students responded to the survey for a return rate of 18.4%. The survey used for this study was administered in fall …

Veteran Students Transitions Into Higher Education Using Chickering's Seven Vector Development Theory, Taryn Marie Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine what kinds of internal emotions and feelings are attached to the transition of becoming a student on a college campus for veteran students. Veteran students have a different experience on campus compared to the rest of the student population, therefore it is important for institutions to understand this experience in order to best provide for these students. A survey was created based off of Chickering's seven vector development theory. The survey collected demographic data such as what branch of the military the student was in, age, race/ethnicity, and gender. The rest of …

Black Male Teachers: Retention And Importance In New Jersey, Charles Anthony Ozuna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of Black male teachers in the K-8 teaching profession in Atlantic and Essex counties in New Jersey and their recommendations to increase hiring and retention in the teaching profession. This study implemented a qualitative approach by interviewing 12 participants from Essex and Atlantic Counties in New Jersey who identified as Black male teachers. Teacher success depends on a variety of factors that can have both a positive and negative influence on a teacher's ability to stay motivated and succeed in the profession. Knowing the motives and experiences that influenced Black …

Student Leaders' Involvement And The Impact On Their Eating Habits, Carly Jill Samuels

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the eating habits of undergraduate student leaders at Rowan University. This study also sought to find a connection between the involvement of student leaders and its effect on the food intake for student leaders. The Student Athletes and Involvement Theory instrument helped to quantify student leader involvement. This survey was distributed to undergraduate student leaders at the Student Government Association senate meetings.

The conclusions revealed in the study include involvement patterns being consistent with previous research, more nutritional education needed for undergraduate student leaders, more research needed to determine the relationships of …

Race To The Top: An Investigation Of The Challenges African American Males Face In Higher Education, Samuel W. Jay

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to better understand the struggles African American males encounter in higher education. A secondary purpose was to analyze the social and academic struggle African American males face at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. This study also looked at the past, present and future of the African American males selected to participate in this study. Convenience sampling was used to select participants. Selection criteria included male African American undergraduate students, who have sufficient grades and enrolled full time at Rowan University during the 2015-2016 school year. A total of 376 surveys were distributed …

Transfer Student Involvement: Patterns Of Involvement At Rowan University, Marissa Porter

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to explore the involvement patterns of transfer students at Rowan University. The target population of this study was all transfer students new to the university during the fall 2017 semester. A total of 688 students were surveyed using a modified version of the Ohio University Student Involvement Questionnaire. The survey measured variables such as student demographics, self-reported levels of student involvement activities, and self-reported levels of satisfaction of student involvement, post-transfer to Rowan University in September of 2017 (Williford & Moden, 1995). There were 302 student responses collected. The Statistical Package for the Social …

Rowan Unified Sports: Impact On Student Volunteers Through The Lens Of Transformative Learning, Mariah Francisco

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the impact of participation with Rowan Unified Sports on student volunteers through the lens of transformative learning. Data were collected from 14 participants who were individually interviewed, answering items on demographics as well as their experience and learning through their participation with Rowan Unified Sports. Data analysis suggested evidence of transformative learning as a result of participating with Unified Sports. Participants shared changing perspectives in areas such as intellectual, social, and athletic capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants also articulated application of this understanding to their everyday life. In other …

Faculty Attitudes Of Diversity And Cultural Awareness In Higher Education, Daniel G. Banks

Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of this study was to uncover the attitudes and opinions of full-time faculty members and teaching administrators about diversity and cultural awareness at community college located in the northeast region. The study viewed faculty's level of cultural sensitivity, as well as their experience and opinion about cultural competency and incorporating diversity in the classroom. Faculty were also asked their opinion about training and professional development programs they were interested in participating in, and their opinion about whether they felt that programs celebrating diversity added value to the educational experience the institution provides for students. A total population …

Supporting Lgbtq+ Survivors On Campus, Ethan Levine, Ph.D., Molly Sapia, M.A.

Title IX Summit

Title IX protections have provided a much-needed resource for addressing sexual violence on campus. However, the benefits of Title IX may not apply equally to all students in practice. This workshop will explore strategies for addressing sexual violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. How can we improve support for LGBTQ+ students? How effectively does Title IX address same-sex violence – and might this shift under the current administration? What other policy and programmatic options would support students in these communities? Workshop participants will discuss and strategize around these and other contemporary challenges for supporting LGBTQ+ survivors …

Title Ix Awareness, Preparedness And Prevention (App), Candy Young

Title IX Summit

Title IX APP is a practical way to talk to students and employees about sexual assault awareness, preparedness and prevention This interactive PowerPoint presentation includes scenarios and table top discussion on how to make talking, reporting, and recognizing sexual assault issues and behaviors for students, faculty, staff and others more approachable. The presentation includes strategies, talking points, and innovative ways to talk about different types of sexual assault including stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment, and cyber harassment. Participants will learn how to reach students in a more personal and respectful way as they navigate university policy and procedures …

What Has Changed In The Era Of #Metoo? How Higher Education Can Respond To The New National Conversation, Kelly Ann Bird, Esq., Kristin Sostowski, Esq., Angela Roy

Title IX Summit

The social media movement #MeToo spread virally in October 2017, bringing into the national consciousness a dialogue around sexual harassment and assault that has been ongoing in higher education for many years. With revelations of harassment and assault across numerous industries being disclosed on a near daily basis, and the media, policy makers, and the public at large more focused on these issues than ever before, what has changed for colleges and universities? This workshop will focus on lessons higher education can learn from the experiences of institutions that have made headlines in the era of #MeToo.

Being Proactive With Title Ix, Kaleigh Sosa, Jackie Moran

Title IX Summit

The Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX at Rutgers University- New Brunswick has had great success with outreach education this year while maintaining a high level of service for students who interact directly with the office largely due to the creation of a unique position. A grant that the University received allowed for the creation of a Title IX Training Coordinator role. This position has been able to support the Office in various ways, such as specific trainings for special populations, which has created increased visibility and quality of service to students. Participants will learn how creating a …

A Community Approach To Sexual Violence: Villanova’S Sarc Team, Ryan Rost, Kathy Byrnes

Title IX Summit

Come learn how Villanova established and developed a team of community members who serve as the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) Team that help provide support to students who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence. The discussion aims to: identify one community-based strategy for responding to disclosures of sexual violence; describe one implementation process for creating a sexual violence response team comprised of diverse faculty and staff of varying disciplines and positions; examine impact as it relates to reports of sexual violence, bystander intervention, and prevention efforts; and discuss lessons learned in the implementation and process of a …

Changing A Campus Climate By Speaking Up! A Collaborative Bystander Intervention Approach, Kristie Damell, Edd, Melissa Zarin, Phd

Title IX Summit

As Title IX professionals, we are charged with providing opportunities to challenge our students’ behaviors and perceptions. Navigating the myriad of health and safety concerns our students present is challenging, but by shifting from a reactionary educational approach to a proactive approach, we are seeing our students hold themselves and their peers accountable for their choices. Join us as we discuss Stevens’ new bystander intervention program, Speak UP!, and how a collaborative partnership between the offices for Title IX, Counseling, Athletics, and Disability Services is impacting our campus climate as we tackle the issues of mental health, sexual assault, alcohol …

How To Avoid A Title Ix Lawsuit, Patricia Hamill, Esq., Lorie Dakessian, Esq.

Title IX Summit

Learn how colleges and universities can manage the risk of Title IX lawsuits from respondent students. The audience will take away an understanding of how Title IX impacts college and university disciplinary procedures; an understanding of how a prompt, impartial, and equitable procedural process that is fair to both parties is vital for reaching a just outcome; and an understanding of risk and potential liability associated with Title IX disciplinary procedures. This presentation will also cover a review of recent Title IX lawsuits in the courts so that the audience can learn how to decrease their school’s risk of getting …

Making College Admission Count: The Importance Of Admission Criteria In The Current Undergraduate Admission Process, Amanda Rachel Tessler

Theses and Dissertations

During these changing times in higher education, admission criteria for being accepted into a four-year institution for higher education continues to evolve. This study discovered the attitudes that guidance counselors and admission officers, from public schools throughout New Jersey, had about these criteria, and what they believed is most important for current students applying to college. Two surveys were developed and distributed via email to guidance counselors of public high schools throughout New Jersey, as well as admission officers of public four-year institutions throughout New Jersey. Results suggest that quantitative admission criteria, SAT and ACT scores and HSGPA, are the …

Satisfaction And Importance Levels Of Undergraduate Women At Rowan University, Kristin Marie Weinstein

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to discover whether undergraduate women at Rowan University were satisfied with their experiences on campus. The areas under investigation were campus environment, student support services, safety, academic and personal goals. Data were collected in the spring semester of 2014, using a survey. A total number of 363 students participated in the survey, and 333 fully completed the survey. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics, a software program provided by Rowan University.

The outcome of the survey determined that the selected undergraduate women at Rowan University were mostly satisfied with the aspects of campus …

Office Of Career Advancement Services: A Quantitative Study On Career Confidence As It Relates To Career Readiness, Tara Lynn Wiese

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the roles of self-efficacy, attitudes towards the services offered; strategies and guidance, and career planning play a part in how the student views their career knowledge base. The primary focus of the study is on the students who used the services of the Career Advancement Center located on the 2nd Floor in Savitz Hall. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of utilizing the career services, which are provided to the students on campus, and how it could help improve their career readiness. By studying students career confidence, the hope is to see if …

Determining Job Satisfaction And Motivation Of Student Affairs Professionals Who Transition Into Academic Affairs, Angel Jesus Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Up to 61% of student affairs professionals exit the field within five years of completing their graduate program (Holmes, Verrier, & Chrisholm, 1983; Lorden, 1998; Rosen, Taube, & Wordsworth, 1980; Rosser & Javinar, 2003). Existing research has explored why attrition is high but has not accounted for what happens after they leave, what fields, if any, they gravitate towards, or how satisfied they are in their new roles. It is uncertain what percentage of academic affairs professionals formerly worked in student affairs or if their needs vary because of their previous student affairs experience. The purpose of this study was …

Strangers In A Strange Land: A Phenomenological Study Of Ell Students' Experiences With Anxiety, Gary Steven Abbott

Theses and Dissertations

A primary tenet of community colleges is open access. However, offering open access and ensuring completion are two different matters, especially for students who may not be as college ready as others. One group of students are English Language Learner (ELL) who, apart from all the other challenges new college students must face, have the added challenges of adapting to a new language and culture and the ensuing anxiety those challenges create. In order to understand the meaning these students make of experiences with anxiety, a hermeneutical phenomenological study following van Manen's (2014) methodology was conducted with five ELL participants …