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From Crisis To Aftermath: The Role Of Nursing Professional Development Educators During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Realist Case Study, Kimberly Kanner May 2024

From Crisis To Aftermath: The Role Of Nursing Professional Development Educators During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Realist Case Study, Kimberly Kanner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, realistic inquiry case study was to examine and understand the experiences of NPD educators as they assisted new graduate nurses transitioning into clinical nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals in the state of New York. Moreover, this research study sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes to the NPD educator's role and their ability to assist new graduate nurses transitioning into clinical practice post-pandemic. The sample included NPD educators from acute care hospitals in the state of New York. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and document collection. The …


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 …


The Experiences Of Minoritized Students In A College Success Course: A Qualitative Case Study, Erin Hannah May 2024

The Experiences Of Minoritized Students In A College Success Course: A Qualitative Case Study, Erin Hannah

Theses and Dissertations

Enrollment in higher education has increased over recent years with more students entering college underprepared for the academic rigor. Through expanded access, more minoritized students who are Pell eligible are enrolling. To retain these and other students, higher education institutions are implementing high impact practices to provide additional support. One such strategy is through the implementation of college success courses. These courses are intended to provide an extra layer of support for students as they make the transition from high school to college. Using a qualitative, case study approach, I used semi-structured interviews which included a photo-elicitation component to explore …


Sense Of Community And Belonging At Rowan University? An Exploration Of Involvement In Student-Led Clubs And Organizations, Samantha Rylee Harvey May 2024

Sense Of Community And Belonging At Rowan University? An Exploration Of Involvement In Student-Led Clubs And Organizations, Samantha Rylee Harvey

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores concepts of community and belonging among students who are involved in clubs and organizations at Rowan University. Through the use of a qualitative survey and the option for an additional interview, participants are able to discuss their personal experiences being involved in a club or organization and if they believe it contributes to their sense of community and belonging, not only in the club or organization, but at Rowan University as an institution. Findings show that involvement in student clubs and organizations has helped some participants feel a sense of community and belonging in the clubs and …


Using Efficacious Content Area Literacy Practices To Support Student Improvement And Perception Of Self-Efficacy, Christine Mccabe May 2024

Using Efficacious Content Area Literacy Practices To Support Student Improvement And Perception Of Self-Efficacy, Christine Mccabe

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and motivation change when students use content area literacy practices in math. This study was guided by the affective theories of Bandura, Maslow, and Guthrie & Wigfield. This study used qualitative research, focusing on collecting data through anecdotal evidence, student self-evaluation surveys, student journal responses, and a teacher research journal. Throughout the six week study, students participated in lessons focused on improving self-efficacy, confidence and motivation. Additionally, students learned to make connections between math and literacy through math literacy tasks, such as numberless word problems. Following the study, data was analyzed through triangulation …


Investigation Of The Regional Innovation System In Rural Region Of New Jersey: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Ketan N. Gandhi Apr 2024

Investigation Of The Regional Innovation System In Rural Region Of New Jersey: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Ketan N. Gandhi

Theses and Dissertations

This single-case study investigated how a partnership between a rural community college in New Jersey and a manufacturer of emerging optics equipment reflected the “regional networked innovation system,” a type of regional innovation system (Asheim & Isaksen, 2002, p.83). The regional innovation system explains a region's development and competitiveness based on a set of actors within a region, developing specific forms of capital derived from social relations, norms, values, and interactions with the community (Doloreux & Parto, 2005).


The Journey Toward Ascension: Understanding The Narratives Of Latinx Women In K-12 School Principalship, Manuela Jimenez Apr 2024

The Journey Toward Ascension: Understanding The Narratives Of Latinx Women In K-12 School Principalship, Manuela Jimenez

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the unique leadership journeys of Latinx women holding principal positions in K-12 schools across New Jersey. The research findings revealed that these women's career paths were significantly influenced by their social identity characteristics, specifically as female Latinx individuals. The study serves as a crucial reminder to challenge and eliminate negative perceptions and biases towards Latina school principals and their leadership growth and methodologies. The study focused on the leadership journeys of Latinx women holding principal positions in K-12 schools in New Jersey. The findings also showed that their career paths were aided by their social identity characteristics …


A Qualitative Case Study: Ncaa Division Iii First-Generation Student-Athletes And Transferable Skills, Eric Brennan Apr 2024

A Qualitative Case Study: Ncaa Division Iii First-Generation Student-Athletes And Transferable Skills, Eric Brennan

Theses and Dissertations

The development of transferable skills is seen as an important factor for higher education institutions to enhance the employability of their graduates (Holmes, 2013; Tymon, 2013). An overarching purpose of the higher education system is to prepare students for their professional careers and lives. This qualitative instrumental single case study explored how first-generation student-athletes develop transferable skills through intercollegiate athletics at a public, Division III university in New Jersey. Further, it sought to understand how the university validates these transferable skills for first-generation student-athletes. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth open-ended interviews to capture rich details from the participants related …


Planning, Outcomes, Oversight: A Linguistic Analysis Of New Jersey Statutes And Reports From 1970 To 1999, Sharon E. Mccann Apr 2024

Planning, Outcomes, Oversight: A Linguistic Analysis Of New Jersey Statutes And Reports From 1970 To 1999, Sharon E. Mccann

Theses and Dissertations

Between the decades of 1970 through 1999, there were major shifts in higher education in New Jersey. Utilizing a grounded theory approach this dissertation created a database of legislation, hearings transcripts, and education reports. Searching this database for commonly used terminology, this dissertation was seeking a pattern in language use that could demonstrate the incursion of neoliberal economic terminology into the way high education was discussed during these years. A grounded theory exploration, this dissertation does not claim to have achieved a proven connection between the language shift and decisions made by education leadership. All it can demonstrate is that …


An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Leadership Development For College Students In An Army Rotc Program, Joseph O. Gagnon Feb 2024

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Leadership Development For College Students In An Army Rotc Program, Joseph O. Gagnon

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the learning behaviors for young leaders from Generation Z is important for the United States Army in their development for future commissioned officers, who are primarily trained in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in select private and public universities across the country. The Army expectation of leaders at every level regardless of rank are to possess and continuously develop six leadership capabilities codified in the Army Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM). The ALRM describes what an Army leader is (i.e., the attributes) and what an Army leader does (i.e., the competencies). The purpose of this study was to understand …


Foreign-Born Black Males: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Their Persistence In Higher Education, Eliezer Marcellus Jan 2024

Foreign-Born Black Males: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Their Persistence In Higher Education, Eliezer Marcellus

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the academic and social integration experiences of foreign-born Black male students who persist at a four-year research institution. Research has shown that foreign-born Black males do not self-identify, and, as a result, their experiences in higher education have been grouped in with the persistent experiences of native-born Black males (Nesbett, 2002; Williams, 2005). This phenomenological study examines the lived experience of foreign-born Black males in higher education. Ten face-to-face interviews were conducted in order to describe the essence of this phenomenon. The findings from this study revealed five themes that explained the …


A Case Study Of The Implementation Of The New Clery Act Guidelines, Eunice Adigun Jan 2024

A Case Study Of The Implementation Of The New Clery Act Guidelines, Eunice Adigun

Theses and Dissertations

The Clery Act requires all higher education institutions participating in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose campus crimes by submitting an Annual Security Report by October 1st of every year. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Education replaced the 265-page Clery Act guidelines for administrators with a 13-page Appendix with specific changes to geographical locations to include in the report, eliminated the definition of crimes, and limited individuals designated as Campus Security Authority to those with direct responsibilities over student affairs. This case study examined how campus security officers implement the new Clery Act guidelines in crime …


Graduate Student Experiences With Food Insecurity, Melanie Ibarra Aug 2023

Graduate Student Experiences With Food Insecurity, Melanie Ibarra

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to examine and analyze food-insecure graduate student experiences at Rowan University. Graduate student experiences are often left out of current literature and this study was conducted to uncover and discuss how food insecurity affects this population and provide recommendations through nuanced food-insecure graduate student experiences. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach including semi-structured interviews with five participants. A thematic analysis was used to categorize the findings of five themes: Stigma, Academic Engagement, Physical and Mental Health, Coping Mechanisms, and Food Resources. The findings of this study allowed for the transition into further recommendations for practice …


Liberation Education: A Strive To Make Literacy Instruction Meaningful For All Elementary School Students & Teachers, Cassandra K. Goodwin Jul 2023

Liberation Education: A Strive To Make Literacy Instruction Meaningful For All Elementary School Students & Teachers, Cassandra K. Goodwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual research was to review literature on the implementation and the implications of liberation education in the elementary literacy classroom, specifically for students of color and white teachers in urban schools. This research discusses educational frameworks tied to liberation education and explores common themes that arise through the literature review. The importance of culturally responsive teaching, critical pedagogy, and multiliteracies pedagogy through literacy instruction is highlighted. Thorough teacher preparation, and active teacher engagement allow for student empowerment. Positive effects of liberation education through literacy for students and teachers are explored. Strides away from traditional teaching to …


Exploring Black Women, White Women, And White Genderqueer Faculty Experiences Of Critical Incidents Of Whiteness In The Workplace: A Critical - Constructivist Narrative Inquiry, Gabrielle Mcallaster Jun 2023

Exploring Black Women, White Women, And White Genderqueer Faculty Experiences Of Critical Incidents Of Whiteness In The Workplace: A Critical - Constructivist Narrative Inquiry, Gabrielle Mcallaster

Theses and Dissertations

The cross-racial collaborations of Black women and white individuals in the academy are fraught and complex, as their livelihoods are connected to larger socio-political structures and intersecting systems of oppression, namely race and gender (Crenshaw, 1989, 1990). In this study, I engaged in the research alongside three Black women, two white women, and one white genderqueer faculty to uncover their experiences of critical incidents of whiteness in the workplace at Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs). I relied on three critical theoretical frameworks, Intersectionality, Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS), and Critical Human Development Resource Development Theory (CHRD), to comprehensively examine Black …


Using Multicultural Texts To Motivate Special Education Middle Schoolers To Read Independently, Ramona Maria Di Maria Jun 2023

Using Multicultural Texts To Motivate Special Education Middle Schoolers To Read Independently, Ramona Maria Di Maria

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and examine middle school students’ motivation to read independently. The goal was to see what happens to seventh grade special needs students’ motivation when using authentic multicultural texts during independent reading. Motivation profiles, student interest surveys, reading habit observations and student multicultural book choices were collected and analyzed. The special needs students that participated in the study showed how a structured daily independent reading schedule, choice of multicultural literature, and classroom environment can increase their motivation to read independently. The implications for teaching independent reading in a middle school special needs …


Understanding Student Reading Motivation In Relation To Representation And Reader’S Workshop, Abigail Sophie Ronberg Jun 2023

Understanding Student Reading Motivation In Relation To Representation And Reader’S Workshop, Abigail Sophie Ronberg

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a case study on one group of on-level learners in a sixth grade language arts class in northern New Jersey. Students were instructed using Reader’s Workshop principles throughout the school year. This study looks at whether student choice, using reader’s workshop, and providing student feedback affect reading motivation. Motivation to read is measured though Gambrell’s Motivation to Read Profile, once at the beginning of a Reader’s Workshop unit and once at the end. Throughout the unit, students are asked to rate their experiences and share their thinking. Parents are interviewed to determine familial literacy history and provide …


More Than Athletes: Do Student Athletes Perform Better Academically In Their Respective Competitive Season?, Kristiina Michele Castagnola Jun 2023

More Than Athletes: Do Student Athletes Perform Better Academically In Their Respective Competitive Season?, Kristiina Michele Castagnola

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to analyze the grade point averages of student athletes in their competitive season versus their “off” season. This study also provides suggestions to Rowan University on how they can better support their student athlete’s academic success. This research study used surveys and a quantitative data analysis to analyze the grade point averages of the student athletes. The participants in this research study were student athletes that attended Rowan University in the 2021-2022 academic school year and had completed one full academic year. The most significant data collected was that student athletes do not …


Neurodivergent College Students And Therapy Dogs In Higher Education, Georgia Jean Majka Jun 2023

Neurodivergent College Students And Therapy Dogs In Higher Education, Georgia Jean Majka

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine neurodivergent students in higher education and their experience with The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University to investigate whether therapy dogs reduce anxiety levels and provide relaxation. In addition, this study provides recommendations for The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy program at Rowan University to promote the program and its purpose on campus. These resources are important when discussing the neurodivergent student population in higher education, which this research study discusses, based on previous research and the results found from this quantitative approach. This study also makes recommendations for Rowan University …


Perceptions Of Tattoos And Piercings In Higher Education, Diane Elizabeth Duncan Jun 2023

Perceptions Of Tattoos And Piercings In Higher Education, Diane Elizabeth Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempts to examine the perceptions of faculty and staff at Rowan University towards professionals with visible body modifications (VBM), specifically tattoos and piercings, in higher education. Five main research questions were addressed: (i) What are the attitudes towards professionals with VBM at Rowan University? (ii) How might the display of VBM affect Rowan University’s values and objectives? (iii) How are professionals with VBM perceived by hiring managers at Rowan? (iv) In what ways do perceptions differ across campus units at Rowan University regarding professionals with VBM? (v) What kind of environment does staff and faculty at Rowan University …


Case Study: Reading Multicultural Literature To An Emergent Reader In The Home, Kiyna Twisdale Jun 2023

Case Study: Reading Multicultural Literature To An Emergent Reader In The Home, Kiyna Twisdale

Theses and Dissertations

This case study was conducted to find what happens when a parent reads multicultural books to their young child at home. The qualitative data collected was used to determine the child’s reactions to the similarities and differences between them and the characters, as well as how multicultural books can be used to address sensitive topics and complex themes in the home. A caregiver, the researcher, collected data from read aloud sessions with her five-year old daughter. After reading seven multicultural books together, the research found that the child was able to make simple and concrete connections with the physical appearance …


Using Literature Circles To Strengthen The Overall Literacy Skills And Reading Performance Of Emergent Bilingual Students, Shannon A. Pruett Jun 2023

Using Literature Circles To Strengthen The Overall Literacy Skills And Reading Performance Of Emergent Bilingual Students, Shannon A. Pruett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of literature circles on strengthening the literacy skills and reading performance of two emergent bilingual students. As guided reading groups help reinforce students’ ability to read, it is key to implement additional instructional strategies that will assist in improving emergent bilingual students’ reading, writing, and language skills. Harvey Daniels (2002) described literature circles as an effective classroom tool in supporting the overall literacy skills of emergent bilingual students: “Young bilingual children, no matter what their linguistic background, are able to have rich discussions if they have regular opportunities to engage …


The Influence Inclusive Literature Circles With Multicultural Literature Has On The Self-Efficacies Of 4th Grade Students With Disabilities, Brianna Norcross May 2023

The Influence Inclusive Literature Circles With Multicultural Literature Has On The Self-Efficacies Of 4th Grade Students With Disabilities, Brianna Norcross

Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to determine what happens to fourth grade students with disabilities reading self-efficacies when they participate in inclusive literature circles with multicultural literature. The purpose of this teacher research was to investigate strategies to improve reading self-efficacies of students with disabilities, investigating what would happen if students with disabilities were placed heterogeneously with their peers while reading books with characters with disabilities and how that influenced their reading self-efficacies. Four students with a disability were integrated with their general education peers in their inclusive classroom to participate in literature circles for four weeks. The multicultural books were books …


Campus Safety And The Impact Of Emergency Alert Systems, Madelyn Elliott May 2023

Campus Safety And The Impact Of Emergency Alert Systems, Madelyn Elliott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study is to understand the impact emergency alert systems have on campus safety for Rowan University members using a quantitative survey. With a need to examine how universities and campus communities react to emergency scenarios, this study will focus on the reactions of those at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey and how they respond to emergency alerts. Through the research completed, we will look into how community members of Rowan University view their safety on the Glassboro campus, the effectiveness of Rowan’s emergency alert systems, when Rowan sends out the emergency alerts, and how …


Multicultural Mentor Texts In 2nd Grade Writer’S Workshop, Ellen R. Carbonaro May 2023

Multicultural Mentor Texts In 2nd Grade Writer’S Workshop, Ellen R. Carbonaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the utilization of relevant multicultural mentor texts during writer’s workshop instruction in the second-grade classroom. The specific aim is to understand how students relate these diverse texts to their development of literacy skills. This study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of culturally relevant education and reader response theory. Upon data triangulation analysis, the following themes were identified: 1. Multicultural Literature Promoted Engagement with Literacy, 2. Multicultural Mentor Texts as a Guide for Writing, and 3. Writing as a Social Practice within the Writer’s Workshop Model. Implications regarding the …


Leading Department Causes Of Acculturative Stress Among International Students At A South Jersey Public Institution, Meagan Kathleen Mcferren May 2023

Leading Department Causes Of Acculturative Stress Among International Students At A South Jersey Public Institution, Meagan Kathleen Mcferren

Theses and Dissertations

The study in this paper was conducted at Rowan University, a South Jersey public institution founded in 1923. The purpose of this study was to collect data regarding various university departments that might cause and affect acculturative stress in international students and determine which area has the greatest impact on the students’ stress levels at the university. During the 2022-23 academic year, I distributed an anonymous online survey to the majority of Rowan international and domestic students, both undergraduate and graduate, to better understand their perspectives of specific campus resources and departments. In this paper, I state my questions as …


Using Dual-Language Texts To Support Literacy For Emergent Bilingual Students, Amanda Dranchak May 2023

Using Dual-Language Texts To Support Literacy For Emergent Bilingual Students, Amanda Dranchak

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a qualitative account of how linguistically inclusive curriculums can enhance literacy instruction. The specific aim of this study is to explore the impact on literacy instruction of emergent bilingual students when the curriculum includes dual-language texts. Methods of data collection include student interviews, text discussions, student work, and student self-assessments. The findings show that the dual language literature positively affected the emergent bilingual students. Students enjoyed increased levels of engagement and a high level of confidence in their reading abilities. The research demonstrates the value of a culturally and linguistically inclusive instructional environment. With the inclusion of …


Representation In Higher Education: Does Representation Matter To Black And Hispanic Students, James Wright May 2023

Representation In Higher Education: Does Representation Matter To Black And Hispanic Students, James Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation between minority students retention and encountering, whether through teaching a course or having an advisor, minority faculty. Moreover, the study investigated how the minority students felt on a predominantly white campus. The subjects included were freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior students who resided on-campus at Rowan University. The students data and information will be collected via an online survey. The findings of the data will consider the attitudes of minority students and if they feel that their experience would be different if they had more minority faculty …


The Effects That Spaces And Places Of Campus Have On Undergraduate Students, Ashley Davis May 2023

The Effects That Spaces And Places Of Campus Have On Undergraduate Students, Ashley Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Student sense of belonging on campus is changing post COVID-19 pandemic, and this is because the way students utilize spaces on campus has evolved. Facilities on campus can impact the way students feel they belong based on how the spaces are set up and where students go in between classes (Samura, 2018). This study investigated the relationship between providing accessible, specific physical spaces and the participants' perception of student belonging. Undergraduate students enrolled full time at Rowan University were interviewed to collect data, and a qualitative research approach was used to analyze the data. Results conclude that there is a …


Exploring New Jersey’S Middle And High School Health Educators’ Decision-Making On Sti Content And Instruction: A Qualitative Collective Case Study, Brianne Siderio May 2023

Exploring New Jersey’S Middle And High School Health Educators’ Decision-Making On Sti Content And Instruction: A Qualitative Collective Case Study, Brianne Siderio

Theses and Dissertations

STIs in youth in New Jersey is a growing concern. According to New Jersey’ Public Health Data Resource (2020), the total number of STIs in youth from age 15-24 totals 19,698. The current STIs-related sex education programs vary widely in New Jersey in terms of scope, the accuracy of content, emphasis, and effectiveness (Thrive New Jersey Coalition, 2019). Therefore, students may have quite different levels of awareness on the prevention of STIs. The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to explore the Θ (theta) (Stake, 1995) of the “why” and “how” of health educators’ decisions in designing STI …