Education Commons^™

In Praise Of Consent: Why Talking About Sex On Christian Campuses Matters Differently Than We Think; A Review Essay, Kristen L. Guidero

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

For many contemporary evangelical Christians, the concept of consent tends to evoke marked squeamishness. Popular essays have construed consent as a mark of a dangerous, God-forsaking world or of a modernity that can only form shallowly contractual, liability-avoiding relationships (Franks, 2017; Harrison Warren, 2017). But revelations of abuse and assault by high-profile perpetrators in contexts as varied as sports, entertainment, education, and, yes, churches, should prompt renewed deliberation. This review essay engages with Donna Freitas’s work on consent to argue that Christians in higher education ought to heed her wisdom and adapt such conversations. The essay traces Freitas’s research-driven definitions …

The Relationship Of Gender, Spirituality, And Willingness To Seek Mental Health Treatment Among Students At A Faith-Based Institution, Lauren Hoffman, William Buhrow

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

College is a demanding time in a student’s life that often requires a willingness to seek help in times of significant distress. The factors that influence this decision are numerous and complex. This study examined the relationship between willingness to seek mental health treatment, gender, and level of religiosity and spirituality in students enrolled in a single faith-based institution. Results suggest that female students were more willing to seek help from a mental health professional than males, and students who endorsed high levels of religiosity and spirituality were more inclined to seek help from a religiously affiliated advisor than those …

Growth No. 19 (2020) - Full Issue

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The full issue of the nineteenth edition of Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development.

Impact Of A Student Leadership Experience On The Development Of Creativity In Undergraduate Students, Austin Smith

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a leadership experience on the development of creativity in undergraduate students in order to help student affairs professionals, faculty, and administrators better understand how they can develop creativity in their students. A phenomenological study was conducted on students who held a leadership position as a Resident Assistant or cabinet member of a student organization on the campus of a small institution in the Midwestern United States. The study consisted of an open-ended survey and semistructured interviews. Key findings from this study include insight into various aspects of students’ experiences …

A Praxis Briefing: Mental Health On The Campus: Defining Challenges And Opportunities, Stephen Beers, Connie Horton, Brad A. Lau, Nathan Greer, C. Skip Trudeau, Kim Stave, Brenda Roth

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

The Spiritual Formation Of Recent College Graduates And Residence Life Influences Attributed To The Spiritual Formation, Natalie Jorde

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

This study investigated the spiritual formation experience of alumni from a Midwest Christian college six months to five years after graduation and the spiritual formation factors they attribute to their Residence Life experience. The data revealed that alumni persist in their Christian faith, and seek growth in Christian beliefs, attitudes, and experiences. Findings regarding Residence Life were consistent with the literature, revealing that the most significant source of spiritual formation for alumni are peer relationships, interactions, and conversations. Programming was not a significant factor in a student’s spiritual formation. This study led to several recommendations for application including a re-orienting …

A Pivotal Point In Identity Development: The Impact Of The Resident Assistant Experience, Levi C. Huffman, Erin M. Lefdahl-Davis

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Does serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) in college impact students’ identity and long-term leadership skills? This article details a grounded theory qualitative research study where alumni are interviewed about their RA experience five to ten years post-graduation. The study revealed that a profound change (labelled a pivotal point) occurred in participants’ lives while they were serving as RAs. These former student leaders unanimously identified the role as important to their overall identity development and leadership skills. Even though the RA experience often caused a significant disruption in self-perception, it was also a catalyst for significant change in areas such …

The Missing Image-Bearers At College: The Inclusion Of People With Intellectual Disabilities On The Christian University Campus, Emmy Edwards

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Since the passage of the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, higher education has expanded and improved access for individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, Christian colleges and universities have fallen behind in terms of creating innovative and spiritually formative programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the exploration of a literature review, a theological framework, and the description of three Christian programs that currently exist, this paper argues for the good of the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities on the Christian college campus as fellow image-bearers. Additionally it contends that the Christian university has a unique position of to …

Ecologies Of Faith In A Digital Age: Spiritual Growth Through Online Education, Eric Fehr

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

The Rise And Impact Of Premarital Cohabitation: Implications For Christian Higher Education, Heidi Morris, Suzie Macaluso, Prentice Ashford

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Premarital cohabitation is an increasingly common aspect of relationships today. Despite Christian theology that often frowns on cohabitation, modern students entering institutions of Christian higher education are influenced by this societal trend. For some students, cohabitation does not carry the negative connotation as in previous years. However, how aware are students of the implications of cohabitation on relationship satisfaction? This study examines whether the level of satisfaction within a relationship is affected by having lived in a cohabiting relationship before marriage. Through an analysis of U.S. data from the 2010 Married and Cohabiting Couples survey, levels of relationship satisfaction were …

Professors Of Higher Education/Student Affairs And The Scholarship Of Practice, Drew Moser, Kate Austin

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

For professors of higher education/student affairs, the primary object of inquiry is the university. Yet lore of the divide among faculty and administration looms large over the academy, ranging from perceived dissonance to overt hostility (Bess and Dee, 2014; McMillian and Berberet, 2002; Rice, 1996). With the multitude of issues emerging in the present landscape of higher education, it is worth exploring the real extent of this divide. This article explores the question: Do scholars of higher education/student affairs have or take the opportunity to translate their technical, disciplinary skill into practical assistance to the benefit of their respective institutions? …

Generation Z Goes To College, Alison A. Spencer

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Listening To Sexual Minorities: A Study On Faith And Sexual Identity On Christian College Campuses, Brad A. Lau

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Restoring The Soul Of The University: Unifying Christian Higher Education In The Fragmented Age, Morgan K. Morris

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Growth No. 18 (2019) - Full Issue

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The full issue of the eighteenth edition of Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development.

A Campus Model For Student Development: Program Review And Prioritization, C. Skip Trudeau, Britney Graber

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The current financial climate for higher education is one of constrained and declining resources, causing many institutions to turn towards a retrenchment strategy that often includes reducing expenses and, in more extreme cases, eliminating programs. A review of existing literature reveals few models colleges can utilize in conducting comprehensive analyses of programs to determine how to proceed with these cost cutting measures. Additionally, the authors could not find any existing approaches focused on student development or other nonacademic programs. In this article, the authors provide a review of relevant literature, a review of the Dickeson Model (2010), and build the …

A Redeeming Obligation For Christian Administrators: Advocating For Student Affairs-Academic Affairs Collaborations, Ryan W. Erck

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The larger purpose of a Christian college education is to guide students towards developing a love for God and neighbor. One way to articulate such a vision is to focus on the development of the whole person as student. A practical method for this holistic education is to promote and practice student affairs-academic affairs collaborations. As such, Christian administrators have a unique obligation to promote a culture of collaboration on their campuses. While partnerships are healthy for student success, they serve an additional purpose in Christian higher education: a redeeming purpose. This paper will address this redemptive opportunity for administrators …

Tradition With A Captial "T": The Value Of Campus Traditions, Morgan K. Morris

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Tradition with a Capital “T” explores the value of campus traditions in higher education. Literature regarding tradition and campus traditions answers the question “what is tradition?” and investigates the role of tradition in higher education. Original research sought to survey student, personnel, and general perceptions of the value of campus traditions in higher education through a qualitative, phenomenological approach focused on a single campus tradition. In order to obtain a holistic perspective, the researcher conducted a review of archival resources and interviews with students, faculty, staff, and administrators connected to the campus tradition. Three themes surfaced from the archival research …

The Motivation Of Students Of Color For Pursuing Leadership Positions At Faith-Based Universities, Grant Burns, Jenny Elsey, David M. Johnstone

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

As faith-based universities increasingly diversify the culture of their student body, student leadership roles also diversify. While there is literature on barriers and challenges students of color experience in these roles, there is little to help understand their motivation in pursuing these roles. Using conversations, interviews, and surveys this research was conducted to start such a conversation. The researchers’ goal was to go beyond conventional wisdom and begin gathering data reflecting the experiences of students of color on our campuses. While compensation is definitely a motivation, this research suggested there might be a variety of reasons to pursue these roles.

"It Feels A Bit Like Imposter Syndrome": Examining The Issue Of Masculinity And Depression In Male College Students, Wildon Story

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

This research seeks to examine the intersectional relationship between depression and identity development of male students at a liberal arts institution. The present study focused on the statistics of male students attending the university counseling center alongside multiple conversations with three counselors who help depressed male students and two students whose personal accounts detailed the interaction between their depression and male gender identity. The findings suggest male students’ depression may be rooted in the incongruence between students’ self-perceived identity and the culturally-demanding narratives of male behaviors and thought patterns. Students detailed their experience navigating shame, loneliness, comparison, and their hesitancy …

The Undergraduate Experience: Focusing Institutions On What Matters Most, David M. Johnstone

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Monastic Practices And Spiritual Disciplines On Student Leader Development, Haley B. Williamson

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The purpose of this study is to understand if practicing monasticism and spiritual disciplines impact the development of student leaders. The research was conducted through grounded theory qualitative interviews with eight student leaders who participated in a monastic trip for the duration of January 2016. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer the question:

What impact does monasticism and spiritual disciplines have on the development of student leaders at a private Christian liberal arts institution?

The eight students were interviewed before and after their monastic trip, answering questions about monasticism and spiritual disciplines, student leadership, and trip expectations/ experiences. Themes …

Growth No. 17 (2018) - Full Issue

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The full issue of the seventeenth edition of Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development.

Safe Spaces, Brave Spaces: Diversity And Free Expression In Education, Eli Casteel

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

The Slow Professor: Challenging The Culture Of Speed In The Academy, Kirsten D. Riedel, Joshua P. Riedel

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Vocational Development Of Introverted College Students, Alex T. Crist

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

While vocation is an increasingly popular research topic, research has not addressed how one’s personality shapes his or her vocational development. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to explore the vocational development of introverted college students. Using a two-part qualitative study, 101 participants provided online essays and nine participants participated in face-to-face interviews to understand the influences and process of introverts seeking to discover their vocation. Results suggested various external and internal influences of vocational development, as well as the perceived relationship between vocation and introversion. Based on the results of the study, the Vocational Development Model for Introverts …

Diversity Matters: Race, Ethnicity, And The Future Of Christian Higher Education, Cassie Isaacson

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Seeing God Clearly: Meaning-Making And Attributions To God Made By Resident Assistants, John Macikas

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Resident Assistants (RAs) at a Christian college in the Midwest were interviewed in order to explore the nature, reasoning, and complexity of attributions to God from their RA-related experiences. Resulting themes found that RAs made attributions to God for experiences of identifiable goodness, which included positive developmental experiences and experiences of deep unity and spirituality. Though RAs often saw themselves as God’s intermediary agents, they also claimed they were limited in their ability to affect deep change. The relationship between their agency and God’s was complex, but RAs sought solace in God’s ultimate control in the midst of their efforts. …

A Survey Of Sexual Minorities Who Attend Faith-Based Institutions Of Higher Education, Mark A. Yarhouse, Janet B. Dean, Stephen P. Stratton, Michael Lastoria, Emma K. Bucher

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

This research considers the intersection of sexual identity and religious/spiritual identity in the context of faith-based institutions of higher education. One hundred and sixty students identifying as sexual minorities from fifteen Christian colleges and universities with Association for Christians in Student Development affiliations provided information on their experiences in these unique settings. The findings suggest sexual minorities on faith-based campuses are navigating religious/spiritual aspects of their identity as well as same-sex sexuality and sexual identity development. Both sexuality and religiosity/spirituality are two salient, interacting and multilevel variables for these students, particularly as they relate to doctrinal matters and policies at …

When Conflict Crosses Cultural Lines: How Culture Informs Conflict, Joel Perez, David M. Johnstone

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Diverse cultural experience provides tremendous educational value. At the same time, it presents the possibility for increased misunderstanding and conflict. While conflict can happen with students of the same background, cross-cultural dynamics tend to add complexities to tension. Using a tool such as the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory, we have helped college student leaders build stronger teams, with a better and deeper ability to navigate, mediate and mitigate conflict among their leadership teams and peers.