Education Commons^™

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.

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 …

Barriers Faced By Nontraditional Black Female Students At A Historically Black College Or University, Denata Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers faced by nontraditional Black female students at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). There was an extensive amount of literature regarding barriers faced by nontraditional students; however, there was a limited amount of research and literature on the perceptions of nontraditional Black female students and faculty perceptions regarding these barriers. The study was conducted at a HBCU in the southern part of the United States. Participants in the study included five HBCU faculty and five nontraditional Black female students. In this qualitative descriptive case study, focus groups, surveys, and …

An Examination Of Physical Exercise And Its Impact On Augmenting Self-Determination Levels Of College-Aged Students, Kenneth William Kirsch Jr

Theses and Dissertations

Research has demonstrated a positive link with motivation, physical exercise, and academic success. A current trend within higher education has been to increase student retention as well as deemphasize physical education. Students, who possess a higher degree of self-determined behavior, sustain greater overall success. Administrators have intensified efforts focusing on student retention; however, little research exists connecting physical exercise with self-determination and how these elements could provide solutions to address this problem. Motivation is an element, which drives people to accomplish a task and has the propensity to change when engaged in physical exercise. The motivational reasons why people participate …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

An Examination Of The Obstacles That Impact Adult Students' Performance In Workforce Development Medical Assistant Training Programs: A Case Study, Marianne Van Deursen

Theses and Dissertations

Competency-based medical assisting training programs are rigorous, fast-paced, and demanding of students' time. This single-case study examined the needs, barriers, and challenges that impact adult students enrolled in the workforce development medical assisting training program at Warren County Community College, from the perspective of the students, faculty, and workforce development specialists interviewed. The intention was to generate knowledge, learn, and understand the extent to which participants perceived how these obstacles impact students' performance. Results of this study suggest that a stronger focus of the assumptions of the adult learner and the development of strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of …

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 …

Cultural Humility: A Qualitative Study On The Development Of Self-Awareness In Social Work Educators, Nicole Moore-Bembry

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the faculty members' perspectives on their racial identity development and how these perspectives impact their cultural self-awareness and cultural humility in the classroom. White social work faculty members voiced their vulnerability and discomfort in addressing race, oppression, and discrimination in the classroom. This study included a total of 10 White social work faculty members from a medium sized northeastern university.

Key findings of the study indicate that White faculty members: were primarily clinicians who later became educators, were primarily raised in White communities and the Monoracial upbringing impacted their personal …

Taking The Initiative: Exploring The Usefulness Of Faculty-Student Interaction Based On Validation Theory, Fidel Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The literature is replete with studies that establish a nexus between student success outcomes and faculty-student interaction (Braxton, Milem & Sullivan, 2008; CCSSE, 2001; Cole, 2010; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2001). Faculty-student interaction involves discussion between faculty and student regarding the student's academic and social development. In this qualitative study, faculty were trained to use strategies based on validation theory in the classroom to enhance their interaction with the Black males. Validation theory involves someone intentionally taking an active interest in the academic and personal development of a student serving as a source of encouragement and support (Rendon, 1994). The findings …

Institutional Advancement At Historically Black Community Colleges: A Multi-Case Study, Lakeisha S. Carter

Theses and Dissertations

In this multi-case study, three cases were studied and four participants were interviewed to understand institutional advancement (IA) at historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and how the institutional advancement professionals engage the alumni in the fundraising process. The results of this study are presented in this dissertation and illuminate the work of the IA professionals at HBCCs. The participants reported what institutional advancement looks like at each individual HBCCs. This study shows the commonalities and differences in IA at HBCCs and the professionals' perceptions of their interactions with alumni. The professionals discussed the fundraising challenges for advancement at HBCCs. Finally, …

Academic And Social Adaptation Through A College Success Course: A Case Study Of Second Semester Students At A Suburban Community College In Northern New Jersey, Jenny Pamela Marcenaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative critical single case study was to explore how second semester students who took a college student success course during their first term adapted to their second term. Specifically, by focusing on how this course contributed to their academic and social adaptation, and why this course may have facilitated such adaptation and persistence at their institution. Findings from this study indicated that this course contributed to these students' adaptation from first to second semester by teaching these students the importance of time management, changing their priorities, putting their academics first. In addition, these participants learned about …