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Full-Text Articles in Higher Education

Retaining Black Female College Students: The Effects Of Meritocracy On Their Ideas Of Success, Tiffany Steele Jul 2017

Retaining Black Female College Students: The Effects Of Meritocracy On Their Ideas Of Success, Tiffany Steele

College Student Affairs Leadership

The idea of merit-based education has plagued institutions of higher education for a substantial amount of time. The notion that ability, talent, and effort ultimately determine the success of an individual perpetuates the false ideology of all people have equal opportunities at success. In terms of education, using a merit-based lens magnifies the oppression of marginalized student groups specifically, Black female college students. Through a synthesis of the current literature, intersections between the use of merit in education, defining academic collegiate success and Black female students in higher education were discussed to explore the potential influence meritocracy has on how …


The Final Battle: Constructs Of Hegemonic Masculinity And Hypermasculinity In Fraternity Membership, Alex Zernechel, April L. Perry Jul 2017

The Final Battle: Constructs Of Hegemonic Masculinity And Hypermasculinity In Fraternity Membership, Alex Zernechel, April L. Perry

College Student Affairs Leadership

This article explores the correlation between membership in a fraternal organization and masculinity identity development. Masculinity is embedded into the very foundation of the American fraternity culture. Fraternal organizations have served as a haven for young men that support the development of hegemonic masculinity and hypermasculinity, while preventing those same students from being exposed to opposing personality traits and challenges to their own idea of masculinity. In this paper, we present literature on hypermasulinity, fraternities, and a synthesis of the two. Based on the information presented, we make a call to action to educators and university administrators to help young …


If Not Us Then Who? Exploring The Role Of Hbcus In Increasing Black Student Engagement In Study Abroad, Megan Covington Jul 2017

If Not Us Then Who? Exploring The Role Of Hbcus In Increasing Black Student Engagement In Study Abroad, Megan Covington

College Student Affairs Leadership

Black students are alarmingly underrepresented in participation in study abroad experiences. The reasons for this vary, but are most often consists of barriers, such as financial constraints, lack of support from family, and fear of racial discrimination. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are regarded as sanctuaries for Black students with emphasis on their commitment to providing low-income Black students with positive and nurturing educational experiences. As such, HBCUs are believed to be positioned to assist in overcoming the barriers to participation in study abroad for Black students. However, because they receive significantly less resources, they are limited in their …


First-Year Performance: Students With Disabilities Transitioning To College From High School, Andrew S. Herridge Jul 2017

First-Year Performance: Students With Disabilities Transitioning To College From High School, Andrew S. Herridge

College Student Affairs Leadership

Laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (Amendments Act), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) govern the responsibilities of both secondary schools and postsecondary institutions in regards to students with learning disabilities. With an approximate 34.5% of students with learning disabilities in secondary schools within the United States transitioning into higher education in 2005, the transition from secondary school to a college or university can be a time full of stress, new experiences, and confusion for students with learning disabilities. The purpose …


Where Did They Go: Retention Rates For Students Of Color At Predominantly White Institutions, Kevin S. Mcclain, April Perry Jul 2017

Where Did They Go: Retention Rates For Students Of Color At Predominantly White Institutions, Kevin S. Mcclain, April Perry

College Student Affairs Leadership

The United States higher education system is comprised of students from various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Despite appearing diverse on the surface, many predominantly White institutions (PWIs) encounter impediments in retaining and graduating students of color. Over the past few decades, universities have made tremendous strides to correct past transgressions, which contributed to high dropout and transfer rates amongst students of color. Despite college’s efforts to be inclusive, discriminatory acts still occur on college campuses. Research has shown that campus racial climate contributes to the retention of students of color within the college. This literature review will delve into …


The Future Of Higher Education: Review Of Jon Mcgee’S Breakpoint: The Changing Marketplace For Higher Education, Dennis R. Bergevin Jul 2017

The Future Of Higher Education: Review Of Jon Mcgee’S Breakpoint: The Changing Marketplace For Higher Education, Dennis R. Bergevin

College Student Affairs Leadership

This book review analyzes Jon McGee's Breakpoint, highlighting the importance for higher education institutions to understand their position amidst demographic, economic, and cultural changes. McGee's position as a college administrator and father of a prospective college student offers a unique lens in which to investigate the broader context affecting colleges and universities. Data is strategically incorporated throughout the book, drawing from numerous demographic and economic trends affecting students and institutions. McGee does not promote a singular solution to challenges facing institutions today, but emphasizes applying an informed prospective towards leadership. This is an ideal resource for college administrators and …


Editor's Corner: Embracing Transition, Nicole Rombach Jul 2017

Editor's Corner: Embracing Transition, Nicole Rombach

College Student Affairs Leadership

A note from the editor-in-chief.


Hookup Culture On College Campuses: Centering College Women, Communication Barriers, And Negative Outcomes, Laura Klinger Dec 2016

Hookup Culture On College Campuses: Centering College Women, Communication Barriers, And Negative Outcomes, Laura Klinger

College Student Affairs Leadership

The majority of college students feel that their lives are dominated by the hookup culture, or a sexual culture of non-committed sexual encounters. However, college students are actually participating in this culture in much smaller numbers than they believe their peers to be, pointing to a culture that is driven by perception rather than clear communication or healthy desire. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on this subject, with particular emphasis on the challenges to communication that exist within hookup relationships with the understanding that this may contribute to the negative outcomes experienced by students. As women …


Opinion Editorial: Misclassification: The Power Of Language In Hispanic Serving Institution Designations, Gregory Lowe Dec 2016

Opinion Editorial: Misclassification: The Power Of Language In Hispanic Serving Institution Designations, Gregory Lowe

College Student Affairs Leadership

Misclassification: The Power of Language in Hispanic Serving Institution Designations


Opinion Editorial: Reflecting On My Experience With Hbcus Through The Lens Of Catholic School, Nicole Rombach Dec 2016

Opinion Editorial: Reflecting On My Experience With Hbcus Through The Lens Of Catholic School, Nicole Rombach

College Student Affairs Leadership

My Experience with HBCUs through the Lens of Catholic School


Opinion Editorial: Challenging Minds And Changing Lives: How Historically Black Colleges And Universities Are Intentional About Educating The Whole Student, Rechard L. Peel Jr. Dec 2016

Opinion Editorial: Challenging Minds And Changing Lives: How Historically Black Colleges And Universities Are Intentional About Educating The Whole Student, Rechard L. Peel Jr.

College Student Affairs Leadership

Challenging Minds and Changing Lives: How Historically Black Colleges and Universities are Intentional about Educating the Whole Student


Editor’S Corner: Confronting The Presence Of Difference Through Civil Discourse, Open Dialogue, And Respect, Lauren Presutti Dec 2016

Editor’S Corner: Confronting The Presence Of Difference Through Civil Discourse, Open Dialogue, And Respect, Lauren Presutti

College Student Affairs Leadership

Note from the editor-in-chief.


Establishing Community In Online Courses: A Literature Review, Amy J. Pilcher Jun 2016

Establishing Community In Online Courses: A Literature Review, Amy J. Pilcher

College Student Affairs Leadership

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the evolution of online learning over the last several decades in relation to student engagement. Much has been made of both the successes and failures of online learning and, consequently, much has been written to enumerate the reasons for those successes and failures. After lengthy review, a great deal of the writing indicates that the relative success or failure of a student is caused by a confluence of three factors: the student, the environment, and the faculty. Online learning is unique in that a much greater share of the burden of …


Delivering Disability Accommodations At A Community College: A Case Study, Caolfionn B. Yenney, Janie Sacco Ii Jun 2016

Delivering Disability Accommodations At A Community College: A Case Study, Caolfionn B. Yenney, Janie Sacco Ii

College Student Affairs Leadership

This case study explores the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) at Northern Midwestern Community College (NMCC). Like many state institutions of higher education, NMCC has undergone continued budgetary cuts, some of which have impacted their services. Additionally, NMCC faces limited support from administration and resistance from instructors to provide accommodations. Taking the position of the accommodations coordinator, this case study challenges readers to consider a student concern from an institutional, collaborative, student response, and strategic perspective.


Transition For Students With Disabilities: A Case Study, Brittania Schreurs, Elizabeth Chase Jun 2016

Transition For Students With Disabilities: A Case Study, Brittania Schreurs, Elizabeth Chase

College Student Affairs Leadership

This case study is intended to help student affairs professionals understand what their responsibilities are in assisting postsecondary students with disabilities who are facing transition issues. An overview of the K-12 and postsecondary laws are outlined to inform readers of these transition issues, particularly the responsibility of a postsecondary student to self-advocate. Information is also provided on Autism Spectrum Disorders, which are prevalent in college-aged students today. Overviews of a fictional institutional setting and disability office are provided to give context for analyzing the given case scenario. The responsibilities of key stakeholders, including the disability office, the student, the parents, …


Black Lives Matter, But Not Here: A Case Study, Jason R. Goode, Z Nicolazzo Jun 2016

Black Lives Matter, But Not Here: A Case Study, Jason R. Goode, Z Nicolazzo

College Student Affairs Leadership

Recently, the United States has experienced a wave of social movements that include protests and digital social justice movements through Facebook and Twitter. These movements have been sparked as a response to systematic racism within the university landscape and the police force. This case study looks into systematic racism at a large public university college campus. The setting is in a college town on a city street that connects the city jail to the campus. Readers will be introduced to several characters that are important to the story before reading an account of the tug of war treatment of Black …


Editor’S Corner: Strengthening Perspective By Exploring Complex Cases, Outcomes, And Literature, Lauren Presutti Jun 2016

Editor’S Corner: Strengthening Perspective By Exploring Complex Cases, Outcomes, And Literature, Lauren Presutti

College Student Affairs Leadership

Note from the editor-in-chief.


African American Women In Higher Education: Issues And Support Strategies, Cynthia C. Bartman Nov 2015

African American Women In Higher Education: Issues And Support Strategies, Cynthia C. Bartman

College Student Affairs Leadership

In recent years, the college graduation rates of African American women, a historically marginalized group, have increased. However, their graduation rates continue to lag behind those of White women, among other racial/ethnic groups. This paper reviews the related literature and identifies four major issues impacting the college graduation rates of African American women. Additionally, intervention strategies are suggested.


Whose Fault Is It, Anyway?: Who Is To Blame For Limited College Access In The United States? [Special Section], Chad T. Patton Nov 2015

Whose Fault Is It, Anyway?: Who Is To Blame For Limited College Access In The United States? [Special Section], Chad T. Patton

College Student Affairs Leadership

Access to higher education has been limited for many underrepresented racial minorities (URMs) in the United States. Part of the reason for this has been because of weaknesses in the K-16 pipeline. This article takes a collective impact approach to understanding what K-16 personnel can do to assist URMs through proper curriculum development and implementation. Overall, this article will focus on the proficiency model, how it has been used in the mainstream, and why the proficiency model is important when working together within the K-16 continuum.


The Teleological Effect Of Neoliberalism On American Higher Education [Special Section], Paul E. Bylsma Nov 2015

The Teleological Effect Of Neoliberalism On American Higher Education [Special Section], Paul E. Bylsma

College Student Affairs Leadership

This article explores the impact of a neoliberal political and economic context on American higher education, arguing that the purpose of higher education has been reduced to a transactional process rather than maintaining its transformative potential. Recommendations to mitigate this phenomenon are presented.


Higher Education And Privilege: 21st Century Issues [Special Section], Fatma Ayyad Nov 2015

Higher Education And Privilege: 21st Century Issues [Special Section], Fatma Ayyad

College Student Affairs Leadership

This literature review analysis revealed that governmental and non-profit foundations have promoted racial equity to enhance the life of people who live in poverty in the United States. These institutions intended to provide opportunities for low-income individuals, such as education. Despite improvements for historically underrepresented students in higher education, there are still gaps in college attainment between White non-Hispanics and minorities. This paper discusses how system polices in the workplace and schools create social economic disparities in society.


Guest Editor’S Corner: The Great Convergence And Critical Issues [Special Section], Shannon Burton Nov 2015

Guest Editor’S Corner: The Great Convergence And Critical Issues [Special Section], Shannon Burton

College Student Affairs Leadership

Note from the guest editor.


Opinion Editorial: Reflecting On Obama’S America's College Promise Proposal, Brandon L. Rush Jun 2015

Opinion Editorial: Reflecting On Obama’S America's College Promise Proposal, Brandon L. Rush

College Student Affairs Leadership

Reflecting on Obama’s America’s College Promise Proposal


Editor’S Corner: Engaging With Research: A Reflection On Context And Emotional Connections, Theresa D. Lyon Jun 2015

Editor’S Corner: Engaging With Research: A Reflection On Context And Emotional Connections, Theresa D. Lyon

College Student Affairs Leadership

Note from the editor-in-chief.


Faculty, Staff And Student Reactions To A University Smoking Policy: Perceptions For Change, Laura Johnson, Julia Vandermolen Jun 2015

Faculty, Staff And Student Reactions To A University Smoking Policy: Perceptions For Change, Laura Johnson, Julia Vandermolen

College Student Affairs Leadership

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions held by faculty, staff, and students regarding the smoking policy at a medium-sized, master’s granting institution in the Midwestern United States. Findings from the study indicate that the majority of faculty, staff, and students support a change in the school’s current smoking policy. Recommendations for further research are provided.


Opinion Editorial: When Will Our Lives Matter?, Jamar Ragland Dec 2014

Opinion Editorial: When Will Our Lives Matter?, Jamar Ragland

College Student Affairs Leadership

When Will Our Lives Matter?


Opinion Editorial: Why Is It That So Many White People Fear Black Men?, Dmitri C. Westbrook Dec 2014

Opinion Editorial: Why Is It That So Many White People Fear Black Men?, Dmitri C. Westbrook

College Student Affairs Leadership

Why is it that so Many White People Fear Black Men?


A Quantitative Exploration Of The Effects Of Employment On High-Achieving African American College Students, John A. Gipson Jr Dec 2014

A Quantitative Exploration Of The Effects Of Employment On High-Achieving African American College Students, John A. Gipson Jr

College Student Affairs Leadership

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between employment status and student involvement for academically high-achieving African American students (HAAASs) attending one master’s-granting, large, predominantly White institution in the Midwestern United States. Findings from this study contribute to and expand upon existing literature by suggesting that employment does not influence the amount of time HAAASs study or participate within student organizations. Implications for future research are also explored.


Using Fowler's Faith Development Theory In Student Affairs Practice, Alison Andrade Dec 2014

Using Fowler's Faith Development Theory In Student Affairs Practice, Alison Andrade

College Student Affairs Leadership

This article provides a review and analysis of James Fowler’s (1981) theory of faith development, while also describing the literature that surrounds his theory. Drawing from the work of Kohlberg, Erikson, and Piaget, Fowler developed a stage theory of faith development that has been continuously referred to by those interested in the faith development process, both in praise and criticism. While it was not initially intended to be a student development theory, Fowler’s work can certainly be applied to the context of higher education. The author explains the relevance of faith development theory to the field of higher education and …


Editor's Corner: Controversy, Control And Confronting Structural Injustice, Lindsay Greyerbiehl Dec 2014

Editor's Corner: Controversy, Control And Confronting Structural Injustice, Lindsay Greyerbiehl

College Student Affairs Leadership

Notes from the editor-in-chief.