Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons^™

A Case Study Exploring The Transition To Middle School From The Perspective Of Students, Kelly A. Rappa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition to middle school is often associated with negative effects on academic achievement, motivation, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Educators at a Grade 6 through 8 middle school in the northeastern United States observed students struggle with the adjustment to middle school. Research suggests that developmentally responsive schools can significantly reduce the potential negative impact of middle school adjustment. Drawing upon developmental theories from the works of individuals such as Piaget, Erikson, and Maslow, the purpose of this single-case study was to capture the opinions, thoughts, and perceptions of the students transitioning into middle school to better understand how they …

A Principal's Perceptions Of Character Education In A Rural Public School, Sandra H. Harrison

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

A majority of rural public schools face difficult and challenging problems: geographical isolation, escalating crime, impoverished families, economic inequities, faculty nonretention, declining enrollments, and lack of success in meeting accreditation benchmarks. In the past decade, support for character education as a valuable pedagogy to complement instruction and academic achievement emerged. The obligation to meet federal and state standards created expectations that school principals have the leadership ability to facilitate strong academic curricula as well as programs fostering students' moral development through character education. Mobilizing resources for character education initiatives becomes the responsibility of school principals or their designees. The purpose …

For Wanting Of A Meal: An Exploratory Study Of Meal Provisions At Medium To Large College And University Food Services In Illinois, Evan J. Mcwhirter

Masters Theses

This cross-sectional analysis of vegetarian provisions in medium to large college and university food services was developed to facilitate more inclusive institutional food services in higher education. The primary investigator interviewed eight college and university food service directors for the purposes of the study. The overarching theme emerging from the study was that food services are amenable to change current food provisions as long as the students voice their opinions and eat the food thus prepared.

Millennial Music Students: Perceptions Of General Stress, Performance Stress, Physical Health, And Mental Health, Elizabeth Plapp

Masters Theses

The participants in the current study were examined utilizing qualitative research. Focus groups were conducted to examine the experience of music majors in relation to general stress, performance stress, physical health, mental health, and well-being strategies.

Results found participants perceived stress as ambient due to excessive non-credit course, studio and private practice loads, expectations for participation outside of coursework, practicing toward an ill-defined concept of 'success', and poor time management skills. Participants discussed a continuum of stress from performance before private instructor and peers (more stressful) to a general audience (less stressful). Participants expressed a moderate amount of physical health …

An Examination Of The Intersection Between Alcohol Use And Unanticipated Consequences For College Females, Jessica A. Wright

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the intersection between alcohol use and unanticipated consequences for college females. The second purpose of this study was to examine how the participants perceived their risk of sexual assault. Prior quantitative research in this field indicated that binge drinking is a predictor of risky behaviors. Research also showed that many negative consequences, including sexual assault, can occur as a result of binge drinking. A qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the drinking behaviors of college females in their own voices, as well as their perceived risk of negative …

The Mis-Education Of Fraternity-Sorority Life Professionals: Moving Towards Effective Support And Development Of Nphc Advisors At Predominantly White Institutions, Sunni Lee Solomon Ii

Masters Theses

National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations have existed at Predominantly White Institutions since the early 20tl' century, and the actual council was formed during the 1930s. Since their inception these organizations have struggled to obtain equal facilities, campus advisorship, and support on PWI campuses. On many fronts the needs of NPHC organizations have been ignored or poorly addressed on many campuses. Through the usage of the qualitative inquiry method of phenomenology, the present study highlights the more successful experiences of student affairs professionals who have succeeded in developing strong NPHC communities on their campuses, the difficulties they encountered, and the valuable lessons …

Student-Athletes And Their Willingness To Contribute Financially In The Future To Eastern Illinois University Athletics, Joseph Richard Ethington

Masters Theses

The present study examines the perceptions of student-athletes at a mid-sized Midwest public university. The study relates the athletic, academic, and social experiences of student-athletes to their willingness to make financial contributions to the department of Athletics in the future. By knowing the degree of association to an athletic-department and/or sport team, predictors can be established to determine potential donors and their preferred recipient of support. In order to study these predictors, student-athletes were administered a survey and asked to participate in oneon- one interviews. Survey protocols were administered via a web-based survey instrument which received a response rate of …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Esl Chinese Student Experiences At A North American Institution Of Higher Education, Kelly Anne Kawa

Masters Theses

The present qualitative study explored the educational and cultural experiences of English as a Second Language Chinese international students while studying abroad at a North American institution of higher education. The research focused on the experiences of three Chinese students who were currently in their first semester at a Midwestern mid-sized comprehensive university comprised of nearly 12,000 students. A review ofliterature revealed that there has been a steady rise in international education abroad since the implementation of China's open door policy in 1978. The United States is the leading country to admit international students into their colleges and universities. The …

Student Athletes' Perceptions Of Academic Support, Career Support And Personal Support, Chandra R. Golden

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of student athletes concerning self identity, academic support, career support, and personal support. Qualitative methodology was used to gather information through in-depth focus groups. Participants were male and female student athletes from a mid-size Midwestern Public University.

Findings indicated there is an inherent struggle to balance multiple roles with one usually elevated over the other. Second, participants appreciated the academic support of the university, but indicated its influence ranged from extremely helpful and appreciated (Athletic Academic Support Staff) to moderately helpful (Major Specific Academic Advisors) to least helpful (Regular Academic …

Financial Well-Being Among Selected Students At Eastern Illinois University, Eric John Mazoch

Masters Theses

This study examined the financial well-being of Eastern Illinois University undergraduate students. Specifically the areas of financial debt, stress, and specific buying habits were addressed in determining the financial status of EIU students. The study was completed during spring 2011 by means of an online survey.

Significant correlations were found between the level of debt students had and their overall level of self-reported stress using a local five item semantic differential measure. There were no significant differences between student academic class standing and collective outstanding debt. Major on-campus versus off-campus spending differences were the cost of utilities and in the …

The Initial Application Screening Process For P-12 Potential Teacher Candidates, Brian Edward Neighbors

Masters Theses

This study was designed to understand what factors determine how a school district hiring official takes a stack of many applicants and screens those down to a few to bring in for a face to face interview. The application process is seldom a focus in teacher education curriculum, and the study sought to see how important the application documents were in determining how the candidate was viewed by the hiring official. The researcher conducted one on one interview with a selected sample of district hiring officials using a qualitative inquiry method. Interviews were analyzed to determine how district size and …

Assessing Transfer Student Needs At Eastern Illinois University, Samantha J. Noblit

Masters Theses

This qualitative study was designed to assess the transitional needs of transfer students at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Ten students who transferred to EIU in the fall of 2009 were interviewed to compile valuable feedback and data that could ultimately be used to enhance transfer student programming. Five students who experienced a difficult academic transition and were placed on academic warning were interviewed as well as five students who remained in good academic standing with the institution. With the diverse backgrounds and experiences from the interviewees, many different results were concluded. Transfer student transitions were effected by living on campus, …

A Program Evaluation Of A University Volunteer Program, Stacey Patricia Jaksa

Masters Theses

The present study was created to explore the phenomenon of volunteerism as it relates to integrated learning by showcasing a "best practice" in implementing a service-learning or volunteer program at an institute of higher education. Central Michigan University has been nationally recognized for its Volunteer Center program and through a mixed methods design the present study evaluated the program using qualitative and quantitative data collected by the researcher. The study was guided by four primary research questions:

1. What are student perceptions of the Volunteer Center and the programs it offers
2. What is the value, if any, that students and/or alumni …

The Impact Of Mentoring African-American Males During Their Undergraduate Experience, Ivan D. Blount

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present qualitative study was to examine mentoring relationships for African American males enrolled at a predominately white university. Study participants met the following criteria: (1) African American male; and (2) senior class status based on earned academic credits. Characteristics such as prior enrollment at other institutions, age at the time the study was conducted, and degree program enrollment were not identified criteria. The findings of the present study include the perceptions of the impact of mentoring on the persistence, involvement in the cocurriculum, relationships with formal and informal mentors, and , in general, their successfulness ( …

Flowers In Bloom: The Experiences Of African American Undergraduate Single Mothers At A Predominantly White Institution, Erika C. Weaver

Masters Theses

Little research has been done to examine the experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers. Because of this, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers at a Predominantly White Institution. Prior research identified the following themes: African American women in higher education, single mothers in higher education, welfare reform, and support systems. A qualitative study was conducted to gain an in depth understanding of five women's perceptions of their experiences at Fields University. Individual interviews were conducted with five student mothers, each of whom had one child living with her. …

Freshmen Perceptions Of Academic Support In The Residence Halls, Katherine E. Schmidt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of freshmen students on the subject of academic support in the residence halls. Prior research in the field indicated there are many different approaches to academic support in the residence halls such as the professional and resident assistant staff, academic programming as well as the physical environment, and exploring living learning community programs. The prior research also indicated the need to identify the unique millennial generational needs as well as the goals of integrative learning. A qualitative study was conducted in three focus group settings to gain an understanding of …

White Male College Students: An Examination Of Identity Development, Masculinity, And Institutional Connections, Randy Ott

Dissertations

White, male college (WCM) students have been a central focus of researchers in higher education throughout its existence, but have not been studied as a group whose identity development is a key issue. This study looked at WCM, their masculinity levels, and how their past connections with peers, instructors, or staff influenced their White identity development. In this study I utilized a phenomenological research approach to learn about the lived experiences of eight WCM. The eight WCM were at least junior status at a medium size, Midwestern, public university.

The results point to multiple conclusions and themes. This study supported …

Evaluation Of School Social Workers' Time Spent In Direct And Indirect Practices, Kris Brummund

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore District 77 school social workers’ time distribution of direct and indirect services. Time spent in these services for school social workers is not well researched or documented.

Graduate Online Bulletin, 2011-2012 (2011), Minnesota State University Moorhead

Graduate Bulletins (Catalogs)

No abstract provided.

A Construct Validity Study Of Differentiation Of Self Measures And Their Correlates, Mary Jane Maser

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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