Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Leadership Curriculum On High School Students’ Self-Efficacy, Shannon R. Brown

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This explanatory sequential mixed methods-case study design grounded in Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, examines the impact of leadership development curriculum on high school students’ perceived levels of self-efficacy as well as researching characteristics students report are most important for strengthening their self-efficacy. Quantitatively, via convenience non-probabilistic sampling, an online Qualtrics questionnaire was used to collect data from 17 students currently in high school who were enrolled in a one-semester leadership development course in their junior or senior year. Qualitatively, six students who completed the questionnaire participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, nine students who completed the questionnaire provided three different reflective artifacts …

"It's A Different Kind Of Grit": The Lived Experiences Of Identity And Sense Of Belonging For Rural College-Going Students, Kim D. Jackson

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This qualitative study examines the relationship between identity and sense of belonging in college for students from rural parts of Pennsylvania. Rural students can struggle with identity and belonging in college and need support from student services. I used the theories of belonging and intersectionality as the theoretical frameworks for the study. Participants are from four high schools in rural Pennsylvania and are participants in a community-based organization and scholarship program. Nine participants were used for the study. Participants completed a brief questionnaire and a 1-2 hour in depth individual interview. The questionnaire items collected demographic information on participants to …

Perceptions Of School Garden Programming And Their Communities: A Mixed-Methods Research Study, Briana Lafratte

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

School gardening has been connected to improving student nutritional knowledge (Landry et al., 2021; Leuven et al., 2018), academics (Eugenio-Gozalbo et al., 2020), and pro-environmental attitudes (Zelenika et al., 2018; Chang, 2015). Caring for plants in the garden fosters a positive and caring relationship with plants, allowing students to see themselves as a part of the natural world and promoting environmentally active stances in adulthood (Kalvaitis & Monhardt, 2012; Chawla, 2007). This exploratory sequential mixed methods study explored the scope of how school gardening programs are being utilized across a county in Pennsylvania to promote student community involvement, how food …

Beyond The Annual Review: How Feedback Environments Shape Student Affairs And Student Service Employees’ Feedback Receptivity, Lauren Zahour

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Student Affairs and Student Service (SASS) professionals play a central role in student success outcomes and have direct organizational impact in higher education settings. As in other types of workplaces such as corporations, supervision and feedback are key elements of growth and development for SASS professionals. There is minimal research addressing how the supervisor feedback environment is connected to SASS employees’ feedback orientation, highlighting a need to explore these relationships to enhance supervision practices, feedback self-efficacy, and institutional effectiveness. The purpose of this quantitative study was to analyze the potential relationships between SASS employees’ perceived feedback environment and their own …

From Theory To Practice: A Mixed Methods Study On K-8 Teachers’ Experiences Transitioning To Urban Education, Brittini S. Piercy

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This convergent mixed methods study focused on K-8 teachers’ experiences transitioning into urban education classrooms in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ. The aim was to better understand teachers’ reflections of their experiences and the impact made by their teacher preparation programs. Connecting with Kramer’s Reality Shock Theory (1974) and Hochschild’s Emotional Labor Theory (1983), I examined how teacher preparation programs are disconnected from the reality of urban classroom experiences. This included an analysis on teachers’ expectations versus their reality and how they are managing their emotions during these transitions. In the quantitative phase, teachers (n=48) reflected on their preparation program, …

Literacy Teachers’ Self-Efficacy And Instructional Choice Within A Structured Literacy Approach, Brianna Horst

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

In the United States over the past two centuries, differing views on reading instruction have fueled public and scientific debate. In the mid-2020s, Structured Literacy has become a central focus in education policy, pre-service teacher preparation, professional development, and curricular design. While Structured Literacy offers a strong foundation for early literacy, it does not fully capture a holistic view of literacy.

This mixed-method explanatory sequential design examined teachers’ stance on Structured Literacy, their instructional practices, and self-efficacy in literacy instruction. Participants included 30 survey respondents and 5 interviewees. Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (1978, 1997) informed the analysis. Phase I involved …

Exploring Perceptions Of Accommodations In Ot Fieldwork: A Mixed Methods Study, Courtney A. Gohean, Courtney Gohean

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to explore the perceptions and experiences of occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork educators, academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs), and Level II OT students with disabilities regarding accommodations during fieldwork. Quantitative data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire completed by 45 fieldwork educators. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven AFWCs and seven OT students/new graduates who had used Section 504 accommodations during Level II fieldwork. Thematic analysis revealed key themes among students and AFWCs, including barriers to disclosure, variability in support and communication, the need for proactive planning, and concerns regarding …

“I’M Doing Good For Her”: Stories Examining The Employment Experiences Of Undergraduate Students With Pell-Eligibility, Jennifer Ruggiero-Patel

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Students of low socioeconomic status are a growing demographic in higher education, in part because of historical advances which provided more access to this population. To afford their education, as well as necessities, students of low socioeconomic status usually need to work while earning their degree. Higher education institutions are often not structured to support students of low socioeconomic status (Lee, 2024). The purpose of this qualitative, narrative inquiry was to examine the stories of employed undergraduate students of low socioeconomic status, while also studying their motivation for working while in college. The data for this study was collected through …

Uncertain Futures, Unfinished Journeys: The Complex Realities Of Belonging Among International College Women Of Color In The U.S., Matheeha Majeeth

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study explored the complex and personal lived experiences of International College Women of Color (ICWOC) as they navigated the complexities of developing of a sense of belonging within their U.S. higher education institution (HEI). Guided by Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of Intersectionality (1991,1989) and Strayhorn’s College Student Sense of Belonging theory (2012), this research study used an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore how racism, ethnocentrism and misogyny shaped the ICWOC participants’ academic and social journeys in their U.S. HEIs. Through individual, semi-structured interviews with the participants, this study revealed that belonging was not simply about institutional access or inclusion. It …

2025 Tennessee Higher Education Fact Book, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Higher Education Fact Book

This document is an overview of data collected by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Document revised and updated in July 2025.

Programs And Courses Catalog 2025-2026, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Programs and Courses Catalogs

Contents:

Academic Calendar ... 5
General Information ... 7
The University and Its Programs ... 7
Academic Structure ... 9
Admission Requirements ... 16
Enrollment and Registration Procedures ... 21
Fees and Financial Aid ... 22
Student Life ... 28
University Facilities and Educational Services ... 33
The Fine and Performing Arts at UNI ... 39
Academic Regulations ... 44
Undergraduate Information and Degree Requirements ... 61
Graduate Information, Admission, Academic Regulations, and Degree Requirements ... 81
List of Programs by Department ... 111
Department of Accounting ... 118
Department of Applied Engineering ... 121
Department of Art and Graphic …

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog, Sacred Heart University

Graduate & Undergraduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Faith-Based Adult Education In Black And Marginalized Communities, Brian Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how faith-based and strengths-based adult education programs impact the cognitive well-being, life purpose, and socioeconomic outcomes of Black, and marginalized adult learners. The research seeks to understand the lived experiences of participants, motivations, and barriers to inform more inclusive and effective adult education practices. Additionally, the study aims to understand what impact these organizations are having on the self-efficacy, socioeconomic outcomes of Black and marginalized students, while looking to align areas for improvement. While the study uses quantitative methods to answer research question, the focus of questions bring insight that would …

Csbs Statements, V26, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Statements

Contents:

From the Dean --- 3
Shaping Tomorrow --- 4
Helping Students Cross the Finish Line --- 10
Beyond the Uniform --- 12
Finding the Right Fit --- 14
From Patient to Colleague --- 16
Diplomacy in Action --- 18
College News --- 20
Panther Spotlights --- 24
Annual Giving --- 26
Class Notes --- 39

“We Do Not Choose This Life”: Advocating For And Empowering Those Living With Poverty Through Applied Theatre, Carol A. Stalker, Ginette Lafreniere, Rachel Yavnai, Catherine Frid

Lyle S. Hallman Social Work Faculty Publications

A collaboration between a theatre company, a university and

eight community organizations culminated in an applied theatre

project entitled “Living Below the Line.” Residents living with

poverty were invited to become co-creators of a new play,

which was performed in five local venues. The project’s objectives

were 1) the provision of a respectful, supportive, empowering

and creative process for the co-creators, and 2) increased

understanding of the effects of poverty for audience members

and the larger community. This paper reports the findings of the

evaluation, which indicate that the objectives were met in several

ways: 1) the co-creators felt uplifted …

Exploring The Teaching Methods And Approaches Used By Australian Educators To Teach Occupation, Melanie J. Roberts, Barb Hooper, Bernadette Sebar, Jim Woodburn

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy education standards for teaching occupation are inconsistently applied and there is a lack of evidence to inform teaching practice in Australia. This qualitative study explored what teaching methods and approaches Australian occupational therapy educators used in their classroom, and why those methods were used. The research was completed in two phases: narrative inquiry guided Phase I where educators were interviewed about the methods and approaches used to teach occupation. In Phase II video-reflexive ethnography was implemented, where a video recording of teaching was used as a prompt for a reflexive discussion about the educator’s teaching approaches. The interviews …

2025-2026 Common Data, Morehead State University. Institutional Research & Analysis.

Office of Institutional Research & Analysis Publication Archive

2025-2026 issue of the Common Data.

2025-01-01 Caudill Connection, Morehead State University. Caudill College Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences.

Caudill Connection

Caudill Connection newsletter for January of 2025.

From Objects To Relationships: Reviving Connectivity Through Collaborative Artmaking, Carolina Blatt-Gross

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

A shortage of pro-social opportunities during the pandemic brought to the fore a longer, deeper trend toward disconnection. With the broader emphasis on individualized academic achievement compounding pandemic-induced social disenfranchisement, schools and communities are struggling to revive a sense of connectivity and belonging. The arts, on the other hand, have long been associated with social outcomes, historically generating group cohesion and inherently offering participants a sense of unity and synchronicity through collaborative artmaking. Applied to educational settings, pinpointing the concrete aspects of art education that beget social capital and connectedness is a more difficult task. This investigation examines the potential …

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2024/2025, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Some Comparisons
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-Time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted 2024/25
--- Degree Summary 2024/25
--- Program Certificates 2023/24
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree and Racial/Ethnic Classification

A Mixed Methods Study Of Teacher Perceptions Of Restorative Practice In The Classroom, Crystal Brown

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This mixed methods study explored the perceptions of teachers in North Carolina alternative schools regarding the implementation and impact of restorative practices (RPs) on professional practice, student behavior, academic progress, and reentry outcomes after behavioral incidents. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used, beginning with an 18-item Likert scale survey completed by 30 educators and followed by 10 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings revealed moderate agreement that RP improved classroom management and conflict resolution, though academic and attendance gains were limited. Qualitative findings offered deeper insight into how restorative circles cultivated trust, accountability, and student voice, enabling more effective student-teacher …

Insights In, On And For Teacher Education: An International Teacher Educator Study, Simone White, Jean Murray, Lin Goodwin

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Whilst the importance of research in teacher education is widely emphasised, debates continue about issues of value, legitimacy and contributions to the knowledge base. This paper aims to contribute to these debates by looking at research in, on and for teacher education, by teacher educators. Drawing from 20 interviews of international experienced teacher educators, questions were posed into the types of research they have pursued, how their research contributed to the field, and how they conceptualised research in/on and for teacher education. Drawing from Bourdieu, findings give insights into what constitutes valued research capital within the divergent field or territory …

Educational Matriarchs And All Other Duties As Assigned: A Narrative Inquiry Into Motherhood And Student Affairs Leadership, Allison N. Brady Cullum

Dissertations of Practice

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of mothers who hold senior leadership roles within student affairs in higher education. Despite women comprising the majority of student affairs professionals, mothers remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions. This disparity is often attributed to gendered organizational norms and the “ideal worker” expectation, which privileges constant availability and lack of caregiving responsibilities. Using a narrative inquiry methodology and guided by Margaret Sallee’s “ideal worker” framework, this qualitative study amplifies the voices of five mother-leaders, examining how they navigate both their professional and personal responsibilities.

Data was collected through two in-depth, semi-structured interviews with …

Voices Of High School Writers: Exploring Perceptions And Experiences In Secondary Writing Education, Emily Wisniewski

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study explores how high school writers develop their writing identities and how their writing identities impact students' writing self-efficacy. This study emphasized how high school writers’ experiences with academic and creative writing, teacher and peer feedback, and personal beliefs about writing shape how they view themselves as writers and their abilities to create and complete a writing task. Utilizing a hybrid methodology through hermeneutic phenomenology and social cognitive theory, this study examines the lived experiences of eight participants in southeastern Pennsylvania. Through journals, interviews, and artifact collection, this study identified key themes such as writing identity development, influences in …

Bridging Language Barriers: How Secondary Teachers Support English Language Learners In The Classroom, Mason Daniel Smith

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

English Language Learners (ELLs) represent a growing student population in U.S. secondary schools, yet many educators feel underprepared to support their unique needs effectively. This mixed-methods study examines how Pennsylvania high school teachers approach the teaching of ELLs, focusing on their self-efficacy, instructional decision-making, and strategies for fostering an inclusive classroom community. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, data was collected through surveys from a limited group of 40 high school educators followed by in-depth interviews with three participants. Findings revealed that while teachers express a strong desire to support ELLs, they often experience uncertainty and frustration due to …

“We Love Our Kids Too” Black Parents Supporting The Academic Success Of Their Children In Affluent, Predominantly White School Districts, Janeane M. Davis

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Using an endarkened narrative inquiry method, the author examined the narratives of Black parents about the experiences of their children on their academic journeys while attending school in affluent, predominantly white school districts, as well as the stories of how those Black parents support the academic success of their children in those school districts. Data collection strategies included one-on-one semi-structured interviews with parents. The researcher conducted the study using an endarkened narrative inquiry methodology and analyzed the narratives of Black parents in their efforts to support their children on their academic journeys. The researcher evaluated tools, techniques, and strategies that …

Virginia Commonwealth University: Program Profile, Christy Tyndall, Jacqueline Smith-Mason

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs: Chapters

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is an urban, public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. VCU is among only eighty-four R1 universities with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, which is a testament to VCU’s strong commitment to integrating community engagement through teaching, research, and service to address societal challenges and improve the quality of life for all. The university enrolls more than 28,000 students, representing over one hundred countries. Eighty-five percent of students are Virginia residents, and more than half of all students represent ethnically diverse populations. Thirty-seven percent of all fall 2024 freshmen were first-generation college students. More than two …

"I’Ll Wait Zero Seconds": Faculty Perspectives On Serials Access, Sharing, And Immediacy, Rachel Elizabeth Scott, Anne Shelley, Chad E. Buckley, Cassie Thayer-Styes, Julie A. Murphy

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This study explores how faculty across disciplines access and share scholarly serial content and what expectations they have for immediacy. The authors conducted twenty-five in-depth, semi-structured interviews with faculty of various ranks representing all Illinois State University (ISU) colleges. The findings, presented in the words of participants and triangulated with data from local sources, suggest that faculty use a variety of context-specific mechanisms to access and share serial literature. Participants discuss how they use library services such as databases, subscriptions, interlibrary loan, and document delivery, coupled with academic social networks, disciplinary repositories, author websites, and other publicly available sources to …

How Inclusive Are Degree Programs In Operations Research And Analytics In The U.S.?, Michael P. Johnson Jr., Tayo Fabusuyi, Elham Hesari, Salina Chu

Public Policy and Public Affairs Faculty Publication Series

Academic programs in colleges and universities in the United States have increasingly embraced principles of equity and inclusion to support student success and diversity within professions. Innovations in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in university programs require baseline data on students, faculty and administrators, curricula, and programmatic support. A review of data shows that underrepresented groups in the US workforce have limited visibility in operations research and analytics. A review of DEI-related research reveals some relevant insights including a gap in studies specific to operations research and analytics.

To provide evidence in support of DEI initiatives in OR/analytics, we describe …

Fact Book, Academic Year 2024, Systems Intelligence And Data Analytics, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Fact Book

The Fact Book presents important campus information in data tables and charts. Included are details regarding students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Generally, data are broken out by college, rank, level, gender, age and ethnicity for both spring and fall semesters, past to present. There are a few academic year tables that include information on tuition & fees, student credit hours by program, and degrees conferred. We wish to thank the many individuals and departments at the University for their contributions to the Fact Book.