Digital Commons Network^™

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.

Healing Communities With Police Divestment: Seeking Abolition Through Transformative Reform And Community-Government Collaboration, Jessica E. Gillson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concerns about the efficacy and sustainability of the U.S. carceral system have persisted throughout the country’s history, recently fueling renewed activism and bipartisan calls for reform. However, proposed solutions remain divisive. This thesis first defines the current status of our prison systems, then explores collaborative alternatives to incarceration and policing that support communities and break cycles of incarceration.

Focusing on partnerships among local governments, community organizations, justice-involved individuals, and law enforcement, this study examines holistic approaches to crime prevention, reentry, and reintegration. Using an interdisciplinary framework incorporating restorative justice, community resilience, and systems theory, it investigates how community-based strategies can …

Library Connection, Winter 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Connection

Contents:

--- A Year Rich in UNI History
--- TEACH Studio Update: College of Education & Rod Library Collaboration
--- Student Success: Possible with the Support of Generous Donors

The Nohs 2024 Code Of Ethics Update, Kevin C. Snow, Christian Williams, Ed Neukrug, Kristin Barker, Kristin Ballard, Braxton A. Morrison, Leslie C.M. Mcclane, Meghan N. Morgan, Stephanie Collins

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The NOHS Ethics committee engaged in a revision of the Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals (2024). This update focused on significant changes in the field of human services as they relate to a broad group of human services professionals. The article explores interviews with key members of the revision committee sharing their thoughts on the necessity for the current revision and the ever-present importance for human service professionals to understand and engage with the NOHS ethics code as an essential living document for the benefit of client well-being, to promote the integrity of the human services profession, and to …

How Do School Counselors And School Social Workers Support High School Bullying Victims: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study, Dalentina N. Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying and student aggression are increasing in public high schools. Bullying and cyberbullying are a safety concern, and victims of bullying have shown a decline academically and emotionally. Additionally, high schools need increased support with bullying behaviors. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to explore school counselors’ and school social workers’ insights and perspectives regarding the support they provided to bullying victims in two school districts in rural Georgia. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory was the framework used to focus research on understanding how environmental systems influence an individual’s development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposeful sample of …

The Relationship Of Preschool Variables To Kindergarten Early Literacy Skills, Michele Davis Thomason

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of Pre-K experiences on kindergarten early literacy skills in Alabama. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was utilized to analyze assessment data from My Teaching Strategies AlaKiDS and Renaissance STAR Early Literacy for kindergarten students in a rural Alabama district. The students were divided into three groups for comparison: students who attended Alabama First Class Pre-K, those in private programs using the Abeka curriculum, and students with no formal Pre-K experience. The dissertation utilized Vygotsky’s constructivist theory to assess the influence of early educational environments on the cognitive development through scaffolding and the Zone of …

Annual Report Of Undergraduate Research Fellows From August 2024 To May 2025, Office Of Research And Sponsored Programs. Morehead State University.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Reports and Publications

Annual Report of Undergraduate Research Fellows from August 2024 to May 2025.

Digital Storytelling Across Disciplinary Horizons: A Bibliometric Exploration Through Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, And Social Sciences, Desmin Davis, Manoj Praveen G, Ashna K

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study aims to know the key publication trends and patterns in digital storytelling research and to find the most influential papers, authors, journals, funding sponsors, sources, and countries that contributed to digital storytelling research from 2013 to 2023. This was examined through a systematic bibliometric analysis conducted on 508 documents collected from the Scopus database based on particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric patterns were obtained using the VOS viewer software. The findings indicated that the digital storytelling research field is emerging and shows growing interest in this particular field. The increasing citation trend shows its importance across various …

Gvsu Press Releases, 2025, Grand Valley State University

University Press Releases, 1961-Present

A compilation of press releases for the year 2025 submitted by University Communications (formerly News & Information Services) to news agencies concerning the people, places, and events related to Grand Valley State University.

Exploratory Study On The Influence Of Social Skills, Students' Well-Being, And Communication Skills On Smartphone Usage Among Junior Secondary School Students, Sriyanto Sriyanto, Tri Naimah, Aji Heru Muslim, Dedy Irawan, Sri Muryaningsih

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The escalating smartphone usage (SU) among Junior Secondary School (JSS) students necessitates rigorous investigation of its multifaceted impacts on social skills (SS), communication skills (CS), and student well-being (SW), particularly through the lens of mediation and moderation analysis that current studies have overlooked. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of SU on SS, CS, and SW, considering the mediating and moderating roles of related variables. The research design utilized a survey and a cross-sectional approach involving JSC students in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia (N=500). Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by adapting standardized instruments to …

Understanding And Doing Research In Education & The Social Sciences, Phillip A. Olt, Yaprak Dalat Ward, Kevin Splichal, Reade L. Dowda, Elliot Isom

All Open Educational Resources

The purpose of this book is to provide an open-access, free textbook for initial learning about research for students in the social sciences and related professional fields (such as education, social work, business, or nursing).

This OER was updated in 2026 to include accessibility updates.

Faculty Motivation For Online Teaching And Learning, Elizabeth Sachiko Haas Greene

Dissertations

The study will examine which factors predict faculty motivation in online learning. Additionally, the study will investigate the relationship between faculty perceptions of online learning and overall online teaching and learning and the relationships that exist between perceptions of administrative support and self-efficacy for online learning. The study's findings will provide insight into how institutions can support faculty teaching in the growing online modality. The overarching method for this study is a nonexperimental quantitative study. This method will collect numerical data that can be used to measure various aspects of behavior, including attitudes (Drew et al., 2014). The study's participants …

The Lived Experiences Of Physical Therapy Educators During Ethics Instruction, Erin Simunds Pt

Doctorate in Education

Physical therapy educators must prepare students to navigate the ethical complexity and pressures of clinical practice. However, limited evidence exists regarding the best pedagogical strategies to develop future clinicians' ethical skills. This study aimed to explore how physical therapy ethics educators integrated their personal and professional experiences with academic elements when designing and implementing ethics instruction. The research draws from the semi-structured interviews of eight educators teaching ethics in Midwestern physical therapy programs to discover instructional patterns supporting student engagement with the content. Participants' narratives specified how curriculum design considerations, critical thinking dispositions, and organizational alignment factors influenced their approach …

From Intent To Invent: An Exploration Of The Entrepreneurial Learning Strategies Of Entrepreneurially-Intentioned Individuals When Navigating Social Media As An Informal Learning Environment, Joshua Lyndon Gray

Theses and Dissertations

The journey from entrepreneurial intention to entrepreneurial invention involves various considerations for individuals with an intention to start a business in the next 3 years. While some individuals with entrepreneurial intentions pursue higher education prior to starting a business, some start businesses without graduating from a degree program—prompting an exploration of various entrepreneurial learning options. This study uncovered the learning strategies employed by individuals with entrepreneurial intentions when navigating informal learning environments, particularly social media, through a phenomenological qualitative approach. The study explored the phenomenon of entrepreneurial learning experiences through investigating the use of social media platforms as informal learning …

African Restorative Justice Philosophy: Practicing The Ubuntu Paradigm In The Composition Classroom, Francis Hamza Issah

Wayne State University Dissertations

As the field of rhetoric and composition studies grapples with problematic institutional paradigms militating against its growth, changes taking place in the field mean that opportunity is created for a more equitable, inclusive, and diversified composition classroom. Questions of diversity, equity and inclusion have led me to investigate the composition classroom to identify and decenter structural systems of white mainstream literacy and language practices as a way of encouraging and building on the prior literacy practices of not just minority students, but all categories of students. In my dissertation research, I propose the practice of ubuntu as a way of …

Expériences Vécues Et Perceptions De Personnes Étudiantes Internationales Sur Les Mesures Et Les Services Offerts Par Les Universités Québécoises Pendant La Pandémie De Covid-19 = Experiences And Perceptions Of International Students Regarding Measures And Services Offered By Quebec Universities During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Farrah Bérubé, Jessica Dubé, Jorge Frozzini, Daniel Côté

Études primaires

Cet article fait état d’une partie des résultats d’une recherche menée auprès de personnes étudiantes internationales (PÉI) qui fréquentaient des universités québécoises pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. La recherche portait sur les usages sociaux des technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) et sur la qualité de vie des PÉI en période de confinement. Les résultats présentés et discutés dans cet article se rapportent plus spécifiquement aux expériences et perceptions des PÉI sur les mesures et les services offerts par les universités en contexte de confinement. Afin de répondre à cet objectif, des entretiens semi-dirigés, menés auprès de 40 …

Exploring The Impacts Of Secondary/Foreign Language Development On Childhood Development, Malone A. Ingram

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The central topic of my research project explores the positive impacts that early second language acquisition has on childhood development . I examine its effect through the lens of bilingual education in Missoula County Public Schools, identifying possible shortcomings in the language education programs in elementary schools, as well as feasible solutions. I approach this research from two distinct directions: a literature review and original data collection. I will analyse existing studies and information relating to bilingualism and its positive impact on childhood development. This will provide context and support for my interview questions. Next, for my own independent research, …

Emanata Presents: Obsession (2025)

Emanata, 2014-

Started by illustrator and comics artist Chris Kindred in 2014 with Weird, Vol. 1, Emanata is VCU’s first-ever comics anthology.

Cultural Competence In Pre-Medical Education: Examining Preparedness For Cross-Cultural Care, Fiza N. Khan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As the U.S. population continues to grow more diverse, there is an urgent need for future healthcare providers to develop strong cultural competence. This study investigates undergraduate pre-medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels toward caring for diverse patient populations, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals from varied cultural backgrounds. The goal was to assess how well students are prepared to provide culturally responsive care before entering medical school. Recognizing that the foundation for medical training begins at the undergraduate level, this study aims to identify specific gaps in readiness that may hinder equitable patient care in the future.

A modified …

Transformative Social Emotional Learning Practices And Instructional Engagement In The Kindergarten Classroom, Lisa Skelly

Theses and Dissertations

The kindergarten teachers at Catalina Elementary School have identified a crucial issue: their students' inability to self-regulate is impeding their learning and classroom engagement. The kindergarten team engages in ongoing professional learning with a focus on transformative social emotional learning. The teacher team explores whether on-going professional learning based in transformative social emotional core competencies impacts their direct instruction of transformative social emotional standards. Teachers further support implementation of the transformative social emotional core competencies using structured play-based activities. Following the on-going professional learning sessions, the teacher team would craft a whole group lesson and select an activity to embed …

Savior To Ally: Exploring White Students' Decisions To Major In Social Work Through The Lens Of White Saviorism, Amy S. Dennison

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how white students chose social work as a major and how white savior ideology reinforced or challenged students’ choices. The study contributes to a gap in the literature regarding white saviorism and social work education. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five undergraduate social work students at one Midwestern state university. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using Moustakas’ data analysis for phenomenology framework. The findings revealed that participants chose social work because of an intent to help others, as well as a desire for their work to have a meaningful impact. White …

The Impact Of Coaching On Teachers' Implementation Fidelity Of Goal Setting Strategy, Brandi M. Greene

Theses and Dissertations

Educational settings are filled with educators who have varying experiences in working with students who have disabilities and students who are considered at-risk. Typically, students who have disabilities or are considered at-risk struggle with self-regulation skills and require interventions to improve. However, literature has shown that there is very little training for teachers that will help them implement evidence-based strategies with fidelity. One of the strategies that can be used to improve self-regulation is goal setting, however, within the literature for the goal setting strategy, teachers are not well equipped to implement the strategy. Coaching has been deemed an effective …

Fueling The Fire! How Black Students Make Sense Of Their Experiences With Youth Development Programs And Their Roles In Post-Secondary Transition And Success, Erica Austin

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I used a phenomenological research design to explore how Black students make sense of their experiences with Youth Development Programs (YDPs)and how the program components contributed to their transition and success in postsecondary education. An analysis of the interview data gathered from ten black students through the lens of Social Identity Theory revealed three themes: (a) YDPs help students feel prepared and supported by equipping them with essential academic and life skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities; (b) Representation within YDPs fosters self-efficacy and aspiration, as mentors and role models who share students’ cultural backgrounds inspire confidence and …

Uncovering Graduate Student Achievement At Virginia Commonwealth University: An Exploration Of Academic Advising & Administrative Processes, Kenzel Hill, Elizabeth Howley, Madeline Schutt, Michelle Blackwell

Doctor of Education Capstones

Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Graduate School submitted a Request for Partnership, with the problem being a lack of consistency and formal advising standards for graduate students across various academic units at VCU. As a result, the Graduate School observed an impact on student success, including retention and graduation of graduate students. A capstone team was constructed to determine, through focus group interviews, surveying, and document analysis what the best practices for graduate student advising are and what the administrative processes and challenges that program directors, support staff, and faculty face in administering their graduate programs and advising. Findings suggest that …

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Into Undergraduate Nursing Education, Lyndsay Wright

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Lifestyle Medicine (LM) effectively addresses the lifestyle-related diseases that contribute most to global morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending. However, nurses and nursing students struggle with maintaining healthy lifestyles themselves, with LM and health behavior change strategies insufficiently taught in nursing education. Method: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design examined the effects of an LM educational intervention on undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge of LM and intentions for health behavior change. Data were collected using demographic questions, an LM knowledge (LMK) questionnaire, the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA), and a modified Intention to Change Behavior Scale …

Exploring Canadian Social Work Students' Aphobic Attitudes: The Role Of Knowledge About Asexuality And Asexual People, Brianna V. Azzoparde

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Aphobic attitudes are negative biases and prejudices against asexual individuals that can contribute to aphobic discrimination. While the Canadian Social Work Code of Ethics states that social workers should not discriminate and should provide culturally responsive services to marginalized populations, individually held aphobic attitudes have the potential to diminish one’s ability to provide culturally responsive services to asexual people. This national study examined aphobic attitudes among 326 Canadian social work students, exploring the relationship between knowledge about asexuality and aphobic attitudes, including controlling for demographic factors, social contact with asexuals, and social attitudes that previous research has identified as being …

“We’Re Here, We’Re Queer, And We’Re Not Going Away” Student Policies And Lgbtq+ Students’ Experiences On Canadian Christian Campuses, Angela E. Gallo

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Research highlights that Christian campuses are often unwelcoming and hostile spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ+) students. Yet, research, including emerging Canadian research, often overlooks how institutional policies shape LGBTQ+ students’ experiences. Further, little attention is given to the affirming experiences LGBTQ+ students encounter on Christian campuses. Through a collective case study of two Canadian Christian universities involving document analysis and interviews, I explored the discourses that school policies constructed concerning gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ students’ experiences of exclusion and affirmation, and how policy, alongside other factors, shapes their experiences and well-being. …

Why Should I Stay? Canadian Black Youth And Public Libraries, Amber Matthews

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This study used narrative inquiry and critical approaches to race to explore Black youth perceptions of public libraries and community-based programs. The study was conducted in Ontario with youth aged 13 to 24 and parents of youth. Data was drawn from semi-structured interviews with youth and parents and an arts-based qualitative tool. Libraries were identified as safe and welcoming community spaces. However, youth feel poorly represented and seek youth programs with a race-conscious and inclusive approach. Core recommendations include equitable approaches to representation, strengthening relationships with partner organizations, and addressing performative approaches to inclusion.

Undergraduate Students' Perceptions Of Philanthropy, Importance Of Affinity-Based Giving And Impact On Student Giving, Kristine Herrington

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As technology continues to advance, and alumni donor numbers decline, fundraising professionals are exploring new ways to encourage alumni to give back to their alma mater and continue building a strong donor pipeline. With a myriad of economic and political factors contributing to increased and inflated costs for colleges and universities, and students alike, maintaining a steady pipeline of donors to ensure ongoing philanthropic support is important. As budgetary concerns and funding cuts continue to work their way into the higher education landscape, college and university annual giving departments are increasingly tasked with exploring student philanthropy programs (SPPs) on campus …