Digital Commons Network^™

Wake Up Running! : A Call To Ethical Leaders In Quest Of Democratic Space, Walter Earl Fluker

Intersections

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Intersections

No abstract provided.

Understanding Ai Literacy: Implications For Practice​, Devon Olson, Janet Anderson, Sara Westall

Librarian Publications

Presentation from the 2025 Mountain Plains Library Association Tri-Conference, held in Grand Forks, ND. This presentation provides an overview of basic AI concepts and frameworks for AI literacy, discussing the impact of different patron and learner demographics on learner needs, competencies, and instructional strategies.

Introduction To The Criminal Justice System, Courtney A. Crittenden

Open Textbooks

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System is an open educational resource that explores the history, concepts, and foundational knowledge of the contemporary criminal justice system in the United States. The text includes examinations of current events and includes coverage of some controversial topics that may be commonly excluded from introductory texts. Institutional memory, best practices in public safety, and statistical data are incorporated in ways intended to provide an unbiased viewpoint of the current status of the criminal legal system today in order to provide students with a clear picture of the system.

Honors College Policy Handbook, V. 11-2025, Marshall University Honors College

Publications of the Honors College at Marshall University

This handbook offers basic information about the policies and practices of the Honors College at Marshall University. The information here is subject to periodic revision. Because all students in the Honors College are students of the University, the Honors College operates under policies and guidelines as set for all undergraduate students at Marshall University.

A Comparative Study Of Adult Education In China And Japan Under The Background Of Degree Law, Yuchen Chang

SOC 605 Comparative Social Policy Research Project - Student Works

This paper is a comparative study of adult education policies in China and Japan under the background of the academic status Law passed by the 14th People's Congress of China. This paper compares the development history of adult education policies in the two countries from the perspective of historical institutionalism. This paper analyzes and compares the development paths and current policies of adult education in China and Japan, thereby summarizing the similarities and differences between the two. It is concluded that China is in a critical period of transformation in adult education. Both China and Japan have complete adult higher …

Examining Public Opinion On Endorsed Punishments For Illegal Abortion By Abortion Legality And Abortion-Restrictive States Before Dobbs V. Jackson, Lucretia Mena-Melendez, Kristen N. Jozkowski, Brandon L. Crawford, Ronna C. Turner, Wen-Juo Lo

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research SummaryAs a result of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, state lawmakers can and have enacted abortion restrictions, including criminal penalties targeting those who seek, provide, or assist with abortion. Given the current legal landscape, it is imperative to assess public opinion regarding the endorsement of punishments for illegal abortion. We conducted multivariate analyses to assess factors associated with punishment endorsements for an illegal abortion for the pregnant woman and healthcare provider. We also evaluated whether individual beliefs (i.e., abortion legality) and contextual factors (i.e., living in an abortion-restrictive state) may …

Light & Faith: November 2025, Taylor University

Light & Faith

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of A First-Year Experience Course: A Case Study From A Public Regional University In The Central United States, Taler J. Alexander

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Student retention has become an increasingly popular topic for colleges and universities as they look for ways to keep students amid ever-changing budget climates. Research shows that high quality first-year experience (FYE) courses can provide crucial support to new students as they enter the college or university. Additionally, many researchers have found that supporting students through their transition to a new college environment, developing their sense of belonging, and helping them get involved on campus lead to increased student retention. The purpose of this study was to explore the curriculum, format, and delivery of the FYE course at Blue University …

Virtual Reality In Esl Teaching And Learning In A Hybrid Learning Environment In The United Arab Emirates, Basma Abdulla Abri

Dissertations

This study examines the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) on the oral proficiency of EFL learners in the UAE context, with exploring the instructors and students’ perspectives on using VR as a language learning tool. The study involved 44 Emirati higher education students enrolled in an English Communications Program divided into a control group using traditional methods, and an experimental group using VR tools for communicative activities. Data collection employed mixed-methods research through questionnaire surveys involving college students and interviews with EFL instructors over a ten-week period. According to the findings, the experimental group demonstrated higher oral proficiency than the …

Reading The Word And The World: Overstanding Literacy In Aboriginal And Chinese Classrooms, Gui Ying Annie Yang-Heim

Faculty Publications - College of Education

This qualitative comparative case study examines how culturally grounded philosophies of education shape the teaching and learning of reading in two cross-cultural contexts—an Aboriginal Australian classroom and urban Chinese elementary schools. Drawing on interpretive and reflexive methodologies, it investigates how Aboriginal and Confucian epistemologies influence literacy practices and how these practices align with or resist dominant, decontextualized models of reading instruction. Data sources include classroom observations, reading assessments, teacher interviews, and researcher reflections. Conceptually framed by Gadamer’s hermeneutics, Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital, Habermas’s typology of knowledge, and the Caribbean concept of overstanding, this research finds that Aboriginal literacy is …

Community Engagement Newsletter, November 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- UNI Engaged Podcast
--- Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential
--- Board Match Program
--- Engaged Faculty Institute - Seed Coalition
--- It’s Service-Learning Course Designation Time
--- UNI’s Day of Service - April 8, 2025: Start Planning Today

Breaking Barriers: Mentorship Pathways For Hispanic Women In Leadership Roles, Ana Paola Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to understand the unique lived experiences of 10 Hispanic Latinas serving in leadership roles in 2-year community colleges in Texas. As the graduation rate of Hispanic women increases, institutions must identify mentorship programs that motivate women who continue to graduate to seek leadership positions within their institutions. Through life stories and lived experiences, the study's findings illustrate that mentorship is essential to creating, but that self-determination and self-advocacy also make it possible to find paths to leadership. Through thematic analysis, three themes emerged from the data: identity and representation, mentorship and support structures, and resilience and advocacy. …

Designing Research With Care: A Critical Race Nepantlera Methodological Approach To Rural Latinx College Access, Mayra Puente, Lupita Romo-González, Marlene López Torres, Melissa Romero

The Rural Educator

Research has widely documented the lack of educational resources and opportunities available to rural communities. Cognizant of the structural and spatial barriers facing rural communities, this study intentionally employed a critical race nepantlera methodology (CRNM) to mitigate the adverse effects of living in geographically isolated, systemically underinvested rural areas. Rather than perpetuating a false notion of objectivity in research, the research team actively supported rural Latinx students in accessing higher education through a CRNM research design, which prioritizes the well-being of research collaborators over the study. In enacting a CRNM approach, the research team demonstrated care while increasing students’ access …

"Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Experiences", Julian Melendez Miranda

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Journey to college as a first-generation student, navigating challenges and self-doubt.

First Gen Voices, Jesus Arias

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Looking back at my first semester, I’ve made some truly fond memories. Starting off with an amazing group of people in the program and going on our retreat helped me find a community I could rely on. This community has remained by my side, even during challenging times, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Whether it was tackling escape rooms or being part of First Year Seminar, the first-gen community has shown itself to be incredibly strong and tightly connected.

The First Generation, Alberto Martinez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

My poem basically describes how I feel as a first-generation student is. Many of us including myself, felt as if we were alone, not knowing if we have someone by our side, but through our experience, we do share a common ground. First to go is a place where we all can share that and is a place where we do not have to be alone but have the support of those around us who can relate to how we feel.

Roots, Aolanni Jimenez-Gonzalez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This poem closely focuses on my experience and acceptance of my first-generation identity. Language is a symbol of my heritage from my family and how I carry hope and resilience as I navigate my everyday life. I want to depict my journey through language and how it serves as a powerful source to communicate with my loved ones and others. While appreciating the roots and strength of my family and striving to live out my dreams and be the first of many to come.

Balance, Alondra Hernandez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Through the poem, I wanted to explain my journey as a First Gen student who was struggling to balance school and work. I also wanted to represent the many students who are facing the same fight everyday. My hope was to show encouragement and motivation to keep going.Making sure to remind yourself to live each day knowing you're doing your best.

First Doubts, Carla Bueno

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

As first-gen students, we often struggle with the identity and responsibility of being the firsts to navigate through the unknown. With this, doubts of our ability to succeed come naturally and these can be consuming. My advice is to not be afraid of using resources available and asking questions as these are the first steps into finding our way in institutions not built for us.

Dreams To Reality, Annette Gomez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Beneath the shade of the trees, I reflect on the weight of my family’s dreams and the determination it takes to pursue a degree. The clear blue skies and open spaces remind me that possibilities are just as boundless, even when the roads feel steep. Here, amidst the peace and beauty I find the strength to strive as a First-Generation Latina student.

A New Beginning, Jefferson Ramos

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The purpose of my reflection is to demonstrate to other individuals, especially first-generation students, my experience with the college process, along with the obstacles I faced, the doubts, and everything that comes along with being the first person in your family to attend a higher education institution in the United States. In my reflection, I describe the process that I experienced, from the very beginning of high school to the start of my college journey. To finalize my reflection, I leave the reader with three important tips I have learned along the journey: being resilient, not being afraid of new …

My Experience, Gabby Flores

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This essay reflects personal experiences starting college and navigating new environments that are new to me.

Deceiving Angels Ii, Alejandra Rodriguez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

I share a dream with my family. The dream of graduating from college, getting a good job, and living a better life. A life where we won’t be financially tied down. I am now attending Loyola Marymount University and pursuing a degree in Animation. I’m the first in my family to pursue a degree in Film & Television, and even though I can’t help the thoughts that I should be doing something more “impactful,” I know that it’s my passion and that it is the combined efforts of my family and those who have helped me, that led me here. …

Trailblazin, Zahir Pineda

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

My "trailblazin" collage is just a collage of me and my brother as we grew up. It was just us two for the majority of our childhood and we were always pushed to make the most of our education here in the US. Growing up I always relied on him, and he made sure to be there to guide me and help me learn from his mistakes. Fast forward to now and we're both at LMU together, and the same way he trailblazed the path for me, I hope to do for my two younger siblings. It symbolizes what has …

Introduction

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

No abstract provided.

Family Dynamics In Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, Isabell Lachinpour

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This paper was originally a submission for my general psychology final. The prompt for it was to analyze any topic covered in class and connect to any form of fictional media. I chose to study the social psychology behind the relationships of immigrant parents and their children, connecting it to the movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan. I especially picked this movie because of how connected I felt to the characters in the movie as I have gone through some of the same experiences they have and know many immigrant children that have felt …

Ethical Adoption Of Ai-Based Tools In Higher Education Institutions (Heis), Tatjana Titareva, Paul Mabrey Iii

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This study emphasizes the importance of ethical and human-centered leadership in the adoption of AI-based Early Alert Systems (EAS) in higher education. It argues for leadership that is mindful of system-level risks and ethical considerations in utilizing AI tools for student retention and administrative efficiency. The research fills a gap by identifying key leadership skills, qualities, and responsibilities necessary for the ethical adoption of AI tools. Through qualitative analysis with the help of focus groups, the study highlights the need for supportive and authentic leadership that engages stakeholders ethically, addresses equity, inclusion, data privacy, and mitigates the psychological impacts of …

Texas School Social Workers: Job Barriers, Supports, Satisfaction And Preparation Programs, Astrid Gandaria, George Padilla, Velma D. Menchaca

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

A study examined the job barriers, supports, satisfaction, and preparation programs of Texas school social workers (TSSW). The study used a convergent parallel mixed method design to compare and discuss quantitative and qualitative data obtained through a survey emailed to 476 Texas school social workers. Data was gathered from 250 social workers. The findings highlight the need to better understand the role of TSSWs and improve university social work preparation programs. The implications of this study’s findings on TSSW work barriers and supports and preparation programs can create major improvements to the preparation, job definition, and work environment of TSSWs, …

Curriculum Beyond Constraint: Stakeholder Perspectives On Innovation And Autonomy In A Free School, Lucy A. Barker, David Littlefair, Christopher Million

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Free schools in the UK, like international ones, were established to promote autonomy, innovation, and diversity in education. This case study explores how one such school in the South of England, leveraged these freedoms to co-construct a distinctive and socially just curriculum. Data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with school leaders, teachers, trustees, and parents was analysed thematically and revealed how leadership, curriculum design, and the hidden curriculum intersect to support holistic development, equity, and community cohesion. Particular attention is paid to how extended opportunities in the arts, sport, and enrichment activities contribute to cultural capital and wellbeing. …