Digital Commons Network^™

Key Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Academic Staff In The University, Victor Amadi Stephen

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Job satisfaction (JS) undoubtedly impacts significantly on the productive capacity and general well-being of academic staff within universities. Poor JS affects not only individual performance but also broader institutional goals and may culminate in a decline in staff morale, disloyalty, constant labor migration and unending industrial actions by labor unions within the university. Enhancing job satisfaction can improve staff’s quality of service, staff retention, productivity, and the overall academic quality of the institutions. This study reviews factors associated with job satisfaction among academic staff in universities, and how these factors independently contribute to overall job satisfaction. This study draws on …

Pigments: The Bridge Of Disciplines, Candace Gwyther

Postgraduate

This practice-based research explores the intersection of oil painting and ceramics, highlighting the shared techniques and methods that bridge these two disciplines. By using common pigments and integrating cross-disciplinary approaches, this study demonstrates how each discipline can inform and enhance the other, leading to the creation of an innovative and adaptable medium that seamlessly functions within both ceramics and painting. This interdisciplinary approach challenges traditional boundaries, opening new pathways for creative expression where technical material manipulation intersects with the broader narrative of my artistic practice. Grounded in foundational theories such as path making, meshwork, play, and bricolage, the research culminates …

A Word From The Writing Team (September 2024), Pam Walter, Mfa

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Publication Spotlight
• Mark Your Calendars: First Friday Writing Retreats Are Back!
• Jefferson has funding agreements with specific publishers
• For FY24-25, the Open Access Publishing Fund process has changed
• The OPWPC Canvas Page offers helpful tools

Ten Simple Rules For Successfully Carrying Out Funded Research Projects, Diego A. Forero, Walter H. Curioso, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Along For The Journey: Graduate Student Perceptions Of Research, Alissa A. Droog, Kari D. Weaver, Frances Brady

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Graduate students’ identities and personal lives are heavily tied to their experiences of research, and many struggle to find, understand, and use information for research purposes. Using a drawing exercise rooted in visual research methods combined with semi-structured interviews, a research team in the United States and Canada explored graduate student perceptions of research with nineteen participants. Thematic analysis identified six themes: research is abstract; research is an odyssey; social support makes or breaks the student experience; research is an emotional continuum; interplay between identity/values; information is problematic. The study has implications for how librarians support graduate student research.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, August 30, 2024, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

August 30, 2024 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions Of A Clinical Doctorate In Speech-Language Pathology: A Phenomenological Study, Dawn Mckee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perspectives of speech-language pathologists regarding a clinical doctorate as a potential entry-level degree for practicing speech-language pathologists. The central research question sought to determine the overall attitudes of speech-language pathologists about a clinical doctorate. The theories guiding this study were social constructionism and experiential learning theory, as this study attempted to construct the perceived reality of practicing speech-language pathologists regarding clinical doctorates and involved their educational and work experiences. The methodology utilized was transcendental phenomenology and included three data collection approaches: interviews, letter-writing, and focus groups. The data were analyzed …

Overcoming Barriers To Persistence: A Single-Case Study Of Student Veterans In Higher Education, Janet G. Hupel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic case study is to understand the lived experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence at a small, faith-based institution of higher education in the South. The theory guiding this study is Pascarella’s student-faculty integration model, as it explains the relationship between the student veterans’ unique background characteristics and other educational experiences to the degree of integration with faculty on campus and, ultimately, their persistence in higher education. What are the experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence in higher education? The setting for the study is a small, faith-based …

Fear Of Ai, Christianity, And The Modern Library, Brady D. Lund, Zoë A. Teel

The Christian Librarian

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape aspects of our world, fears and misunderstandings about its implications are widespread. Some of these concerns are rooted in the practices and beliefs of our religious communities. This paper aims to address worries regarding AI and its impact on religion and Christian traditions. It does so by examining the nature of AI and its limitations, stressing the importance of informed discussions within communities. Examples drawn from academic literature, scripture, and prominent figures within the Church are used to illustrate key points. Libraries and librarians are discussed as crucial facilitators of these informed discussions …

Exploring Critical Reflection On Science Teachers’ Experiences: A Qualitative Inquiry, Kamal Prasad Acharya Dr., Pushp Raj Bhatt Mr., Milan Acharya

The Qualitative Report

In this study, we explored how university science education teachers recognize essential turning points and how teachers from Tribhuvan University-Faculty of Education (TU-FOE) reflect on their career growth. We also investigated their understanding of teaching and learning in science education programs at TU-FOE. The study builds on a qualitative inquiry into the strategies by employing critical discourse. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect the information, and the information was analyzed through a thematic-critical lens. The results indicate that critical reflection on practice can be the first step toward articulating and documenting knowledge. The study reveals that the science education teachers …

Student Perception And Knowledge Of Team Science Following An Interprofessional Learning Module, Lisa Sheikovitz, Genevieve Zipp, Carolyn Goeckel, Marcia Downer

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Online interprofessional active learning experiences can provide health care students the opportunity to develop their skills in teamwork, communication, collaboration, and ethics with low financial burden and space cost to the institution. The purpose of this qualitative report was twofold. First, to assess the impact of an interprofessional education module on students’ knowledge and understanding of team science. Second, to provide insight regarding students’ perceptions of the module’s effectiveness in supporting their development as evidence-based professionals who collaboratively provide person-centered care. Data were collected anonymously via online surveys (pre- and post-module) and served as part of a program review …

Experiences Of Queer Female Counselor Educators: An Intersectional Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Caryn Leonard-Wilde

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Council for Accreditation of Counselor Education and Related Programs and the American Counseling Association require counseling programs (CPs) to recruit, employ, and retain diverse faculty. Queer sexual orientation and gender identity is considered an aspect of diversity with which counselors must gain competency and against which counselors should not discriminate yet little is known about queer female counselor educators (QFCEs) with intersecting minority identities. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) with both hermeneutic and intersectionality theory frameworks was to explore the experiences and meaning making of QFCEs and to describe the impact of these experiences on QFCE’s …

Investigating Mixed Effects Random Forest Models In Predicting Satisfaction With Online Learning In Higher Education, Jiaqi (Jackie) Shi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increasing prevalence and accessibility of online education. This trend has also introduced challenges for students, instructors, and institutions. This study examines factors affecting online course satisfaction, focusing on individual, instructor, and institutional level characteristics with clustered, separated train and test datasets across two terms. This study compares Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM), Non-clustered and Clustered Random Forest (RF & MERF) models to understand these impacts. This intention is to provide a comprehensive framework comparing traditional HLM with the latest developed MERF models while delving into the effectiveness of RF …

Paycheck-To-Paycheck: How Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inhibits Generational Wealth Attainment For Black Women, Ashley Patrice-Rose Sherman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black women who attend college in the United States are more likely to borrow to cover the cost of attendance and carry the largest amount of student loan debt than any other racial and gender group. Federal student loan borrowers are encouraged to work in public service to take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), an income-driven repayment program established by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) of 2007. PSLF offers total debt relief after ten years of uninterrupted full monthly payments based on an income-driven repayment plan. The significance of this qualitative study will …

Brewing Community: A Qualitative Case Study Examination Of The Campus Pub As Part Of Campus Ecology, Patrick Mcdermott

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the perceptions of the role of the campus pub through the lens of campus ecology theory. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with student affairs professionals at three institutions with campus pubs. Documents were also collected and analyzed from campus newspapers and social media at these institutions. Analysis identified several salient themes that support the understanding of the campus pub through the lens of campus ecology hierarchy (Strange & Banning, 2001). The themes that emerged included the evolution of the pub, community/programming, diversity/cultural emphasis, education, student employment, institutional cost/revenue, safety, …

August 23, 2024 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

A Daca Initiative: Transformative Organizational Change At The School Of Medicine, Cynthia Chaidez

Dissertations

The purpose of this revelatory case study is to explore how the DACA Initiative (DI) transformed the School of Medicine (SOM) beyond just changing student demographics. In this research, I specifically explored if, through the DI, SOM organizationally changed enough to be considered transformative change in its efforts to enhance the acceptance and support of DACA medical students. In addition, I looked at the evolution of the financial operations at SOM to support DACA medical students. The research questions that guided this study were: As a result of the DI, did the organizational changes implemented by SOM to accept and …

Engaging Undergraduates In Co-Curricular Community-Based Research: Strategies For Success, Monica Williams, Pamela B. Payne

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper uses a case study of a co-curricular community-based research (CbR) program for undergraduates at a regional comprehensive university to identify five strategies to success in implementing such a program: prior planning, appropriate projects, student ownership, program structure, and teaching students to find resources. We address the strengths and limitations of CbR programs, provide recommendations for community engagement through research, and address opportunities and challenges of CbR programs for involving students in their communities.

The Annual Physical Therapy Visit: Opportunities For Service Learning In Professional Education, Howell Tapley, Jeremy Houser, Tiffany Idlewine, John Kiesel, Douglas Stevens, Stasia Tapley

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The American Physical Therapy Association promotes the Annual Physical Therapy Visit. Similar to an older adult who may see his/her medical provider annually, it is recommended that the aging adult see a physical therapist who will perform screening tests for strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and gait. Early detection of physical decline in aging may result in referral for physical therapy, wellness programming, or medical care. Community members and students experience mutual benefits.

The Exhibit And Beyond: Attendees, Collaborating Organizations, And Decision Makers Responding To A Photovoice Project, Cara Dienno, Corey Martz, Lauren Collins, Mimiko Watanabe

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Photovoice aims to impact those who view photographs and stories in culminating exhibits. This multi-phase research project, completed in partnership with city government and community partners, explored photovoice impacts on exhibit attendees, collaborating organizations, and decision-makers. Results show increased levels of awareness, concern, and willingness to take action among exhibit attendees. Additionally, collaborating organizations and decision-makers saw the power of “thicker” public engagement processes, like photovoice, to provide useful data to aid decision-making.

Impact Of Service Learning On Personal, Social, And Academic Development Of Community Nutrition Students, Kritika Gupta, Blake Grove, Georgianna Mann

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning connects theoretical knowledge to community settings. Reflective journals were used to document student service-learning experiences in a Community Nutrition course component. Reflective journal data obtained from students (n=137) during different semesters were analyzed qualitatively. The service-learning partners included Nutrition Education, Food Provision, and Local Food sites. Positive impacts were noted on personal, social, and academic development of students for all sites. Service-learning assignments can impart transferrable skills and enhance student development.

The High Cotton Project: A Community-Based Method For Serving The Urban Homeless, Timothy J. Elliott, David A. Driskill

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article details the ways a series of architecture graduate classes partnered with a nonprofit youth sports organization and other community groups to design a shelter to accommodate those experiencing homelessness in Lubbock, Texas. The researchers use a case study approach to discuss how graduate students repeatedly engaged with the public for feedback on their designs and eventually created a design for a community-specific homeless shelter and treatment center. This article shares the project’s engagement methods, which included precedent studies, design charrettes, regular presentations to the public, meetings with stakeholders, and professional collaborations.

Bridging Education And Service Learning Through Palliative Care, Jamie Borchardt

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning can bridge the gap between traditional and transformational learning, as students are able to relate the course terminology directly to field experience. This project was set up to determine if volunteering for a semester at Hospice had any effect on emotional intelligence and positivity. A paired samples t-test compared differences in pre- and post-test scores on the Positivity Scale (PS) and the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). The PS revealed a significant difference in pre- and post-test surveys: t(5)=-2.4, p=.03.

Next Generation Practitioner-Scholars Navigating Community Engagement Professional Development: A Collaborative Autoethnography, Lori E. Kniffin, Trina Van Schyndel, Elisabeth G. Fornaro, Jennifer W. Purcell, Stacey Muse

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This collaborative autoethnographic research study examines the motivations, experiences, and professional outcomes of seven community engagement practitioner-scholars who served in a highlevel elected position in a community engagement research association and its affiliated graduate student network. The findings highlight the role of professional associations and graduate student networks in facilitating professional development for next generation community engagement practitioner-scholars, such as supporting them in creating connections, expanding networks, developing professional identities, and cultivating cultural capital.

Fair Trade Learning Evaluation Of A Global Partnership, Roxanne Amerson, Jade Parker-Manderson, Chloe Garrison, Sarah Finleyson, Michelle Kunkle

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Traditionally, evaluation of global service-learning (SL) programs has been highly focused on student outcomes, rather than community impact. Less documentation exists regarding the impact of SL on the partnerships between the community and higher education. The purposes of this case study are to present the concept of Fair Trade Learning (FTL) as it relates to global SL and demonstrate how the FTL Rubric can be used to evaluate a new global partnership.

Conversations For Change: The Impact Of Service-Learning Dialogues With Incarcerated Men On Social Work Students, Yvonne Eaton-Stull, Kathleen Kocherzat, Kerry Edwards

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article explores a course-linked service-learning project that facilitated social-problem focused dialogues between students and men who were incarcerated in a prison. Student reflections were life-changing; listening with both their hearts and minds enhanced student learning, increasing empathy, fueling a sense of advocacy, and fostering a plan for action and change. Conversing with the men challenged old assumptions and invited students to solidify goals and infuse their career paths with civic values and social justice concerns.

Sars 2 Covid-19 Pandemic And Its Effects On Service Learning And Community Engagement, Catherine S. Paterson

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article reflects on SARS 2 COVID-19 Pandemic and its effects on service learning and community engagement.

Fusing Global Learning And Community-Based Learning, Kara A. Fulton, Diana Diaz

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The University of South Florida, a public research university, and the University Area Community Development Corporation Inc., a nonprofit organization, collaboratively developed a communitybased global learning experience for undergraduate students. We present the results of a study exploring the impact of the experience on students who participated across two semesters. Results suggest that student learning was enhanced across all intended student learning outcomes, though some outcomes were developed more than others.

From Reflection To Resumes: Alumni Perceptions Of A Multi-Term Public Service Program’S Connection To Career, Ryan Nilsen, Alanna Gillis, Bryant Hutson, Lynn Blanchard

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper explores how alumni of a multi-term public service program understand the connection between the program and their career development. Qualitative data were collected from 393 alumni based on six open-ended survey questions. While career and professional development is not an explicit goal of the program, a thematic analysis suggests that alumni perceived that the program connected to career reflection, boosted their resume, and guided them toward a public service career or specific jobs.