Digital Commons Network^™

Faculty, Be The Nudge For Your Students’ Personal Brand!, Michelle Carpenter

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Interview With Orca Award Winner Paul Olson, Unl English; Literature, Curricular Reform, Great Plains Studies, Mark A. Griep, Paul A. Olson

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Paul Olson was awarded the ORCA in 1984. He was born in 1932 in Washburn, Wisconsin. During his youth, his family also farmed in Nebraska and South Dakota. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Next, he earned a master’s in English from the University of Nebraska, had a Fulbright fellowship to spend a year at London University in England, and earned his doctorate in medieval and Renaissance studies from Princeton University in New Jersey. In 1957, he joined UNL as an assistant professor of English and was soon promoted to full professor. One of his …

Retaining Teachers In High-Need Schools, Myram Chapman Brady

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Myram Chapman Brady on April 9, 2026.

Exploring The Role Of Cine-Virtual Reality In Empathy And Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health Among Occupational Therapy Students, Leah M. Stade, Madison Mckeever, Emma Gardner, Jana L. Wardian Phd

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for Occupational Therapy students to develop empathy and deliver optimal healthcare. This study explores using web-based 360° cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) simulations in Level I fieldwork to address SDOH education and occupational engagement before community-based exposure.

This mixed methods study involved surveys and thematic analysis of written reflections from fifty students in a distance-based program at a Midwest university. Students viewed 12 web-based immersive cine-VR modules about a client experiencing multiple SDOH impacts. Surveys were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-weeks post-intervention, measuring empathy using the Jefferson Empathy Scale and attitudes toward …

Bridging Libraries And Classrooms: Co-Teaching For Student Success, Joy Urbina, Isabel Baca

Librarian Conference Presentations

An instructional librarian and writing professor describe their collaborative approach to co-teaching. Learn how integrating information literacy with writing instruction strengthens students' critical thinking and research skills and discover practical strategies from this successful cross-disciplinary partnership.

Exploring Healthcare Career Pathways: Survey Findings From The Unmc High School Alliance Program, Jana L. Wardian Phd, Rachael Jaixen, Jaynie Bird, Heidi Kaschke

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

The ongoing demand for a well-prepared and adequately staffed healthcare workforce in the United States highlights the value of effective educational pipeline programs. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) High School Alliance (HSA) was created as an immersive, academic enrichment initiative to expose motivated high school students from a range of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to health professions, with the long-term aim of strengthening the healthcare workforce in Nebraska. This article evaluates the design, curriculum, and measurable impact of the UNMC HSA over its 16-year history. Students participate daily throughout the school year, engaging in courses such as patient …

The Role Of Mentorship: The Lived Experience Of Black Women In Higher Education Leadership, Joseph Fahrney

JWU Dissertations & Theses

The persistent underrepresentation of Black women in higher education leadership raises important questions about how institutional environments shape leadership advancement, belonging, and sustainability. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the role of mentorship in the lived experiences of Black women leaders in higher education in shaping leadership trajectories, professional development, and institutional engagement. Participants included senior leaders serving in roles such as president, vice president, chief officer, and other executive administrative positions across higher education institutions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (N=17), generating narrative data reflecting their experiences navigating leadership environments and mentorship relationships. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Adaptive Learning Strategies Among Deaf Students In Inclusive Higher Education: A Thematic Analysis, Mayasari Manar, Murni Winarsih

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of learning adaptation strategies implemented by students with hearing impairments in the context of inclusive higher education. The study employs a qualitative approach using an open-ended survey design involving 15 students with hearing impairments who are currently enrolled in or have previously attended higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach to identify thematic patterns related to perceptions of the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies employed. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents perceived the adaptation strategies they used as “fairly effective,” although not yet fully optimal. The …

Teaching Iep Development To Preservice Teachers Using Real-World Scenarios And Kentucky Resources, Laura S. Clarke, Dusty Columbia Embury

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

When considering all of the content and pedagogy required for preservice teachers to master before they begin teaching students with disabilities, candidates at public, regional university report that one of the most complex components is understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to write them. In this article, we will provide a program description of the structure, components, and outcomes of a model preservice personnel preparation program designed to address the pedagogical needs of university teacher education candidates in this rural state university. We will describe the plan and initial results from a small pilot study in which faculty in …

Critical Incident Analysis: A Methodological Approach For Teaching Trauma Informed Practices, Penny B. Howell, Mary S. Thomas, Shantel D. Crosby, Khirsten Scott

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Drawing on sociocultural theory, a transdisciplinary, multi-racial team of teacher educators, a social work educator, and a scholar of English and rhetoric, designed a study focused on developing teacher candidates’ understanding of trauma-informed practices during their teacher preparation program. Qualitative data from teacher candidates’ reflections on Critical Incident Descriptions (CID) completed during student teaching reveal their developing understanding of trauma-informed practice with Timing, Maintaining Relationships, Holding High Expectations, and Engaging Students so they Remain in the Classroom as prevalent themes across all CIDs. Findings suggest that Critical Incident Analysis promotes teacher candidates’ reflection practices as they make connections …

Whose Job Is It To Foster Inclusivity In Higher Ed? Everyone!, Michelle Carpenter, Kaitlyn Ukleja

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Nudge For Marketing Education To Be More Intentional About Inclusion, Mario Norman

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap: Design And Evaluation Of Skillbridge: A Case Study In Ai-Assisted Cybersecurity Curriculum Development, Patrick W. Gonzalez

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the aequirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Patrick W. Gonzalez on April 8, 2026.

April 8, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Social Isolation On Community College Students' Learning Modality Preferences, Melinda F. Walker

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Melinda F. Walker on April 8, 2026.

Street-Level Bureaucrats In Public Higher Education: The Ethical Obligations To Support Psychologically At-Risk Students, Michael Turtz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

To fill the gap in the current literature, the purpose of this dissertation was to explain how and why Street-Level Bureaucrats (SLBs) in public higher education helped psychologically at-risk students during the pandemic. This qualitative study was intended to examine the role of SLBs in public higher education as it relates to their utilization of administrative discretion when advising psychologically at-risk students. In addition to administrative discretion, this dissertation also explored the role of ethical obligations and the use of a therapeutic lens when SLBs are faced with some of the most difficult situations for which they were not equipped …

Amplified Voices: Zines, Theatre, And Open Pedagogy, Bethany B. Mickel, Amy Hunsaker

All Things Open

This interactive presentation highlights a collaborative open pedagogy project implemented in an undergraduate vocal theatre course. The scaffolded assignment guided students through research practices and source evaluation, culminating in the creation of student-authored zines focused on vocal warmups. Students explored the history of zines as small, often hand-designed publications rooted in self-expression, community knowledge-sharing, and alternative publishing, values closely aligned with open education practices.

Rather than producing a traditional research paper, students synthesized their findings into creative zines that center voice both pedagogically and literally. Throughout the project, students engaged in discussions about open licensing, authorship, and consent, making informed …

Noise-Induced Gains: Are You Damaging Your Hearing While You Train?, Taylor Hitschmann, Lillian Beauvais, Blake Roth, Andrew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among individuals who listen to music during exercise. Survey data were collected alongside sound intensity measurements to better understand listening behaviors in fitness settings. Results indicated that although most participants reported listening at recommended safe levels, a notable proportion exceeded these thresholds, potentially increasing their risk of NIHL. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring listening habits during workouts. Hearing health professionals are encouraged to enhance public awareness and promote safe listening practices to help reduce the likelihood of long-term auditory damage.

April 7, 2026 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

The Hypocrisy Of The Wizards—A Proposal To Correct Incentives In Higher Education Loan Financing, Caden Benedict

School of Public Policy Capstones

This paper explores the origins of the student loan debt crisis and proposes tying university incentives to graduates' repayment plans and disclosing median earnings for degrees before students apply. Specifically, while there are numerous factors explaining why the price of education has increased dramatically since the 1970s, this paper proposes solutions that will specifically target university moral hazards by requiring universities fund: (1) the current subsidies to federal student loan repayments under income-driven plans as the House of Representatives intended before the Senate removed "risk-sharing," and (2) bankruptcy law discharge amounts. Moreover, requiring universities to disclose the median earnings of …

April 2026 Faculty Senate Packet, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Packets

No abstract provided.

Elementary-Level Achievement And Compliance Coach Training Manual, Tara B. White

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Tara B. White on April 7, 2026.

Associate Degree Nursing Students’ Lived Experiences With Simulation: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Jamie O'Connor Florez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of prelicensure associate degree nursing (ADN) students related to skills acquisition and workplace readiness through simulation-based learning at community colleges in California. Skills acquisition and workplace readiness were defined as students’ perceptions of their ability to competently perform nursing skills and prepare for entry into the healthcare workforce. Guided by Kolb’s experiential learning theory, data were collected from 13 ADN students through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and reflective journaling and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis.

Three themes emerged: varying emotions from excitement to feeling overwhelmed; experiences of collaboration and unprofessionalism …

Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …

Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and understand the role of higher education leadership in providing institutional support to women of color. The lived experiences of women of color as students was analyzed to understand the factors influencing their persistence at higher education institutions nationwide. The theory guiding this study was Rendón’s theory of validation as a process that encourages and supports students’ academic and personal growth, initiated by both in-class and out-of-class influences. This study focused on the Central Research Question: How do leadership practices and institutional supports in higher education influence the persistence of …

A Case Study Examining Why Students Succeed When Exposed To Peer Tutors, Van E. Carpenter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to identify the impact of online peer tutoring on students’ perceptions of their success for students who participated in online peer tutoring at Summit Faith University (a pseudonym used for this research). This research was grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which provided a comprehensive framework for examining the factors influencing the effectiveness of peer tutoring among students. This study answered three research questions: How do online students use peer tutoring at Summit Faith University, how does online peer tutoring at Summit Faith University shape students’ perceptions of their success at Summit Faith …

Career And Technical Education Faculty Members' Attitudes Toward Assessment: A Case Study, Cecelia R. Brewer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand career and technical education (CTE) faculty members’ attitudes toward assessment at a community college in Kansas. This study explored how faculty members perceived and engaged with outcomes assessment, including their beliefs about its effectiveness, their level of influence in assessment-related decisions, and their sense of being valued within a culture of assessment. The research questions were: 1) What are faculty members’ attitudes toward various assessment methods in career and technical education, including the assessment of both knowledge and skills?, 2) How much do faculty members believe assessment contributes to improving teaching …

The Lived Experiences Of Community College Faculty Working With Students With Cross-Categorical Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Rosalie Amenta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the preparedness towards disability for faculty members at community colleges. The theory guiding this study was Oliver’s social model of disability, as the theory explained the relationship between environmental, institutional, and attitudinal barriers and disabilities. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of community college faculty who instruct students that self-disclose their cross-categorical disabilities? The research sample included thirteen faculty members from community colleges in varied disciplines across the United States. Data collection consisted of individual interviews and focus groups, with analysis using Moustakas’ modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen Method …

Neuroinclusive Teaching Practices For Open Pedagogy Projects, Amanda C. Larson, Hanna N. Primeau

All Things Open

In this presentation, we will share how we intentionally incorporated neuroinclusive teaching practices into our three-credit General Education course Information, Citizenship, and Social Justice where students participated in a semester-long open pedagogy project culminating in the publication of a Pressbook. We will offer best practices for attendees who would like to do the same in their courses. Situated within evidence based practices, such as Universal Design for Learning and empathetic pedagogy, we will share practical in-person teaching recommendations, student reactions to our interventions, as well as asynchronous recommendations so as to accommodate a range of teaching types with low barriers …

Using Metacognitive Strategies To Increase Student Success At A Community College, Adam Blair

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Adam Blair of April 6, 2026.