Digital Commons Network^™

Home Visitors Perceived Barriers To Practicing Self-Care In Personal And Professional Settings, Lexie Yancey

Masters Theses

Home visiting has the potential to support families in increasing their parenting skills, reducing incidents of child maltreatment, increasing school readiness, and improving financial sustainability (HRSA, 2023; Peacock et al., 2013). Retention of home visitors in programming is crucial to retaining families in home visiting (Damashek et al., 2020; Fifolt et al., 2017; Holm-Hansen et al., 2017; Ramakrishnan et al., 2022). While many home visitors struggle with burnout, research has found that self-care strategies are effective for social work students and are even used widely by home visitors (Begic et al., 2019; Siebert, 2008). This nested mixed-methods study examines answers …

Design, Optimization, And Initial Results Of An Automatic Impedance Matching Network For Nitrogen Inductively Coupled Plasma, Logan Anthony Alvesteffer

Masters Theses

The electric propulsion industry is witnessing a strategic interest toward the utilization of molecular propellants as alternatives to noble gases due to increasing cost constraints and logistical requirements. This transition is hindered by a fundamental deficiency in the understanding of molecular plasma and radio frequency physics, including the excitation, dissociation, and ionization cross-sections, which mandates a reliance on computationally inefficient, empirically modified atomic thruster designs. Furthermore, current state-of-the-art electric propulsion devices, such as gridded ion thrusters and Hall effect thrusters, utilize an electrode (cathode) for ionization and are thus susceptible to chemical poisoning and material erosion, which is prevalent while …

Student Perceptions Of The Impact Of Faculty Race And Gender On Their Sense Of Connectedness, Engagement, And Persistence, Sherrie Y. Fuller

Dissertations

This quantitative study examined how faculty demographic characteristics, specifically race and gender, influence undergraduate students’ perceptions of connectedness, engagement, and persistence at a public Midwestern university. Guided by Tinto’s Model of Student Integration (1975, 1993, 2012), the research explored whether perceived alignment between student and faculty identities contributes to students’ sense of belonging and motivation to persist toward degree completion. Data were collected from 100 undergraduate participants representing diverse racial, gender, and academic backgrounds. Participants completed a researcher-developed survey instrument utilizing a four-point Likert scale to measure connectedness, engagement, and persistence.

University Athletic Subsidies Connections To Various Campus-Wide Outcomes, Daniel Vainner

Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between university athletic subsidies and outcomes for the broader undergraduate student population. The athletic subsidy, referred to as an athletic tax, is defined as institutional and student fees used to support athletics. Although athletics are often viewed as enhancing institutional prestige and recruitment, most universities depend heavily on subsidies to sustain their programs. In 2019, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions spent over $18.8 billion on athletics, with $8.3 billion, or 44 percent, coming from institutional and student sources rather than athletic revenue (NCAA, 2019a). This research explores whether such subsidization predicts measurable differences in …

The Effect Of Shared Decisions On Intertemporal Choice, Rosemarie M. Davidson

Masters Theses

Substance use disorders are a significant public health concern, and improving treatment outcomes requires a better understanding of the behavioral processes that influence drug consumption. Delay discounting, or the tendency to overvalue immediate reinforcers, is reliably more severe among individuals with substance use disorders. Recent work suggests that shared decision-making may increase tolerance for delayed rewards; however, prior studies used procedures that confounded delay to token delivery with delay to token exchange, limiting conclusions. The present study evaluates delay discounting across individual and social decision-making contexts using a traditional delay discounting paradigm.

Ten undergraduate participants completed sessions involving choices between …

Breaking Barriers For Student Success: Leading In Challenging Times, Lisa Marie Dewey

Dissertations

This study explores how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) directors in one Midwestern state understand and lead equity initiatives in K–12 public education. The purpose of the study was to examine how DEI leaders make sense of their roles and the challenges of sustaining equity work within complex and often politicized systems. Using a basic qualitative methodology, the research examined how personal identity, sociopolitical context, and organizational structures shape DEI leadership. Critical Race Theory (CRT) framed the study, centering race, power, and systemic inequity in participants’ experiences.

Seven DEI directors participated in semi-structured interviews. Three key themes emerged. First, participants’ …

Finding Utopia: An Examination Of Pedagogical Approaches To Teaching Utopianism In U.S. College Classrooms, Brittany Page Brake

Dissertations

This dissertation investigates how, and if, utopianism is being taught in college classrooms across the United States. Long considered impractical, overly idealistic, and/or politically dangerous, utopianism has been largely marginalized in political science and American culture. However, this project finds that there are instructors teaching utopianism and they are using the concept to challenge students to think differently about governance, justice, and institutional design. Drawing from political theory literature, course syllabi submitted by faculty from different U.S. universities, interviews with instructors, and personal case studies of my own courses at Central State University and Manchester University, I explore how utopian …

Effects Of Commission Errors During Prompting On Skill Acquisition And Maintenance, Molly K. Mutchler

Dissertations

Procedural fidelity refers to the extent to which procedures are implemented as intended. Engaging in procedural fidelity errors can lead to detrimental outcomes during skill acquisition and maintenance. The purpose of this study was to parametrically evaluate and compare two commission errors during prompting procedures using an arbitrary tacting task taught to college-aged students. Participants learned to tact four sets of arbitrary pictures and names. Prompting errors consisted of either providing the correct letters for a name in an incorrect order (i.e., an error within a component of the name) or providing the correct name for another picture (i.e., an …

Pilot Study Of The Barriers To Exercise Adherence And Motivation (Beam) Questionnaire For Adults With Osteoarthritis, Haley Ciara Hughes

Dissertations

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition affecting over 33 million adults in the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). While exercise is one of the leading, non-pharmacological treatments for OA (Zhang et al., 2008), patients often struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, increasing their risk of lifelong disability, falls, and dependence (Wallis et al., 2013). Researchers in physiotherapy have struggled to identify effective, individualized treatments to improve exercise adherence for patients with OA that maintain long-term effects (Ezzat et al., 2015); an area behavior analysts could offer insight and guidance. Behavior analysts have developed indirect functional …

Environmental Beliefs Among Evangelical Leadership, Jeffrey Stark

Dissertations

There has been consensus among climate scientists for over a decade about the reality of human caused climate change. Even with this consensus, the public understanding of this issue remains divided based on factors generally unrelated to the science. Evangelical Protestants are one group which consistently polls as more skeptical of climate change. This is true not only when compared to the general population but also when compared to other religious demographics. Most large-scale surveys of evangelicals assume the demographic to be a monolith and do not attempt to break the demographic down further. In this mixed methods study, we …

Development Of The Hydrogeology Concept Inventory And Exploration Of Its Embedded Spatial Thinking Components, Oluwarotimi Akindele Popoola

Dissertations

Hydrogeology is a sub-discipline of geoscience that deals with the occurrence and movement of water and possible contaminants within the subsurface. Understanding basic principles of hydrogeology is important for applying practical solutions to hydrogeology problems. Hydrogeology is a visuospatial discipline in which spatial thinking skills play a significant role. To assess the hydrogeology knowledge of students, a valid and reliable assessment instrument with spatial components is required.

This research was conducted as a series of quantitative studies with three goals: (1) to develop the Hydrogeology Concept Inventory (HCI), a valid and reliable measure of upper-level undergraduate students’ hydrogeology knowledge, (2) …

Three Funny Things: A Multicultural Validation, Jon Hook

Dissertations

This dissertation evaluated the efficacy of Three Funny Things, a humor-based positive psychology intervention (PPI) designed to enhance subjective well-being (SWB) and reduce depressive symptoms. Subjective well-being was operationalized through self-reported happiness, measured by the Authentic Happiness Inventory (AHI), and depressive symptomatology, measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A repeated-measures design was employed across three time points: baseline (Time 1), post-intervention (Time 2), and one-month follow-up (Time 3). Participants (N = 126) represented a racially diverse community sample, including individuals identifying as White (61%), Black or African American (18%), Hispanic or Latino/a (11%), Asian (6%), and …

Development And Validation Of A Thermal Model For An Electric Vehicle Transmission, Ghazal Rajabikhorasani

Dissertations

This research investigates the thermal behavior of a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) helical gearbox with the goal of improving the prediction accuracy of component temperatures and total power losses under a range of operating conditions. The study focuses on developing a physics-based lumped-parameter thermal network model capable of capturing the main heat generation and dissipation mechanisms within the transmission. The model integrates experimentally validated loss correlations for gears, bearings, seals, and churning, as well as convective and radiative heat transfer paths.

The thermal network model was coded in MATLAB and validated through a series of controlled experiments performed on an …

Exploring The Perceived Impact Of Instructional Coaching On K-12 Staff In A Midwestern State Region, Viloshinee Murugan

Dissertations

This study looked at how K–12 educators in one Midwestern state region perceived the impact of instructional coaching on their instructional practices. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine how the type and frequency of coaching predicted the educators’ self-reported improvements in instruction. 307 educators who had participated in instructional coaching within the past five years completed the survey measuring three coaching types, content-focused, pedagogical-focused, and data-focused, and the frequency of one-on-one coaching interactions. Descriptive analyses identified the prevalence of each coaching type and the ways that the educators rated their growth, while a multiple regression tested the …

Who Was It Truly For?: Bernard Bragg, David Hays, And National Theatre Of The Deaf, Eni Buckhanan

Honors Theses

National Theatre of the Deaf is known for being the first professional sign language theatre company in the United States; however, the complexities of its origins and founders are rarely examined. This thesis explores the relationship between Deaf performer and educator Bernard Bragg and hearing set designer David Hays, along with what was prioritized in the creation of the company, and the aftereffects of these choices on the National Theatre of the Deaf and their Deaf and hearing audiences.

Bragg and Hays began correspondence in 1966, as they developed plans for what would become the National Theatre of the Deaf. …

Sync, Lauren Brown

Honors Theses

The goal of my thesis is to develop an efficient way for dance professionals to network with each other. The dance industry is saturated with talent; therefore, relationships are key to booking jobs. Relationships connect mentors and collaborative spaces that lead to consistent and long-term growth. Dancers enter the professional industry with limited experience. The financial pressure to afford the living costs in dance hub cities like New York and Los Angeles often requires dancers to work multiple jobs. Balancing multiple jobs causes dancers to struggle to find time and opportunities to network meaningfully. Thus, the core problem is when, …

How Life Enrichment Farms Promote Independence, Health, And Well-Being Through Vocational Skills And Sensory Processing Skills, Olivia Stanek

Honors Theses

There is limited knowledge about life enrichment farms and their role in supporting individuals with disabilities. This project aimed to highlight how occupational therapy can collaborate with these farm-based programs to promote independence, health, and well-being among younger adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. An evidence-informed approach and qualitative research methods were used to explore this question, including a literature review and an interview with AACORN Farms, a life enrichment farm located in Michigan. Findings were further examined through occupational therapy activity analysis to identify the vocational, sensory, and meaningful engagement opportunities embedded within the various areas …

Becoming Her, Paris Meller

Honors Theses

This dance-for-camera project explores the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Using a mix of interviews, choreography, and 70s-inspired sound, the project highlights women stepping into male-dominated spaces and reclaiming their power, creativity, and confidence on and off the stage. Ultimately, it serves as a celebration of self-expression and a reminder that identity is something we define for ourselves, not something the world decides for us.

The work is approximately five minutes in length and combines contemporary dance, pedestrian movement, and multimedia editing to create a layered performance for the camera. The project features …

Postmortem Vitreous Humor As An Alternative Matrix To Peripheral Blood For Benzodiazepine Detection, Sara Bussey

Honors Theses

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed secondary drugs of abuse that cause Central Nervous System depression through the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid. While not commonly fatal on their own, benzodiazepines have a minor risk for physical dependence and abuse. They also can have cumulative effects with other medications that can lead to overdose situations; thus, they are considered secondary drugs of abuse. While peripheral blood is considered the standard for xenobiotic detection in postmortem forensic toxicology, it is important to consider the validity of alternative matrices that could be analyzed in the event that blood was not available due to circumstances like …

Introductory Pages, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm, Laura Owen, Christopher W. Tremblay, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

College Freshmen’S Perceptions Of Their High School College And Career Readiness Counseling, Alexandra Novakovic, Eva N. Patrikakou

Journal of College Access

School counselors provide college and career readiness (CCR) counseling and socioemotional support to assist students in planning and pursuing postsecondary education. However, little is known about students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of meetings with school counselors during their preparation for postsecondary education and career planning. The present study surveyed first-year college students who have successfully navigated the college-planning process to explore their perceptions regarding the frequency and degree of helpfulness of meetings with their high school counselor. Results indicate that the frequency of meetings with the school counselor for CCR counseling predicted degree of perceived helpfulness overall, accounting for 60% …

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday October 30, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (September 11, 2025)

Remarks by the Chair of the Board

Remarks by the President

Updates by the Faculty Senate President

Updates by the Western Student Association President

Updates by the Graduate Student Association President

Presentation: Broncos for Sustainability Across WMU

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

WMU Police Officer's Association (POA) Wage Agreement

Five Year Capital Outlay Master Plan and Capital Project Request

Prior Learning Assessment Fee

Western Michigan University External Audit, 2025

Consent Items

• Curriculum Proposals
• Personnel Report
• Utility Easement Request from the City of Kalamazoo
• Liquor License – College …

Complete Issue, Christopher W. Tremblay, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm, Laura Owen, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Use Of Statewide Summative Assessments In College Admissions: Insights From A Case Study, Yen Vo, Stephen Dunbar, Catherine Welch, Jeongmin Ji, Xiaoting Zhong

Journal of College Access

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing discussions around social inequality have significantly reshaped traditional college admission practices. This study explores the potential of using statewide assessments that are accessible to all students and aligned with curriculum standards as an alternative to college admission tests. Hierarchical linear modeling further revealed that statewide assessment scores contributed an additional 9% of the variance in admission scores above and beyond high school GPA and core coursework. Logistic regression and random forest analyses indicated that high school GPA and statewide assessment scores were the most contributing factors to admissions decisions, followed by core coursework. …

Michigan College Access Network's 15th Birthday Section, Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Jamie Jacobs, Brandy Johnson, Sharon Mortensen, Greg Handel, Caroline Altman Smith

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Graduate School Accessibility For Undocumented And Dacamented Scholars Across The United States, Casandra P. Sandoval Hurtado, Ronnie Rios, Kasandra Negrete, Stephany Mendez Ortega, Richard Nunn

Journal of College Access

Literature on higher education accessibility for undocumented and DACAmented (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students has mostly focused on undergraduate students. This paper discusses a comprehensive study of the undocumented graduate student policies of 50 universities across the United States. Using systematic web searches and follow-up interviews with institutional liaisons, we evaluated admissions, tuition classification, funding, and social support practices through an institutional theory lens. This theory posits that institutions prioritize alignment with other institutions, which can lead to a lack of action in providing systemic services. Our findings fit within institutional theory, as many webpages were often confusing or …

The Practice Of Perfect Mistakes, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Cheryl VanderMolen Neway, a fashion designer and textile artist residing in Fairfax, Virginia, provided the cover art for the Fall 2025 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph features a flowing, floor-length duster jacket entitled, The Free Spirit, 2024, made from an upcycled denim jacket with lace and hand-dyed linen, using shibori and indigo-dyeing techniques, modeled by Shamola Crosbie. Cheryl’s designs serve to express emotion, meet her need for creative exploration, and empower her community through fashion. Using resist-dyeing techniques paired with upcycled textiles and salvaged materials, she creates vibrantly unique clothing and mixed-media artwork …

An Authentic Leader Never Dies: Lessons Learned From The Seminal Work Of Elizabeth Yerxa, Daniel Cezar Da Cruz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This Opinion in the Profession is based on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth June Yerxa, a pioneering leader in occupational therapy and occupational science, following her passing in December 2024. Rather than a traditional "in memoriam," the author uses the present tense to emphasize Yerxa's ongoing influence. The paper highlights four key themes from Yerxa’s work: the commitment of occupational therapy to social change, the importance of an occupation-centered education, the term “engaging in occupation”, and the establishment of occupational science as a foundational discipline. Yerxa’s advocacy for critical thinking, holistic perspectives, and the integration of diverse fields …

Implicit Bias Training Standards In Health Care: Did Michigan Get It Right? A Policy And Ethical Framework Analysis, Megan Gailliard, Kieran Fogarty, Mary Lagerwey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In 2022, Michigan joined a handful of states requiring implicit bias training for its health care professionals. In its ideal application, implicit bias training of health care professionals will result in a reduction of the implicit biases held by health care providers. This bias reduction will, in theory, contribute to improved equity in the delivery of health care services. Ultimately, the less biased health professional, now delivering health care services with a more equitable hand, will help reduce health disparities in the State of Michigan.

This analysis of Mich. Admin. Code R.338.7004 - Implicit bias training standards for licensed and …

Promoting Sense Of Belonging Among First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students in occupational therapy programs face unique challenges that can impact their sense of belonging and academic success, potentially hindering efforts to diversify the profession. There is limited data on occupational therapy students who identify as first-generation students. However, the literature has noted improved efforts toward a sense of belonging in higher education among students leads to feeling a sense of connectedness with their peers and faculty, aiding in overall well-being, academic performance and retention. In contrast, a lack of these efforts can lead students to experience a diminished sense of belonging to the institution. This article examines the …