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Commencement Program: 2025, Governors State University

Commencement Documents and Videos

May 17, 2025
10 a.m.

Student Speaker: Ms. Catherine Miles

College of Education and Human Development
College of Health and Human Services

May 17, 2025

4 p.m.

Student Speaker: Ms. Kaylie Dahms

College of Business
College of Arts and Sciences

Unmasking The Color Behind Human Trafficking, Miranda Ibarra

Posters - 2025

> Human Trafficking as a Global Crisis: Recognized as the second-largest criminal industry in the world, human trafficking affects millions worldwide.

> Legal Framework: The Trafficking Victims Protections Act (TVPA) (2000) introduced these primary strategies:

• Prevention
• Protection
• Prosecution

Definition of Trafficking:

• The illegal coercion and transporation of individuals for exploitation.

The Presence Of Substance Use In Individuals From A Non-Traditional Family Structure, Manuel Lastra-Cruz, Isac Perez, Mariana Torres, Cayla Travers

Posters - 2025

This study will analyze the relationship between family structure and substance use behaviors among young adults aged 18 to 25. The aim is to compare substance use between participants raised in nontraditional family structures (foster care or adoptive families) and those raised in biological families. The study will use a cross-sectional design where 200 participants will be recruited (100 from each family structure group). Data collection included the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), an Intake Form Assessment, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The participants will complete these surveys that will be used to measure the relationship between substance …

The Civil Rights Movement In Minnesota: The Northstar State Leading The Nation’S Struggle For Civil Rights, Adam James Sigdor Petersen

Dissertations (1934 -)

With reason, Minnesota can pride itself on leading the nation in many progressive causes. And a broad participation in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s was no exception. Long overlooked, Minnesota led the cause to combat de facto segregation in the North. Not only did it produce numerous national leaders that fought for the cause of civil rights at the federal level, but at the state and local levels it also paced the nation in many ways promoting equality through moral education and passing substantive legislation to combat discrimination in housing, employment, and education. These efforts were bipartisan, biracial, …

Candidates Be Posting, Josephine Lukito, Maggie Macdonald, Bin Chen, Megan A. Brown, Stephen Prochaska, Yunkang Yang, Jason Greenfield, Jiyoun Suk, Wei Zhong, Ross Dahlke, Porismita Borah

Political Science Faculty Publications

In this multi-platform, comparative study, we analyze social media messages from political candidates (N = 1,517) running for Congress during the 2022 U.S. Midterm election. We collect data from seven social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Truth Social, Gettr, Instagram, YouTube, and Rumble over the 4 weeks before and after election day. With this unique dataset of posts, we apply computational methods to identify messages that sought to mobilize individuals (online and offline) to donate money, vote, attend events, engage with the campaign online, and visit the campaign’s content on other platforms. We find that Democrats were not on alt-tech platforms …

Engagement In Generalist Social Work Practice: Exploring Conceptual Theory And Textbook Pedagogy, Alice C. Fischer

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Social work has a distinctive orientation to engagement that sets it apart from other helping professions. Engagement occurs both at the beginning and throughout every stage of social work practice with client systems. Despite its inherent and almost synonymous nature with social work practice, the profession has found it challenging to establish a theoretical conceptualization of engagement in social work or a definition of engagement in social work.

This study explored existing literature to establish a construct of engagement and a description of its underlying concepts, variables, and attributes. The construct informed the development of a methodology for comparing how …

Hubungan Dukungan Sosial Rekan Kerja Dengan Stres Kerja (Studi Pada Pekerja Di Pt X), Aisyah Permatasari

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Workers are vulnerable to work-related stress due to job demands, time constraints, and limited leisure time, leading to psychological issues such as anxiety related to their work. In the context of social welfare studies, job stress affects overall workers’ well-being and disrupts their social functioning in the workplace. Social support from coworkers is potentially reduce stress in workplace, which is crucial for creating organizational well-being. It also helps workers improve job engagement, cope with fatigue, and manage stress. This study examined the relationship between social support from coworkers and job stress among 90 employees …

Caring Across Borders: Demographic Shifts And Migrant Care In Asean-Korea Dynamics, Saqib Fardan Ahmada, Wahid Nur Kartiko

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This article aims to examine the migration policies and migrant care in the context of relations between ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Korea. As Korea is dealing with an aging population, an increase in female labour force participation, and an ultra low fertility rate, caregiving, especially for the elderly, has become a pivotal issue. Besides, the traditional nuclear family structure, which has historically served as the primary caregiver for the elderly, is also losing its prominence. In such demographic shift, migrant care workers from AMS are filling the demand for caregiving in Korea, leading to a cross-border international migration from …

Strategi Pemulihan Berkelanjutan Melalui Program Pemberdayaan: Studi Pada Petani Bawang Dan Coklat Di Wilayah Pascabencana Sulawesi Tengah, Resti Mirza Apriani

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Natural disasters in Central Sulawesi in 2018 damaged the onion and cocoa farming sectors, which are the main sources of livelihood for the local communities. Post-disaster economic recovery requires sustainable empowerment programs, such as access to capital, agricultural technology, and training to enhance farmers’ capacity. BAZNAS collaborated with PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) through SMI’s CSR program to implement an empowerment initiative for onion farmers in Guntarano Village (Tanantovea Subdistrict, Donggala Regency) and Duyu Subdistrict (Tatanga Subdistrict, Palu City), as well as cocoa farmers in Tuva Village (Gumbasa Subdistrict, Sigi Regency), areas affected by the Central Sulawesi earthquake. This study …

Perkembangan Dan Pengorganisasian Program Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Oleh Yayasan Nurani Dunia Di Purwakarta, Kamilah Dwi Kurniawati, Ismi Arsilah Rahmawati

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in advancing societal welfare. However, while their numbers have increased, public trust remains low, as NGOs are often perceived to lack the capacity to design and evaluate programs effectively and fail to engage local stakeholders (Bodja, 2006). Previous research has predominantly focused on NGOs' roles in enhancing community participation and social networks, overlooking the importance of program management and stakeholder relations. This article examines the development of program frameworks, program organization, and the involvement of local organizations in Yayasan Nurani Dunia, an NGO that focuses on community development and dedicated to program innovation. …

The Pathway To And Consequences Of Foster Parent Intervention In Dependency Cases, Gillian Katz Lamon

UC Law Journal

Over the last 50 years, federal child welfare legislation has wrestled with how to reconcile the competing goals of the child welfare system: child protection, family preservation, and permanency. The United States foster care system has evolved alongside transformations in private adoptions. As the prospects for private adoption have dwindled, the pendulum has shifted toward prioritizing child protection. Youth in foster care have suddenly become the private adoption alternative. Most recently, some state courts have granted foster parents standing to intervene in termination of parental rights proceedings. In those cases, foster parents are permitted to battle with natural parents for …

A Phenomenological Study Of Licensed Social Workers’ Conceptualization Of Shame In Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders, Brent A. Basile

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Shame is a self-conscious emotion that has been referred to as both a master and a hidden emotion. Sociological and psychological researchers have neglected shame, although it has seen a resurgence in the past 20 years as a topic for research. Shame heightens during adolescence, a transitional period that bridges childhood and adulthood and involves psychological, social, physiological, and neurobiological changes. Adolescent substance use leads to academic, health and mental health, peer, and family difficulties. Additionally, adolescent substance use is associated with the leading causes of death, including suicide, unintended injury, and violence. Adolescent substance use disorders impact the individual, …

Motivational Factors Influencing Honors Student Attrition: An Expectancy–Value Perspective, Nina Marijanović, Naomi Rowland, Morgan Flanagan, E. Myo Zin, Megan Bailey

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

This study investigates the motivational factors underlying student withdrawal from an honors college using expectancy-value theory (EVT) as a guiding framework. Drawing on qualitative analysis of self-reported withdrawal forms (n = 1,110) collected between 2018 and 2023 at a midsize public university, authors identify the core drivers of attrition across three constructs of EVT: expectancy (belief in one’s ability to succeed), value (perceived benefits of participation), and cost (perceived burdens or tradeoffs). Findings indicate the most common motivations as value-related concerns, including misalignment with academic goals or career trajectories. Cost-related factors, such as workload demands, scheduling conflicts, and financial …

Exploring And Implementing A Compassionate Social Service Ministry In Korean American Churches, Caleb Kim

KAUPA Letters

The purpose of this study is to explore the types and contents of church ministries provided by Korean American churches in the Chicagoland area. Using a conceptual content analysis, this study identified that most Korean American churches disproportionately offer an evangelical ministry to their fellow church members but overlook a compassionate social service ministry to their congregations, other ethnic minorities, the oppressed and unjust social issues. The most offered evangelical ministries are weekly worship services, evangelism, world mission, discipleship training, and Bible study. Only few churches provide financial aid support and pastoral care services to their church members and non-Korean …

In Sickness And In Health: Care And Complacency In Aid Efforts For Migrant Youth In Eastern France, Nzana K. Thillot , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This thesis examines the perspectives of educators working with unaccompanied migrant minors (MNAs) in eastern France, focusing on how they perceive and navigate the care system and creates their own communities of care within the gaps of the bureaucratic French system. Through qualitative analysis, it explores how educators interpret the structural challenges MNAs face, including access to healthcare, social integration, and legal protections. By centering educators’ voices, this study highlights their role as intermediaries between MNAs and the French system that determines their access to essential services. It interrogates how these professionals negotiate institutional constraints, advocate for the well-being and …

Graduate Studies Newsletter (Spring 2025), Csusb - Office Of Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Grief Into Growth: Msw Portfolio, Shelby Ann Lampi

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Insights From The Field: An Exploration Of Approaches And Trends Utilized By Illinois School Social Workers., Rachel Jenkins

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

School social workers (SSWers) support students facing adversity by advocating for their social-emotional well-being while navigating academic mandates. SSWers address behavioral and emotional challenges that impede student success, often rooted in trauma, mental health, disabilities, or challenging circumstances. However, less is known about the array of approaches SSWers utilize when working with students. As such, this study aimed to understand the current approaches and trends of SSWers in Illinois when working with youth who face adversity. Researchers utilized a cross-sectional mixed methods approach employing survey research with scaled and open-ended questions. The Illinois School Social Workers Association (IASSW) aided recruitment …

Key Factors That Influence The Successful Implementation And Sustainment Of Dei Within Probation Departments, Natalie Martinez

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

The successful implementation and sustainment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within probation departments is essential to create a fair and just criminal justice system. This paper examines the principal elements that impact the implementation and sustainability of DEI practices in probation settings. This research identifies best practices and challenges in integrating DEI principles into organizational structures by analyzing existing literature, case studies, and policy frameworks. The findings highlight the importance of leadership commitment, policy integration, and measurement, as well as an environment that fosters an inclusive culture. Additionally, the study examines barriers such as resistance to change, policy …

Equity In Maternal Journeys: Maternal Health Care Experiences Among Black Mothers In South Carolina, Julisa Grace Tindall

Theses and Dissertations

Black women in the United States experience disproportionately adverse maternal health outcomes, particularly in the Southeast. This dissertation examines the maternal health care experiences and resilience strategies of Black mothers in South Carolina through a qualitative study grounded in critical race theory, Black feminist thought, resilience theory, and ecological systems theory. It highlights the pervasive influence of structural racism while amplifying the resourcefulness and agency of Black mothers. The first manuscript develops a conceptual framework to explore the structural, social, and interpersonal mechanisms influencing Black maternal health care experiences. The second manuscript employs grounded theory to investigate Black mothers’ lived …

Msw Portfolio: Finding Myself, Sheena Rae Jibson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio represents my personal and professional evolution from a registered nurse uncertain of her future, to a confident therapist with a clear vision for what is ahead. It is a reflection of three years of dedicated work in the University of Montana’s Master of Social Work program. Through this compilation, I highlight the skills, knowledge, and values I have cultivated while demonstrating my growth across the ten core competencies of social work.

Cultivating My Social Work Identity: Integrating Past, Context, And Relationship, Jessica K. Kumm

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My application to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program was sent as a means to move beyond the constraints of the classroom walls as teacher and provide meaningful and tailored support to individuals who were falling through the cracks of the system. My experience in this program was transformative, in ways that were expected and unexpected. I recognize significant expansion in my perspective alongside growing confidence in applying newly acquired skills, both clear indicators of my professional and personal development. The insights garnered from personal experiences, academic lectures, and practicum placements shifted my theoretical foundations and personal worldviews. What …

Behavioral Escalation In The Ed, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.

Suspected Abusive Head Trauma, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.

(In)Accessibility: Awareness Project At Northwestern College, Natalie Hoffman, Amber Millard, Grace Harre

Student Projects

Accessibility on any campus is necessary to allow individuals with limited mobility and physical disabilities to feel welcomed and access their education. Community forums are a powerful tool to organize a community to implement change and advocate for a community’s needs. Prior to implementing the community forum, community organizers engaged in research as well as in conversations with those on campus who have direct exposure to how the lack of accessibility impacts various individuals on campus. The community organizers partnered with the NEXT program, a student, as well as several professors at Northwestern college to advocate for change and bring …

Voices Of Uab Social Workers: Key Findings From The 2024 Needs Assessment, Lana Turner Msw Student, Laurel Hitchcock Phd, Mph, Licsw-S, Pip, Uab Social Work Partnership

College of Arts & Sciences Professional Work

The UAB Social Work Partnership (SWP), in collaboration with Dr. Donny Gerke and MSW students Kafui Sakyi-Addo, Eryka Slaughter, Matthew Miller, and Shalini Chatterji, conducted a needs assessment survey in October 2024 to better understand the challenges and priorities of social workers within UAB. The assessment addressed salary equity, continuing education (CEU) needs, networking opportunities, and internship supervision support. This report summarizes the key findings from the 106 survey responses from UAB social workers, offering insights that can inform policy development, professional support strategies, and organizational improvements within the UAB social work community. The survey, conducted via Qualtrics, was disseminated …

Social Workers Impact On Behavioral Health Patients In The Emergency Department, Hannah Grumbein

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The emergency department is designed to treat emergency medical conditions, stabilize the patients, and transition them to the next appropriate level of care. The social issue that prompted the search in current literature is increased readmissions to the emergency department for many at-risk populations, including mental health patients. The research problem addressed through this quantitative study was the increasing readmission rates in emergency departments for the mental health population for non-emergent needs. The purpose of the study was to determine whether having social work involvement with adult mental health patients in the emergency department would lead to more services at …

The Lawyer: Spring 2025, Seattle University School Of Law

Lawyer

No abstract provided.

Domestic Violence And Women In Education, Elizabeth Gonzalez

Posters - 2025

Domestic violence has prevailed especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to its excessive impact on intimate partners, it is known that it has been impacting people in various ways whether it be technological, emotional, financial, physical, sexual, or economic (Domestic Violence, 2024).

In particular, domestic violence has targeted women who have educational attainment due to many factors. With this in mind, we study the different potential risk effects that cause women to have fewer opportunities whether it be financially or employment along with geographic factors impacting them to experience domestic violence.

Promoting Equitable Access To Music Through Implementation Of An Eye Gaze Musical Instrument (Eyeharp) In A Special Education School, Amber Foster

Capstone Projects

Music is a universal language that transcends physical, cognitive, and cultural boundaries. The benefits of playing a musical instrument are well known and researched, however, individuals with severe motor disabilities often face physiological, neurological, and/or societal barriers that limit their access to playing a musical instrument. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about adaptive musical instruments that are available to serve these individuals and their needs. To address these challenges, this capstone project utilized EyeHarp, an adaptive musical instrument that uses eye gaze technology, to allow students at a special education school with limited motor abilities to create music. The objectives …