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Where There Is No Equity Engine: Unequal Geographies Of Collegesuccess For Low-Income Studen, Becca Spindel Bassett

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Very few four-year American colleges and universities consistently enroll and graduate substantial proportions of low-income students. The outlier institutions that do-institutions I term Equity Engines-are vital social resources for both low-income students and our democratic society. Yet like other valuable resources, they are unevenly distributed across the United States. Drawing on geospatial analysis and bivariate mapping, I examine the relationship between access to and need for Equity Engines across states and within them. Moving from the state to the census tract level, I find compounding geographic barriers to bachelor's degree completion in southern states. These states have high rates of …

Welcome Video Impact On Candidate Conversion To Matriculated Student: Dpt Program Case Study, Debra Beazley, Stephen Elam

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study examines the influence of a relationship marketing-inspired welcome video on the matriculation decisions of Generation Z candidates accepted into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in central Virginia. The Generation Z cohort, characterized as digital natives sensitive towards authentic, personalized communication, represents a significant segment of the higher education market. Utilizing the Generational Cohort Theory, this research explores how tailored marketing efforts can effectively engage this group. Methods: The study involved 163 applicants, 107 offers, and 52 students who accepted a position in the 2027 cohort, with 53% of these students receiving the welcome video in …

Fostering Belonging: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Nontraditional Students In Higher Education, Gina M. Bolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the sense of belonging for nontraditional students in online higher education environments. The conceptual framework that guided this study was the CoI, which emphasized the importance of social, cognitive, and teaching presence to foster a supportive and positive student experience. The central research question was: How do online nontraditional students in higher education describe their experiences of academic and social belonging within their learning communities? This study employed a transcendental phenomenological design. Participants included 15 nontraditional students enrolled in fully online degree programs at various U.S. institutions. Data collected through …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of University Students With Lyme Disease: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rebekah A. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of students with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment within the context of higher education institutions. Guided by Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory, the research sought to explore the challenges students encountered while experiencing lasting symptoms of Lyme disease post-treatment. The central research question driving the inquiry was: What are the lived experiences of students contending with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment while pursuing higher education? Employing a transcendental phenomenological method, the study utilized journal prompts, interviews, and two focus groups comprised of students who have navigated …

Centering Environmental Justice And Sustainability In Deij Values, Heather F. Clark, Ellie Perry

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

In this article we articulate a framework for understanding sustainability and environmental justice as part of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) values in higher education. Examining our campus’ vision and history, we illustrate how a commitment to environmental justice is part and parcel to supporting educational equity and social justice at a model urban university. This framework highlights how ignoring environmental concerns limits our collective potentially to support DEIJ goals, and how centering sustainability concerns can strengthen DEIJ efforts in higher education. We argue that achieving social and educational justice is only possible if environmental justice is also pursued.

College Corps: A 90 Day Onboarding Plan–And Beyond, Marylou Bagus-Hansen, John Caceres, W. Kent Rogers

Benerd College Student Articles

The University of San Diego (USD) is one of the participating campuses to host College Corps (CC) Fellows, and one of four private institutions among the 45. Assigned 130 fellowship members, USD has the largest cohort of its private counterparts and recently added three additional full-time staff members who started approximately four months ago. USD now has a total number of five staff, the largest staff to student ratio of private institutions (Top 10 Learnings, 2023).

While California Volunteers (CV) provided some guidance for the implementation and launch of the program, this guidance was disproportionately focused on the recruitment and …

Affirmation And Aspiration: Black Women Enrolled In Doctoral Programs At A Pwi Striving For The Tenure-Track, Anayah Alicia Walker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Black women remain vastly underrepresented in tenure-track positions at research universities in the United States, facing systemic barriers that hinder their academic progression. This study examines the experiences and strategies that contribute to Black women’s preparation for tenure-track positions while enrolled in doctoral programs at a predominantly white institution. Grounded in Black feminist thought coupled with an appreciative inquiry lens, this study utilized the sista circle methodology to capture the narratives of seven Black women from various academic disciplines. Findings revealed three experiences that contribute to Black women’s preparation for tenure track positions: intrinsic motivation, funding and institutional resources, and …

Burnout Among Adjunct Faculty: A Quantitative Study, Christopher D. Sclafani

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adjunct faculty, who are employed on a contractual, as-needed basis, comprise nearly 70% of the higher education workforce in the United States. Despite their essential role, they often face challenges that may impact their well-being and organizational commitment. This quantitative, non-experimental study examined the relationships between workload, course format, compensation, institutional support, and burnout among adjunct faculty. Data was collected from 85 adjunct faculty members across the United States using an online survey. Guided by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET), multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore the predictive effects of workload, compensation, and institutional …

Integrating Faith And Academic Administration, Derek Schuurman

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Resilience In The Anthropocene: Evaluating A Gssw Ecological Justice Curriculum, Windy Selig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation in Practice evaluated the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) Ecological Justice Pathway to examine how resilience is conceptualized and cultivated within the curriculum. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm and guided by an ecological justice framework, this evaluation explored the pedagogical and curricular strategies designed to prepare social work students for the emotional, ethical, and professional demands of practicing in the Anthropocene—a time marked by ecological degradation, climate crisis, and compounding social inequities.

Through qualitative methods, including faculty interviews and curriculum document analysis, the evaluation identified both explicit and implicit components that foster student resilience. …

An Approach From The Plithogenic Dea To The Calculation Of The Efficiency Of A Pedagogical Strategy On Basic Digital Competencies In Students Of The Basic Education Program At The Bolivarian University Of Ecuador, Johanna Irene Escobar Jara

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

In the context of higher education, the evolution towards a full integration of digital technologies has been significant globally, but its effective implementation varies between different regions and institutions. In Latin America, the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been uneven, despite efforts to incorporate digital tools into education. Significant gaps in infrastructure and teacher training persist, which limit educational quality and the full development of digital skills in students. This paper aims to measure the impact of implementing a pedagogical strategy on developing basic digital skills and how it im-proves the pedagogical skills and innovation capacity of …

Neutrosophic Evaluation Of Conventional And Non-Conventional Resources In Higher Education, Walter Cente Pérez, Hortencio Flores Flores, Manuel Cesar Vildoso Villegas, Adán Humberto Estela Estela, Carlos Fretel Martínez, Virgilio Vildoso Gonzales, Eli Carrillo Vásquez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Evaluating the effectiveness of teaching resources in higher education faces the challenge of inherent subjectivi-ty and ambiguity in pedagogical processes. Existing studies often oversimplify the complexity of the educa-tional phenomenon. This research proposes an innovative model combining neutrosophic theory with mul-ticriteria decision-making methods (specifically SVNLOWAD-TOPSIS) to simultaneously assess truth, falsity, and indeterminacy in resource effectiveness. The methodological framework, acknowledging the plithogenic nature of educational processes, uses a mixed-method design integrating expert perceptions synthesized via neutrosophic operators. A case study evaluating four resource types—traditional classes, online platforms, vir-tual simulations, and Project-Based Learning (PBL)—demonstrated that PBL is the most effective, followed by …

Aesha Mustafa, Interview, 2025, Kat Hacanyan

Oral Histories

In this interview EMU counseling department faculty member, and co-owner of the Integrative Empowerment Group, Aesha Mustafa, shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride. Mustafa explains that her therapy practice specializes in working with BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks, and issues related to polyamory, kink, and fetish, and believes everyone deserves access to mental health care. She also explores her involvement with the award-winning Enlighten U podcast where she discusses mental health tools with students, ways she affirms her students and clients, and how having a baby and a bisexual husband have changed the way she views Pride.

Beyond Barriers: Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Students In American Higher Education, Carly Jean Colbert

Journal of Prison Education Research

The United States prison industry is the largest in the world. With the reintroduction of Second Chance Pell in 2015, more people are starting their education while incarcerated, and some attempt to finish after release. However, they are faced with numerous barriers that may prevent graduation. Drawing on Astin’s theory of student involvement, this mixed-methods study examines the challenges that formerly incarcerated people face while pursuing college degrees. Rather than focusing on access, this research focuses on the supports that institutions of higher education can establish to help formerly incarcerated students persist and successfully complete their undergraduate degrees. The findings …

"Opting Out Of Ai”: Exploring Perceptions, Reasons, And Concerns Behind Faculty Resistance To Generative Ai, Aya Shata

Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies Faculty Research

Research on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in higher education primarily focuses on faculty use and experiences, with limited attention given to why some abstain from using it. Drawing from Innovation Resistance Theory, this study aims to address this gap by exploring the perceptions of both faculty users and non-users of GAI, identifying the reasons and concerns why they avoid GAI. A survey of 294 full-time higher education faculty from two mid-size U.S. public universities was conducted. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, results show that over one-third of the faculty members opted out of using GAI for five primary reasons: not …

From Cynicism To Trust: Strategies For Teaching Students Source Evaluation Skills, Mandi Goodsett, Melanie Gagich

Michael Schwartz Library Publications

Concerns about the spread and adoption of misinformation abound, and academic librarians have played a part in trying to stem the tide through information literacy instruction. However, teaching students how to evaluate sources can be complicated—teaching fact-checking skills may be insufficient if it increases students’ overall cynicism about information ecosystems. This study explores how teaching fact-checking and lateral reading skills, along with instruction about “bias filters,” can help to reduce the cynicism of first year writing students, while also increasing their misinformation detection skills. Results are mixed, but teaching about the information creation process and “bias filters” is especially promising. …

Forging The Future, Kenneth Benoit

Asian Management Insights

How AI is rewriting the rules of knowledge, expertise, and practice.

Chatgpt Or Human Mentors? Student Perceptions Of Technology Acceptance And Use And The Future Of Mentorship In Higher Education, Jimin Lee, Alena G. Esposito

Psychology

GAI technologies are increasingly recognized as mentor-like resources in higher education. While these tools offer academic guidance and personalized feedback, little is known about how students perceive and evaluate AI-generated mentorship. This study investigated how Prior ChatGPT Use, primary mentor identity, mentorship effectiveness, and technology acceptance predict students’ response identification and evaluations of AI- versus human-generated responses. College students (N = 127) completed a survey in which they identified the source of masked responses across different domains and rated each response on helpfulness, caring, and likelihood to reach out again. Binary logistic regression models revealed that Prior ChatGPT Use predicted …

The Fault Line: Understanding Tension Between Industry And Higher Education Institutions In Sustained Partnerships, David Lawrence

Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamics that influence tensions in industry–higher education partnerships and identifies effective navigation factors in sustainable partnerships. Despite the increasing prevalence, such partnerships face high failure rates due to inherent tensions. This research explores how partners from industry and higher education institutions successfully navigate these tensions using a qualitative case study approach.

This investigation employed a case study design with a multi-case two-by-two holistic matrix and an interpretive, constructivist framework. Data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with key individuals from nine higher education institutions and five industry organizations spanning healthcare, technology, consulting, real estate development, and accounting …

University Leadership, Singapore Management University

Asian Management Insights

The future belongs to institutions that advance impact and prepare minds for lifelong learning. An interview with Dr Andrew Hamilton, President Emeritus of New York University and former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University.

Higher Education Is Under Siege: It Needs To Reinvent Itself, Lily Kong

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In an op-ed for The Straits Times, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on the urgent need for universities to respond to the growing convergence of pressures facing higher education – including political scrutiny, funding constraints, technological disruption, and public scepticism. She calls for a reimagining of the university’s purpose: one that moves beyond knowledge acquisition and employment outcomes to embrace holistic student development, lifelong learning, and social relevance. Highlighting the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability, Prof Kong emphasises that learning happens as much outside the classroom as within it – through mentoring, community engagement, reflection, and lived experience. …

From Cynicism To Trust: Strategies For Teaching Students Source Evaluation Skills, Mandi Goodsett, Melanie Gagich

Communications in Information Literacy

Concerns about the spread and adoption of misinformation abound, and academic librarians have played a part in trying to stem the tide through information literacy instruction. However, teaching students how to evaluate sources can be complicated—teaching fact-checking skills may be insufficient if it increases students’ overall cynicism about information ecosystems. This study explores how teaching fact-checking and lateral reading skills, along with instruction about “bias filters,” can help to reduce the cynicism of first year writing students, while also increasing their misinformation detection skills. Results are mixed, but teaching about the information creation process and “bias filters” is especially promising. …

Hardiness, Optimism And Hope: Longitudinal Study Of How Individuals May Build Resilience Through Experiential Undergraduate University Courses, Paul Lim, Chin Heng Low, Kevin Koh

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This study explores the antecedents of students’ resilience in a management education setting, by looking at the role of state hope and dispositional optimism in cultivating their psychological hardiness. While resilience is recognized as integral to personal growth, extant research has predominantly focused on its correlations with psychological capital (PsyCap) elements such as hope and optimism; or examined the outcomes of hardiness as a proxy of resilience. Little has been done to explicate the directional causal relationships among the PsyCap elements and hardiness in view of resilience-building. Using a longitudinal mixed methods design, this study delves into how state hope, …

‘Making A Positive Environmental Impact’: Exploring The Role Of Volunteering At A Campus Community Garden, Dina Izenstark, Barbara Ann Boone

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Promoting sustainability in higher education is a social and environmental imperative. This paper explores how and why volunteering at a campus community garden (CCG) can serve as a unique context for promoting sustainability. Twenty-five undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 27, who had volunteered at a campus garden, participated in individual semi-structured interviews. A majority of participants identified as female (80%) and Asian American (52%). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we first found students were motivated to volunteer for personal and academic reasons as well as to learn more about gardening. Childhood gardening experiences influenced participants’ re-engagement as adults. …

Academic Professionals’ Perspectives On Return To Learn Following Concussion In Ncaa Student-Athletes, Tom Bowman, Monica R. Lininger, Alicia M. Pike Lacy, Johna K. Register-Mihalik, Steven M. Myers, Stephanie M. Singe

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

While evidence supports the gradual return to participation in collegiate athletics following a concussion, limited evidence exists of the return to learn (RTL) procedures for a successful return to the higher education classroom. The objective of this study was to determine what academic supports and hindrances are present for NCAA student-athletes during the RTL process following a concussion from academic professionals’ perspectives. In this qualitative study with purposive recruitment strategies, academic support professionals (5=female, 4=male, age=44.2±13.9 years, experience=11.6±10.4 years) and faculty athletic representatives (5=female, 5=male, age=48.6±7.8 years, experience=3.9±5.6 years) volunteered to complete virtual interviews. We conducted semistructured one-on-one interviews with …

Virtual And Hybrid Work In Higher Education, Kathryn Elaine Shamburg

Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative case study examines leadership dynamics within hybrid and remote work environments in higher education, focusing on the enrollment management department of a university. As institutions shift toward flexible work models, the study explores how leaders adapt communication, support, and collaboration strategies to maintain effectiveness, employee well-being, and inclusion. Grounded in Siemens’ (2004) connectivism and supported by insights from Prensky (2001) and Shirky (2009), the study uses a theoretical lens that emphasizes technology’s role in learning and organizational interaction. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis, with participants ranging from frontline recruiters to senior administrators. The constant comparative …

Deconstructing Professionalism: The Role Of The Dress Code, Klaire Brumbaugh, Lauren Wright-Jones

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Professionalism is a complex construct that is difficult to measure. Oftentimes in graduate training programs, adherence to a dress code is coupled with professionalism and professional behavior. This manuscript reviews dress codes in various graduate training programs. Strategies are provided for university faculty and administrators to lead their programs in developing culturally responsive practices by beginning to deconstruct dress code from the concept of professionalism.

Exploring Higher Education Shared Governance Constitutional Documents As Potential Culture Building Contributors To Friction Between Faculty And Administration Through A Qualitative Analysis Of Foundational Institution Documents, Lanna Monday Emmett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research project investigates the role shared governance documents in higher education institutions play in communicating the guiding principles and expectations used to create, sustain, and challenge culture through a content analysis of foundational institutional documents. Colleges and universities face challenges driven by technology, globalization, the capitalization of education, and shifting expectations regarding diversity, equity, and sustainability. These changes require institutions to adapt their organizational models for more competitive decision-making while navigating evolving governance issues. In some instances, these changes have been cited as one cause for friction between institutional stakeholders, particularly faculty and administration. Previous studies have more …

Homeplace As A Methodology Of Care: Conducting Critical Qualitative Research With 2slgbtqia+ Youth In Higher Education, K. Rende Mendoza, Ferial Pearson, Isa Manhart

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

This paper addresses the alarming trend of policies and legislative actions targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and affirmation/accessibility (DEIA) efforts in higher education, particularly those affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. These policies not only pose a direct threat to the physical and psychological safety of marginalized students but also undermine the institutional support systems essential for their personal and academic development. Authored by a nonbinary undergraduate and two 2SLGBTQIA+ teacher education researchers, our paper explores student-led critical qualitative research as a countermeasure to these regressive policies. Building from bell hooks' conception of homeplace, we offer our suggestions for establishing safe, supportive, and liberatory …

Future Of Inclusive Education In The Uae: Supporting Learning Disabilities In Higher Education, Christina Ayub

Theses

Inclusive education is a critical component of higher education, ensuring that students with learning disabilities (LDs) receive equitable access to academic opportunities and institutional support. While global advancements in inclusive education have been significant, the UAE’s higher education sector faces unique challenges in accommodating students with LDs, particularly as technological disruptions, demographic shifts, and evolving policies reshape the broader educational landscape. This research investigates how a higher education institution in the UAE, such as RIT Dubai, might adapt its support systems for students with LDs, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia, under a range of plausible future conditions …