Digital Commons Network^™

"We Have Such Fantastic People Working Here": Using Action Research To Address Community College Burnout, Christine Pipitone

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research dissertation explores faculty burnout at a New Jersey community college to propose actionable, faculty-led solutions through a collaborative approach. Grounded in a theoretical framework that integrates theories of action, critical theory, and job demands–resources theory, the study included three phases that followed an explanatory sequential design. In the first phase, quantitative and qualitative data obtained through an anonymous questionnaire provided baseline information about the dimensions of burnout participants experienced. The data informed the second phase, which consisted of semi-structured focus group interviews. In the third phase, an action research team worked together to make recommendations based …

Students’ Experiences Using Peer Review To Affect Writing Self-Efficacy And Writing Performance In An Undergraduate Mass Communications Writing Course, Nina Morrison Brook

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to examine the impact of peer review on writing self-efficacy and writing performance in an undergraduate online writing for mass communications course. The study focused on two research questions: (1) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing self-efficacy in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? and (2) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing performance in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? This research used peer review …

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.

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 …

"I Didn't Have To Change Who I Was To Listen": A Phenomenological Action Research Study Exploring College Students' Transformative Learning Through Dialogue And Bridgebuilding Initiatives As High-Impact Practices In Higher Education, Michael Malinowski

Theses & Dissertations

Bridgebuilding programs in higher education create rare spaces where students sit with tension, listen deeply, and engage meaningfully across lines of difference. This study examines how those experiences shape student transformation. Guided by Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory, I conducted a qualitative phenomenological study to understand how participation in structured, skills-based bridgebuilding programs shapes students’ beliefs, assumptions, and sense of identity through their lived experiences. I interviewed fourteen students who participated in leadership programming centered on Dialogue Across Differences, and their narratives consistently reflect key phases of transformative learning. Students move through discomfort, reflect on prior assumptions, and apply new …

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 …

From Assistance To Impact: The Expanding Role Of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants In Higher Education, Erin Measom

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is presented in a three-article format. It explores the evolving role of undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in higher education, with a particular focus on how they facilitate interaction, engagement, and student success in online courses. As higher education institutions expand online learning and seek innovative ways to enhance student support, UTAs have emerged as key players in bridging the gap between students and instructors. The first article provides a scoping review of the literature on UTAs, tracing their historical evolution and examining their expanding role. While traditionally viewed as logistical or grading assistants, UTAs are increasingly taking on …

Integrating Faith And Academic Administration, Derek Schuurman

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

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 …

Strategic Planning Model In Higher Education Using Neutrosophic Z Numbers, Luis León Gómez, Hortencio Flores Flores, Adán Humberto Estela Estela, Manuel Cesar Vildoso Villegas, Juvita Dina Soto Hilario, Virgilio Vildoso Gonzales, Yessika Madelaine Abarca Arias

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Strategic planning in higher education faces complex challenges due to the imprecise nature of decision-making criteria, the diversity of stakeholders involved, and the changing dynamics of academic environments. This study addresses the problem of how to model institutional planning processes that effectively incorporate the uncertainty, subjective assessments, and incomplete data characteristic of this context. While various approaches to decision-making in education exist, the current literature presents a significant limitation: the lack of methods that simultaneously integrate the vagueness of human perceptions, the inconsistency of institutional preferences, and the quantitative restrictions inherent to the university setting. To address this problem, we …

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 …

Ensuring Success And Retention: A Review Of Key Factors For Diverse Online Scholars, Leila Romeo, Cicely Ward, Jesiah Brock

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The widespread adoption of online learning in higher education necessitates a critical understanding of factors that promote the retention and academic success of diverse student populations. This paper provides a synthesis of existing research investigating the numerous elements that influence the educational experiences of distinct student cohorts, with a particular focus on literature pertaining to non-traditional Latina students in postsecondary online learning environments. This review critically examines established scholarship to comprehend the array of challenges and prospects these students encounter, identifying critical determinants of their academic trajectories as established in prior studies. Key determinants frequently cited in the literature include …

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 …

Why University Libraries Should Not Overlook Research Staff, Bella Ratmelia

Research Collection Library

In a commentary, the uthor noted that university libraries often overlook research staff due to the transitory nature of these roles. She emphasised that these staff are key drivers of research productivity, bringing specialised skills and adaptability to evolving methodologies. To better support them, the author urged libraries to engage research staff through initiatives like SMU’s workshops co-taught by librarians and researchers and the SMU Researcher Club, which fosters their professional and personal growth while building future collaborations across academia and industry

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.

Strategy And Stewardship In An Uncertain World, Havovi Joshi

Asian Management Insights

This issue, as we continue to celebrate Singapore Management University’s (SMU) 25th anniversary, we explore leadership in higher education, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), ethical stewardship, and other challenges, highlighting how they intersect in our increasingly complex, fast-changing world.

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 …

Diversity Initiatives In Higher Education: Understanding The Experiences Of Black Males In Cuny’S Nyc Men Teach, Fatima Sherif

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This qualitative study examines the experiences of Black males in New York City Men Teach (NYCMT), a diversity initiative designed to increase the representation of Black male educators. Despite efforts, Black men remain underrepresented in education. Drawing from narrative-inquiry and guided by Critical Race theory and the Radical Care framework, this research explores how participants experience NYCMT and what their stories reveal about the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Data from Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing five key themes: community, financial benefits, mentoring, professional development, and challenges. Findings show that while NYCMT offers critical emotional, financial, and structural …

Balancing Breadth And Depth: An Analysis Of General Engineering Programs, Gayle Ermer

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

One of the goals of the Multidisciplinary Engineering Division of ASEE has been to promote engineering programs that are multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, or otherwise categorized as general engineering. This is based on the conviction that graduating engineers would benefit from more breadth than might be available within traditional disciplinary programs. Non-disciplinary programs are currently accredited by ABET under the Criteria: Engineering, General Engineering, Engineering Physics, and Engineering Science. These programs are not evaluated using discipline-specific program criteria in addition to the general criteria. ASEE has served as the lead society for evaluating these programs since 2006.

This project involves an examination …

Adapting Teaching And Learning With Existing Generative Ai By Higher Education Students: Comparative Study Of Zayed University And King Abdulaziz University, Dina Tbaishat, Ghada Amoudi, Maha Elfadel

All Works

This study examines the role of higher education students’ perceptions in adapting Generative AI (GenAI) tools for teaching and learning, with a particular focus on the factors that influence student satisfaction and engagement. A comparative approach is adopted, exploring student experiences at Zayed University (ZU) in the UAE and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Saudi Arabia. The principal variables of interest, including Expected Benefits (EB), University Support (US), Ethical Awareness (EA), and Technology Self-Efficacy (TSE), are examined, with particular attention to their direct and mediated influences through Behavioral Intention (BI) on student satisfaction (SS). Data were collected through surveys and …

From Novice To Expert: Exploring The Relationship Between Information Literacy Threshold Concepts And Epistemological Development, Amanda L. Folk

Communications in Information Literacy

The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education articulates the ways of thinking, knowing, and doing that are valued in the academic community. Prior to the Framework, several scholars explored the potential relationship between information literacy and epistemological development, or the ways in which learners develop their understanding of and positionality to knowledge creation. However, the intersections of information literacy and epistemological development have been underexamined in the era of the Framework. In this article, I analyze the Framework through the lens of two epistemological development models, the Epistemological Reflection Model (Baxter-Magolda, 1992) and Reflective Judgement Model (King …

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, …