Digital Commons Network^™

Barriers Faced By College Sexual Violence Survivors Who Identify As A Racial And Gender Minority, Brittany A. Gordon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexual violence is a significant issue in the US, and specifically on college campuses. Students who identify as a racial and gender minority have been found to be at increased risk. While research has examined the barriers to disclosure, reporting, or help-seeking among survivors within higher education who identify as a racial minority and those who identify as a gender minority, no qualitative studies have looked at the barriers faced by student survivors who identify as both a racial and gender minority. The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers faced by students who identify as a racial …

There’S A Crisis Brewing In Higher Education, Caroline M. Graham

Dissertations, 2020-current

This dissertation addresses the increasing need to enhance crisis preparedness among student affairs practitioners in higher education. With the growing frequency and complexity of campus crises—ranging from mental health emergencies to incidents of violence, the preparedness and self-efficacy of those in student support roles are paramount. This three-manuscript dissertation explores crisis intervention training, crisis self-efficacy, and the lived experiences of student affairs practitioners navigating campus crises. The first manuscript provides a conceptual overview of the gaps in current crisis intervention training within graduate programs, advocating for the integration of core competencies informed by accreditation standards and professional associations. The second …

Undergraduate Student Experiences Of Flow In Culturally Relevant And Contextual Digital Math Games, Kaylie Kurland

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Students in co-requisite mathematics classes represent a diverse group of learners, with one thing in common: their previous math performance. This research investigates how playing culturally responsive educational games is associated with students' learning and experience of flow. Quantitative analyses revealed no significant differences in flow scores across demographic groups. However, students with stronger STEM identities reported experiencing higher levels of flow, on average. Math self-efficacy was not significantly associated with flow experiences. ANOVA results indicated that flow was not significantly related to final course grades (F = 0.465, p = 0.707, η² = 0.008), suggesting that students’ self-reported flow …

Visualizing Success: The Role Of Visual Mathematics In Higher Education, Taylor-Paige M. Winslow

Education Dissertations

Despite being well-documented methods for supporting deeper understanding of complex mathematical concepts, visual mathematics remains underutilized in undergraduate higher education, where traditional equation-driven and memorization-focused approaches dominate instruction. Using data collected from pre- and post-intervention surveys and written reflections from 24 participants, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine how implementing visual representations into a college algebra course influenced students’ mathematical self-efficacy, confidence, perceived understanding of the material, and attitudes toward mathematics. Findings revealed that students who experienced the visual mathematics intervention reported notable improvements in their sense of preparedness, confidence in performing mathematics both numerically and visually, …

Empowering Voices: The Impact Of Collective Storytelling Within College Support Programs, Sara Rock

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The Torero Renaissance Scholars Program (TRSP) supports undergraduate and graduate students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or who are emancipated minors or in legal guardianship. My action research aimed to explore and improve TRSP practices related to sharing personal narratives, community building, and fostering mutual understanding between students, campus, and community partners. Using an action research model focused on community engagement, I conducted three research cycles involving narrative inquiry-based individual interviews and surveys to evaluate group activities. Findings revealed a tension around sharing personal stories and highlighted the importance of self-authorship and holistic mentorship. Interviews showed students prioritize resources …

Learning A Little Bit Harder: The Intersecting Experiences Of First-Generation And Single-Mother College Students, Natalie Lecy, Elizabeth Hendrix, Brian A. Droubay

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this introduction here.

This study examines the experiences of nine first-generation, single-mother college students, focusing on these intersecting, double-jeopardy identities. Participants’ difficulty navigating college varied; contributing factors included family background, social capital, the type of college attended, and whether they established a mentor. The following themes were established: 1) realizing college is an option, 2) caught between two worlds, 3) college wasn’t designed for us, 4) economic barriers, and 5) disparities in social capital. Our findings indicate colleges were unprepared to meet the unique challenges faced by this group. We present recommendations for the …

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 9, Issue 1, Spring 2025

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2025 issue (Volume 9, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The issue includes five articles addressing challenges in higher education: faculty-student interactions with Generation Z students, experiences of first-generation single-mother college students, implementation of an interdisciplinary museum studies course, guidance for creating educational videos, and a book review on resistance to change in higher education. The journal emphasizes practical strategies for effective teaching, inclusivity, and innovative approaches to pedagogy across various educational contexts.

Faculty Perceptions Of Challenges To Faculty Retention In Workforce Training Programs At A Higher Education Center In The Southern United States, Brea Terry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is the challenges of retaining faculty in the workforce training program division at a higher education center in the southern United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore faculty perceptions regarding challenges to faculty retention in the workforce training program division at a higher education center in the southern United States and their recommendations for improved faculty retention. The conceptual framework that supported the study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with eight full-time workforce training faculty members who had been employed with the …

Cultivating A Sense Of Belonging: Pathways Of Support In Higher Education, Tanya M. Tarbutton, Lori B. Doyle

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Institutions should proactively consider the need for cultivating a sense of belonging among online adult students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Hispanic and first-generation learners face unique challenges to overcoming potential barriers associated with obtaining an advanced degree. The impact of higher education institutions (HEI) on the overall development and betterment of society cannot be overstated which adds a level of importance regarding the experience of all learners from any context. A conceptual framework, based on research specific to supporting diverse learners, will be explored. In addition to drawing on the tenets of the sense of belonging framework, facets of …

Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope: Enacting Cultural Humility, Institutional Accountability, And Sustainable Resistance, R. Danielle Scott

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Higher education faces unprecedented political and organizational shifts, including bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These challenges create barriers for educators committed to equity and justice. Grounded in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope,” this article explores cultural humility—particularly institutional accountability—as a key strategy for navigating this evolving landscape. Cultural humility fosters critical self-reflection, redressing power imbalances and lifelong learning, offering a sustainable approach to social justice advocacy. This article outlines strategies for bolstering institutional accountability. The author introduces Five Care Practices—Recalling Core Values, Remembering, Resting, Reading and Intellectualism, and Radical Self-Care—as essential tools …

Managing Change In Higher Education: Implementing Mobile Credentials Across Usnh, Amy R. Gray

M.S. in Leadership

As higher education institutions continue to embrace digital transformation, mobile credentials are emerging as an innovative solution for modernizing campus ID systems. Literature suggests that these digital versions of campus ID cards, stored on smartphones, offer enhanced security, operational efficiency, and a more seamless campus experience. This research project explored best practices and key factors necessary for implementing mobile credentials across the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), with a focus on leadership’s role in managing change. Using a mixed-methods approach—including case study analysis, a literature review, and survey research—this study examined best practices, challenges, and strategies for successful adoption. …

Contradictions In Policies And Practices: A Case Study Of Educational Opportunities For Transfer Students, Brystal Nevins

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mission statements are a representation of an organization’s identity and can serve as a guiding factor for the development of policies and practices. However, in a setting of higher education where population demographics can shift over time, it may be necessary for periodic policy evaluation and adjustments to occur. A significant portion of the California State Universities’ students are being excluded from participating in their education to the best of their potential and excluded in a way that does not align with the overall California State University (CSU) mission. Through structurating activity theory, contradictions within policy processes can be used …

Unschoolers In Higher Education: A Narrative Case Study Of Unschoolers’ Sense Of Belonging At University, Melissa Marie Carlson

Dissertations

Approximately 20% of families engaged in homeschooling have selected unschooling as their educational approach, with estimates suggesting this number may be even higher (Vesneski et al., 2022). Unschooling emphasizes the establishment of an environment where children can autonomously direct their learning by exploring their interests, unencumbered by traditional educational milestones or specific schedules (Arnall, 2018; Riley, 2020; Riley & Gray, 2015). Despite increasing public acceptance and recognition, research on the outcomes for unschoolers—particularly those pursuing higher education—is limited (Riley, 2020). The purpose of this study was to explore the importance of supporting unschoolers after they have matriculated, specifically fostering sense …

The Origin Of Community As Experienced By Intercollegiate Athletes At Benedictine Institutions Of Higher Education: A Hermeneutical, Phenomenological Hybrid Study, Barbara Rezac

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This study focuses on the phenomenon of community experienced at Benedictine colleges and universities and its impact on the faith, character, and human development of recent alumni who participated in intercollegiate athletics on campus. Benedictine education, based on the 1,500-year-old Rule of Saint Benedict, is guided by ten hallmarks which seek to build wisdom cultivated in community. This study specifically examines the extent of the lived experience of community through the lens of former intercollegiate athletes (alumni from the past ten years) and the perceived influence of the hallmarks on their post-graduate lives. I contacted mission leaders, athletic directors, and …

The Role Of Mindset In The Academic Resilience Of Non-Residential Health Profession Students: A Phenomenological Study, Julie Lynn Branagan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of academic resilience of non-residential healthcare students in rural regions of the Northeast United States. The theoretical framework guiding this study was Carol Dweck's theory on growth mindset, as it exposed the relationship of personal perspective on academic resiliency. This study attempted to answer the central research question: What are the lived experiences of academic resilience among non-residential health profession students? An extensive review of the literature revealed the compounding aspects of resilience research with specific attention to health profession students. Data collection methods included a letter-writing …

Development In Comprehensive Onboarding Training And Professional Development For Online Adjunct Faculty, Leslie R. Stover

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hiring online adjunct faculty in higher education continues to grow, encompassing nearly half of the overall faculty population. As four-year institutions rely on the benefits of adjunct faculty, they must also invest in their orientation and continuous development. Existing literature confirms the varied approaches to supporting adjunct faculty, deficiency in coordinated programming, and reveals a lack of understanding in adjunct faculty's perception of training delivered. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, this study explored the gap between the onboarding and professional development an institution provides and the online adjunct faculty’s perception of its effectiveness. The research questions explored the lived experiences …

Enhancing The University Of Arkansas' Operations Through Data Science, Aura L. Pinto-Avelar

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

As universities navigate financial constraints and resource allocation challenges, data driven financial analysis has become increasingly important. Universities employ various methods to assess financial efficiency, predict future expenditures, and optimize student credit hour distribution. However, the approaches to financial analysis vary widely, with some institutions leveraging advanced predictive modeling and business intelligence tools, while others rely on traditional budgeting techniques and manual forecasting.

This thesis examines how the University of Arkansas' (“Uark”) financial analysis methods compare to those of other institutions and alternative data-driven approaches. Using four years of financial and student credit hour data, this study evaluates cost trends …

The Art Of Disability And Identity: Using Arts-Based Methods To Examine The Relationships Between Disability, Identity, And Identity Development For Young, Disabled, Women In Higher Education, Amelia Holzer

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Within higher education, much of the research surrounding education and students with disabilities revolves around accommodations, and critiques of structural barriers to access. Further, disability within the context of higher education is often thought of through the lens of “service” and support for students with disabilities in higher education often takes a medical model approach of “curing” the student and “treating” their disability with accommodations (e.g., additional testing time), instead of acknowledging the environmental, social, and cultural factors within the classroom, or outside the classroom that may be causing the impairment. There is a noticeable gap in the higher education …

Examining Non-Academic Staff's Perceived Value Of Professional Development On Job Satisfaction And Anticipated Turnover In Higher Education, Elnora Lewis

Dissertations

One of the most important assets in an organization is its employees (Chong & Lee, 2017). Developing staff employees is critical in the university setting (Gornitzka & Larsen, 2004), in addition to satisfying and retaining them (Grohnert et al., 2021). Given today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, staff development is more vital than ever in the workplace (Gibson, 2020). Higher education institutions should be concerned about employee's professional development (Gerken et al., 2016), not only academic staff but also non-academic staff. Additionally, organizations should ensure employees are satisfied by offering learning and development opportunities, which can contribute to …

Impacts Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy On College Students' Self-Esteem And Mental Health, Adriana Hay

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this senior capstone research project is to examine the potential impacts of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) on the self-esteem and mental health of college students. CRP is an approach which connects students’ cultures, experiences, and identities to what is taught in the classroom. Through the use of literature review and anonymous surveys to college students, faculty, and professors, the results suggest that students indeed benefit from the caring relationships which CRP creates at the university level. By assessing the methods of CRP implementation within higher education, this senior capstone also evaluates how educators could optimize their students’ …

Teaching Gender Equality: Shifting The Focus From Aspiration To Practice, Rawia Ahmed, M. Fernanda Garcia, Imran Taj, Laila Al Reqabi

All Works

Purpose: This study aims to inform management educators and students about how to identify, analyze, and sustain gender equality as a business practice in organizational settings. Design, Methodology, and Approach: Guided by practice theory and social learning theory we: a) offer a theoretical framework to help students recognize gender equality practices in real-world contexts, and b) provide educators with an applied example and pedagogical tool for teaching students how to identify and analyze gender equality practices in written and audio texts. We draw from two theoretical templates to analyze excerpts related to gender equality practices taken from an interview with …

First-Generation Latinas In Higher Education Raises Problems In Mental Health, Amairani Velez-Ramos

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

First-Generation Latina Students (FGLS) pursuing higher education in social work experience more anxiety and stress. This qualitative research study explored the components that contributed to FGLS anxiety and stress. One-on-one interviews were conducted with twelve First-Generation Latina Students pursuing a graduate degree in social work. The two theories that helped better understand the mental health factors that FGLS encountered were the bioecological systems theory and narrative theory. The bioecological systems theory was applied to explore participants’ different ecological systems. The narrative theory was utilized as a framework for participants to share their first-hand experiences in a graduate program. The information …

Effects Of Project Rebound On Reducing Recidivism, Lisa A. Ravega, Ashley Van Mouwerik

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Recidivism is the tendency of justice-involved individuals to relapse into criminal behavior and remains a critical challenge within the justice system. Objective: This proposed research aims to assess the effectiveness of campus-based programs to assist individuals with enrollment and success in higher education, specifically Project Rebound. Project Rebound is a campus-based re-entry program that assists justice-involved college students in obtaining their educational goals through such support as enrollment and counseling services. Methods: The proposed research suggests utilizing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group design to examine the impact of Project Rebound on reducing recidivism among justice-involved college students at California …

Evaluating Trauma-Informed Care In Higher Education For Hispanics, Latino/A/X/E, And Afro-Latinos Impacted By Adverse Childhood Experiences, Daylene A. Medina, Lilian Grijalva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Henshaw (2022) discusses the importance of trauma-informed approaches in higher education institutes by implementing culturally responsive policy, research, and practice to support students impacted by trauma. However, less is known about how effective trauma-informed care is and its impact on the educational outcomes of racial and ethnic minority students, specifically Hispanics, Latino/a/x/e, and Afro-Latinos students in community colleges. Past studies have excluded Hispanics, Latino/a/x/e, and Afro-Latinos from research due to insignificant participation and risk re-traumatization. Objective: This evaluative study aims to determine effectiveness of trauma-informed care for adult (18 and older) Moreno Valley College students in their last academic …

Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown: Exploring The Impact Of Hair Discrimination And Educational Grooming Policies As It Relates To Black Women In Educational Leadership, Myriah Hampton

All Dissertations

Black women’s professional expertise is often challenged or rejected as they navigate leadership roles in K–12 and higher education. Research indicates that barriers to advancement are shaped by organizational bias, stereotypes, and grooming policies that privilege Eurocentric standards. While scholarship has addressed leadership barriers such as the glass ceiling, less attention has been given to how hair discrimination and authenticity intersect with Black women’s leadership experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine how Black women educational leaders experience hair discrimination, navigate authenticity, and respond to policies such as the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair …

Grading Of Discussion Boards In Asynchronous Higher Education Courses And Its Effect On Social Presence: A Causal-Comparative Study, Heather Ann Hanson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative, non-experimental study was to determine if the grading methods of discussion board assignments in asynchronous courses affect the students’ perceived social presence. Social presence is one of the three factors of the Community of Inquiry (COI) that play a role in supporting the learning experience. The target population was graduate students in asynchronous online education courses. A sample of 92 students were surveyed from five institutions using the Community of Inquiry (COI) survey. They were placed in three groups based on the grading methods of discussion board assignments. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) …

It Starts With Trust: How Mid-Level Student Affairs Supervisor Trust Behaviors Impact Entry-Level Staff Leave Intention, Latonya Monique Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of how higher education student affairs mid-level managers (supervisors) develop and maintain trust with directly supervised entry-level staff (employees). Intervention in complex student development-oriented activities, student crises, and political protests has increased since the 1930s at higher education institutions throughout the United States. Entry-level or frontline student affairs staff manage these challenges most frequently. Yet these professionals often leave their positions within 3 years. Studies have highlighted inconsistent supervision as one of three reasons entry-level staff vacated their roles. Although many researchers have investigated why these staff members exited the field, less knowledge exists about …

Faculty Perceptions Of Using Technology To Facilitate Virtual Debriefing In Graduate Health Sciences Education, Kelly Anne Chamberlain Layne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Simulation, with face-to-face debriefing, has been widely used in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) education to provide realistic experiences for students without harming clients. However, researchers have not studied technology acceptance by graduate entry-level (EL) OT and PT faculty with virtual debriefing. Virtual debriefing has become more common in recent years; thus, it is essential for universities to understand faculty adoption of this effective teaching and learning technology. Guided by the technology acceptance model framework of Gu et al., the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore faculty perceptions of using technology to facilitate virtual debriefing …

High Ability, Hidden Gaps: Building Quantitative Reasoning Amongst Singapore’S Mathematically Literate, Rebecca M. Nichols

Numeracy

In Singapore, where primary and secondary students routinely top standardized worldwide mathematics examinations, a paradox emerges: when reaching university, many struggle to apply their skills critically in real-world contexts. This commentary examines the challenges and strategies involved in teaching quantitative reasoning (QR) to mathematically literate students in a top-ranking Singaporean university. While these students arrive well-trained in computation and procedural problem-solving, they often lack confidence and flexibility in ambiguous, data-driven decision-making. This article argues that fostering QR education is crucial not only for Singapore but for education globally, as QR skills underpin evidence-based reasoning within and across disciplines. Such an …

Enhancing Self-Efficacy For Engagement With Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiatives: Evaluation Of A Seven-Day Immersive Pilot Program In A College Of Education, Health, And Human Sciences, Jennifer M. Jabson Tree, Stefanie Benjamin, Dorian L. Mccoy Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Colleges of health, human sciences, and education are often administratively organized to include a diverse array of human sciences departments that share roots in social justice and a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Despite espoused commitments to equity and inclusion, they frequently struggle to achieve the changes necessary for advancing equity, and inclusion principles across policies, practices, procedures, and units. We implemented and evaluated a 7-day, total immersion, 56-h, educational program entitled the “Social Justice Institute” (SJI) for two cohorts of faculty, staff, and administrators to develop self-efficacy to intervene in systemic oppression in their academic units. SJI delivered …