Digital Commons Network^™

Intersectionality And Success: A Study Of Black Women Teachers In Higher Education, Harmony Wilson

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This qualitative research study sought to explore the lived experiences of Black women teachers in the United States. Specifically, the research aimed to uncover the meanings of success among Black women teachers and the ways in which intersectionality impacts those meanings. The researcher interviewed four Producers of Knowledge (POK); two were from Virginia, North Carolina, and New York. The findings show that the participants of this study share lived experiences of systemic sexism and racism at their universities, actively pushing back on systems, stereotypes, and policies, and shared feelings regarding representation, support, and the importance of community. The implications of …

Refining The Goals Of Public Education In The United States: An Exploratory Single-Case Embedded Study Of A Student-Centered Path-Goals Setting, Tuan Pham

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The public higher education system in the United States has inherited a multitude of aims and missions in order to fulfill its social and educational objectives. As a result, many higher education institutions suffer from unclear goals. Nevertheless, the researcher identified the student's goal-oriented process as the fundamental aspect of this educational system from its inception until the present. The exploratory single-case embedded study conducted at a regional comprehensive institution highlighted the differences, difficulties, and issues faced by students, administrators, and the institution itself in its pursuit of specific goals in higher education. Indepth interviews were employed to investigate the …

Office Of Equity And Inclusion Newsletter - May 2024, Office Of Equity And Inclusion, East Tennessee State University

Office of Equity and Inclusion Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Impact Of Food Insecurity Among First Generation College Students On The University Of Arkansas Campus, Madison Price

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to: 1) better understand food insecurity among first generation college students and how it might differ from that of other college students, and 2) gather opinions from students that may serve as solutions to alleviate food insecurity. This study was conducted with a mixed-methods survey that included both open-ended and close-ended questions. This study had six detailed parts, including research design, population sampling, instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, and finally, the results. All of these unique phases allowed for first generation students’ voices to be heard and to help meet their needs on the …

2024 Nsu Undergraduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Higher Education For The Digital Age: A Correlational Study Of Undergraduate Engagement And Digital Citizenship, Jenna Ladd

Education Doctorate Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to examine the extent to which there exists a relationship between undergraduate study and digital citizenship knowledge and skills as measured by the digital citizenship scale (DCS), a previously validated quantitative instrument. A web-based survey including the DCS, demographic questions, and a Higher Education Engagement questionnaire was distributed to all full-time undergraduate students at a public university in the Upper Midwestern United States. Data was collected from a sample of 349 undergraduate students who completed the entire DCS and the question about number of post-secondary credits earned. A bi-variate correlational analysis revealed …

Exploring Community College Faculty And Administrators Work Providing Educational Opportunities For Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (Idd): An Integral Framework For Inclusive Postsecondary Education, Stacy Eldred

Education (PhD) Dissertations

There is a growing number of inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs and scholarship in higher education. Providing a spectrum of educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in higher education plays a pivotal role in creating inclusive and meaningful access to postsecondary education. However, little is known about the ways in which the faculty and administrators who are integral stakeholders on campus perceive their work developing and supporting higher education as a socially valued experience for students with IDD. Utilizing constructivist grounded theory, this study examines the ways in which community college faculty and administrators working in …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Microbiology Undergraduate Students' Academic Performance At The University Of Texas At Arlington, Mohamed S. Abdalati

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to higher education, impacting students' academic performance. This study investigates the effects of the pandemic on microbiology undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) A retrospective cohort study design was employed, analyzing academic records of 3,059 microbiology undergraduate students from 2020 to 2022. Results indicate a significant decline in academic performance for both cohorts of general and nursing microbiology students during spring 2020 and 2022. A literature review explored the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and academic performance during the pandemic. Literature shows students of lower economic status experienced more …

Latinas In A Hispanic Serving Institution: A Social, Political, And Economic Landscape, Cyntia Lopez Lara

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The purpose of this study is to explore the progress of Latinas in the United States by focusing on first-generation female students in a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) who self-identify as Hispanic and/or Latin American. Furthermore, this study considers the contributing factors to their change and development, primarily through education. This study focuses on the shared and unique experiences of being first generation Mexican-America through the Latina experience in higher education. The research questions are: (1) What career fields do Latin American and Hispanic women pursue? (2) What impact do role models, gender roles, and culture have on their career …

Onboarding To Retention: First Year Experiences Of Faculty And Staff Of Color At A Predominantly White Institution, Paige Jones

Dissertations

Proactive onboarding is essential to a long-term retention strategy. Past research has highlighted the challenge of retaining diverse faculty and staff and how an unwelcoming climate affects the decisions of leaving or staying for faculty and staff of color differently than their White coworkers. Using Bauer’s Four Cs framework, this study explores the role of first-year onboarding experiences in the retention of faculty and staff of color at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in higher education. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with nine faculty and staff of color at a PWI in Southern …

"Men Hunt, Women Gather." Perceptions Of Gender And Leadership In Outdoor Recreation In A Higher Education Setting, Elizabeth Marie Johansen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation delved into the complex interaction between gender dynamics and leadership perceptions within outdoor recreation, particularly in the context of higher education. Utilizing Transformational Learning Theory, Critical Feminist Theory, and Conditional Outdoor Leadership Theory, this study aimed to uncover the nuanced ways in which gender influenced perceptions of leadership roles and behaviors in outdoor recreation activities based on participant’s experiences. This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, which included a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews to gain a more holistic understanding of participants' perceptions and experiences.

Findings suggest that despite progress towards gender equality in outdoor recreation …

What “Doing The Work” Is Taken To Mean: Higher Education Faculty’S Conceptualizations Of Deij Work, Denise Susanne Desrosiers

Doctoral Dissertations

Many U.S. higher education institutions invest significantly in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ)-oriented professional development (PD) to help faculty develop knowledge and skills for serving diverse student populations. However, evidence is mixed regarding the effectiveness of DEIJ PD in helping institutions make progress on educational equity issues. Little is known about why DEIJ PD efforts may not have the desired effects. This study examines one potential answer to this question, interrogating the role of “Therapeutics” in DEIJ learning experiences, a Western cultural pattern that emphasizes self-reflection and attention to individual dispositions and emotions, as opposed to community orientations. Thirty-two …

2024 Nsu Commencement Schedule Of Ceremonies, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) welcomes graduating candidates, their families, and friends to its Fort Lauderdale/ Davie campus for the 2024 commencement ceremonies.

This guide offers important information regarding NSU commencement, academic regalia, recognition events, and accommodations for your visiting family and guests.

Students' Assessed Knowledge Of Preparation For The Workplace Based On Professional Development Competencies In Higher Education, Sophia M. Powell

Dissertations (2016-Present)

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of college students regarding their knowledge of professional development competencies by classification and area of academic study. The study sought to answer the following questions: 1) was there a difference in the perception of college students towards professional development competencies (overall career readiness, professionalism, communication, critical thinking, and career & self-development) based on classification? and 2) was there a difference in the perception of college students towards professional development competencies (overall career readiness, professionalism, communication, critical thinking, and career & self-development) based on areas of academic study? This study used …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Undergraduate College Students, Rebecca C. Madson

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruption across the world. These two studies provide a mixed methods approach to understanding how undergraduate college students at one university were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first, a quantitative study, examines changes in mean, median, and standard deviation of GPAs in the semesters leading up to and during the pandemic (Fall 2018 - Spring 2022). The second, a qualitative study, involves interviewing students (n = 13) who began their undergraduate college career in Fall 2019, prior to the pandemic, and graduated in Spring 2023. Findings from these studies suggest that undergraduate students performed …

From Space To Success: An Exploration Of Interior Design Practices For Optimal Learning Outcomes In Higher Education, Jenna Avery

University Honors College

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the impact of interior design practices on optimal learning outcomes in higher education. The design of learning spaces is crucial, as it influences student well-being, engagement, and overall academic success, especially as young people are navigating a new environment away from home for the first time. Creating a sense of belonging in the university environment helps make this a positive experience. This thesis also speaks to the broader context of the built environment, emphasizing its impact on human behavior, interactions, and experiences. Designing student-centered spaces is paramount in higher education in order …

Examining The Sexual Assault Grievance Process Through The Lens Of Title Ix Personnel On College Campuses, Kate Law

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Institutions of higher education (IHEs) have been federally mandated to prevent and respond to reports of sexual violence on campus via Title IX for over 30 years as the trauma that results from campus sexual assault is considered prohibitive to accessing education. Yet, students may not be the only parties harmed when sexual violence is perpetrated. Title IX personnel tasked with responding to campus sexual assault are also at risk of experiencing the negative effects of campus sexual assault in fulfillment of their job. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Title IX personnel talk about their …

(Non)Cognitive Dissonance? A Stakeholder-Based Exploration Of The Consideration Of Graduate Admissions Applicants' Personal Skills And Qualities, Reginald M. Gooch, Joseph H. Paris, Sara B. Haviland, Jose Sotelo

Journal of College Access

Prospective graduate students’ noncognitive attributes are commonly evaluated as a part of a holistic review of their admission applications. Yet it is difficult to determine which noncognitive attributes are considered by those who evaluate graduate admissions applications and what approaches they take to measure applicants’ noncognitive attributes. It is even less clear to what degree prospective graduate students understand how they are evaluated for graduate admissions and how the evaluation of their noncognitive attributes factor into admissions decisions. Drawing on surveys of graduate enrollment management (GEM) professionals and prospective graduate students in the United States, our study investigates the noncognitive …

Ethical Imperatives And Challenges: Review Of The Use Of Machine Learning For Predictive Analytics In Higher Education, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

The escalating integration of machine learning (ML) in higher education necessitates a critical examination of its ethical implications. This article conducts a comprehensive review of the application of ML for predictive analytics within higher education institutions (HEIs), emphasizing the technology's potential to enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency. The study identifies significant ethical concerns, such as data privacy, informed consent, transparency, and accountability, that arise from the use of ML. Through a detailed analysis of current practices, this review underscores the need for HEIs to develop robust ethical frameworks and technological infrastructures to navigate these challenges effectively. The findings reveal …

Disability Services As Related To Higher Education Leadership: An Exploratory Study, Tara Wade Franklin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past three decades, the number of students with disabilities (SWD) attending postsecondary institutions has increased, yet their completion rates remain significantly lower than those of students without disabilities. This mixed methods exploratory study investigates the role of provost leadership in supporting disability services and understanding the needs of SWD in higher education. The study focuses on Texas higher education institutions, examining the relationships between provosts and directors of disability services. Data collected through the e-survey with open-ended questions primarily came from directors of disability services. Quantitative analysis of Likert scale items explored domains such as leadership, collaboration, consultation, …

Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Individuals In Higher Education: A Quantitative Study, Lisa Marie Jones-Wiertz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

People from various backgrounds in the United States have college aspirations. However, those with marginalized characteristics, particularly formerly incarcerated individuals, face multiple barriers in their quest for higher education. This study carries a twofold purpose: (a) determining the extent to which formerly incarcerated individuals in higher education in California feel supported and (b) determining types of support associated with educational success among formerly incarcerated individuals in higher education in California. Using the Person-in-Environment Framework, the nonprobability sampling methods of convenience and snowball, and a quantitative research design, this study surveyed 51 formerly incarcerated students enrolled across the California State University …

A Phenomenological Study On The Lived Experiences Of Black Male Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions (Pwis) In Texas And Louisiana, Christopher Allen Frazier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to gain more clarity and insight into a distinctive phenomenon of the lived experiences of five African American male professionals in predominantly White institutions in Texas while seeking tenure and promotion. Using interviews throughout the duration of the study allowed the phenomenological inquiry to gain better insight from a personal lens while hoping to find the true essence of the phenomenon. All participants in this inquiry were African American male professionals who served in educational roles and had at least 3 years’ experience serving in a predominantly White institution in Texas. This …

The Pacifican May 2024, University Of The Pacific

All Issues - Student Newspaper, The Pacifican, Pacific Weekly

No abstract provided.

Developing A College Readiness Skills Program Aimed At Improving Self-Efficacy For Foster Youth In Academic Settings, Natasa Janjusic

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The proposed work focused on the development and feasibility of a project aiming to introduce college readiness skills to youth who were in the foster care system in order to increase their perception of self-efficacy in an educational setting. With this increase in self-efficacy, foster youth who are generally disadvantaged when attaining and completing a college degree can have the skills necessary to combat this barrier. The project involved the development of contents of the program and the procedures performed at Bamboo Sunrise Foster Care Agency, where this Capstone project was carried out. Participants in the program consisted of three …

The Relationship Between Undergraduate Student Leadership Potential And Selfperceived Employability And The Moderating Role Of Student Engagement, Aizhan Shomotova

Dissertations

The employability of university graduates is increasingly crucial for economic development, particularly in the Arab region, where youth unemployment is escalating. This thesis examines the Self-Perceived Employability (SPE) among undergraduate students in the UAE, exploring its relationship with Leadership Potential (LP) and Higher Education Student Engagement (HESE). Previous studies underscore the importance of aligning higher education outcomes with labour market demands. Research in student leadership and student engagement emphasizes that proactive engagement and leadership development are pivotal in enhancing employability. This thesis builds on these findings, focusing on the unique context of the UAE. A quantitative methodology was used to …

Disability Services As Related To Higher Education Leadership: An Exploratory Study, Tara Wade Franklin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past three decades, the number of students with disabilities attending postsecondary institutions has increased, yet their completion rates remain lower than those of students without disabilities. This mixed methods exploratory study investigates the role of provost leadership in supporting disability services and understanding the needs of students with disabilities in higher education. The study focuses on Texas higher education institutions, examining the relationships between provosts and directors of disability services. The researcher collected data through esurveys and open-ended questions of 16 participants, primarily directors of disability services. Quantitative analysis of Likert scale items explored domains such as leadership, …

Cultivating Honor: How Indigenous Students Harness Resilience And Cultural Wealth To Thrive At A Borderlands University, Lourdes Garcia

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study sheds light on students' lived experiences regarding Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) at Borderlands University (BU), a Hispanic-serving institution on the U.S.-Mexico border where First Peoples lived for thousands of years. This study supports Indigenous students whose dismal national college graduation rates must be addressed. It recognizes studentsâ?? cultural wealth and richness (Yosso, 2005) and is grounded by the Peoplehood Matrix (Holm, 2003; Tachine, Cabrera, and Yellow Bird, 2017). This study was consistent with previous studies revealing that prioritizing student support raises equity and improves the overall academic experiences for all students in higher education (Tachine …

Understanding Faculty Perception Of Completely Asynchronous And Synchronous Online Education On Student Retention At Community Colleges In Western Pennsylvania: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Faculty Online Education Experience, Sally A. Mercer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand completely online education’s impact on student retention for faculty at community colleges in western Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was Michael G. Moore’s transactional distance theory, which centers on three components of online education—structure, communication, and student autonomy. The literature review revealed these factors, and their relevant sub-factors all influence faculty’s experience and knowledge of the factors that impact student retention. The central research question for this study was as follows: What are faculty’s perceptions of completely asynchronous and synchronous education at community colleges in western Pennsylvania? This study …

Perceptions Of Senior International Officers' Efforts Regarding The Acculturation Of International Students In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ann-Margaret J. Themistocleous

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Senior International Officers’ lived experiences regarding attitudes and beliefs about the adjustment of international students in private and public universities in the Southeast region of the United States. The theory guiding this study is Berry’s theory of acculturation as it relates to a person’s adjustment to a new culture as they either assimilate, separate, integrate, or marginalize. The central research question focuses on the experiences of Senior International Officers regarding the acculturation process of international students on their respective college campuses. The methodology included a qualitative, transcendental phenomenological approach. The participants …

The Interdisciplinary Music Degree: Music Education, Music Performance, And Music And Fine Arts Administration, Edwin R. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite numerous available careers and degrees in music education, music performance, and music administration, perspectives of many music educators and students desiring an interdisciplinary music degree program inclusive of music education, music performance, and music administration have yet to be expressed or examined publicly. The notion of 21st-century skills presents a demand for flexibility across most facets of K-12 and higher education. These skills necessitate fluency in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, thus, music education must move toward more flexible and rigorous preparatory music training programs to remain consistent with current trends. Most undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music …