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2026 Spring Commencement Program: Winona State University, Winona State University

WSU Commencement Programs

This is the Winona State University Spring 2026 commencement program. Commencement was on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, 2026.

During the Commencement event, a complete list of graduates was provided online. This program was not published during the Commencement event. This digital copy is maintained in the repository for archival purposes.

Trauma-Informed Care: Msw Students’ Perceptions Of Readiness And Factors Influencing Readiness, Naomi M. Jackson, Brittany Samperio, Kayla Broughton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Although social workers frequently engage with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, limited research has examined whether Master of Social Work (MSW) students feel prepared to apply trauma-informed principles in professional settings. Objective: This study examined MSW students perceived readiness to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) and identified factors that may influence their preparedness. Methods: This study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In Phase I, MSW students enrolled at CSUSB were invited to complete an anonymous online survey consisting of demographic questions, the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) scale, and the Readiness to …

Development Of The Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (Su-Vmlsp): An Immersive, Experiential Learning Community For Veteran & Military-Connected Students, Emily Rabinowitz, Dezarie Moskal, Ken Marfilius, Dessa Bergen-Cico, Stephen A. Maisto, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: The Syracuse University Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (SU-VMLSP) is an immersive, cohort-based initiative designed to expand access to veteran and military studies through experiential learning, structured mentorship, and community engagement. A collaborative effort of the Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation and the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative, SU-VMLSP supports and engages student veterans, military-connected students, and students with academic or professional interests in veteran and military populations. Methods: The program is structured around three core pillars: interactive seminars, immersive research engagement, and community-centered cohort development. Scholars participate in discussion-based seminars focused on veteran …

Mental Health Rates Across Ethnic Groups In A Small Midwestern Christian University, Arianna Torres

Honors Theses

This study aims to find if there is a significant difference in depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality among students of different ethnic backgrounds at Andrews University. By focusing on ethnic disparities, this research aims to target the mental health issues rising among college students and bring to light the importance of cultural competency in relation to mental health. Results from this study may aid Andrews University in developing more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services and inform broader discussions about mental health equity in higher education. It can also add insight into how mental health rates may vary by …

Correction: Feasibility Of Conducting A Pilot Randomized Trial Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention Among Sheltered Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Diane Santa Maria, Paula Cuccaro, Erica Sibinga, Kimberly Bender, Ethel Jacko, Widumini Liyanage, Jennifer Jones, Stanley Cron

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This corrects the article "Feasibility of conducting a pilot randomized trial of a mindfulness-based intervention among sheltered young adults experiencing homelessness" in volume 16, 1649664.

Perceptions And Experiences Of Teachers Regarding How Their Students’ Attendance Rate Impacts Their Academic Achievement, John Logan Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic absenteeism has emerged as a critical educational concern nationwide, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. National data indicate that chronic absence rates increased from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022, and in the targeted rural South Carolina district, 25% of students were chronically absent in 2022–2023, rising to 28% in 2023–2024. Persistent absenteeism is associated with lower academic performance, widened achievement gaps, and diminished long-term educational and workforce outcomes, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students.

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine teachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding how students’ attendance rates influence academic achievement in …

Beyond Compliance: Transformative Co-Design For Gender-Based Violence Prevention In Higher Education, Narelle Lemon, Christina Gray, Jason Goopy, Lisa Holmes, Bec Ball, Melissa Perry, Elisa Fear

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines how university staff and students experience transformative learning through voluntary participation in a gender-based violence (GBV) prevention programme that transcended compliance-oriented approaches. While universities increasingly rely on mandatory modules that fail to create sustainable change, this research investigates whether self-nominated participation and co-design pedagogy can foster genuine transformation and voice development among participants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. A qualitative multi-method design examined eight university students (aged 18–24) at an Australian university through pre-post focus groups, observational field notes, and artefact analysis. Participants voluntarily engaged in workshops co-designing peer-focused social media prevention messaging. Inductive thematic analysis identified patterns …

2025 Fall Commencement Program: Winona State University, Winona State University

WSU Commencement Programs

This is the Winona State University Fall 2025 commencement program. Commencement was on Friday, December 12, 2025. There were 2 ceremonies at 9:00am and 11:30am.

During the Commencement event, a complete list of graduates was provided online. This program was not published during the Commencement event. This digital copy is maintained in the repository for archival purposes.

Student Senate Meeting Minutes August 27, 2025, Student Senate-Winona State University

Student Senate Meeting Minutes

This document is the official Winona State University Student Senate Minutes for August 27, 2025.

Helping Bipoc, Women, And First-Generation Students Maximize The Value Of Unpaid Internships, Ted Thornhill, Nicole Torres, Christina Van Wingerden

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Internships and practicums are a required component of nearly all degree programs in human services and its subfields—and most are unpaid. These unpaid positions often have a disproportionate impact for BIPOC and first-generation students, especially women—many of whom are economically disadvantaged and must work to support themselves and sometimes their families. Increased student activism, non-profit campaigns, and journalistic accounts show student frustration over their unpaid labor. Despite the righteousness of these students’ cause, the reality is that the implementation of an equitable, robust, and sustainable nationwide system of paid internships, in the near-term, is politically impracticable. Given that most human …

The Associations Of Childhood Adversities And Mental Disorders With Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors - Results From The World Mental Health International College Student Initiative, Philippe Mortier, Xue Yang, Yasmin Altwaijri, Jacob Holdcraft, Nancy Sampson, Yesica Albor, Ahmad Alhadi, Jordi Alonso, Nouf Al-Saud, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Objective: To investigate the associations of demographic variables, childhood adversities (CAs), and mental disorders (MDx) with onset, transition, and persistence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among first-year university students.

Method: Poisson regression models within a discrete-time survival framework were constructed using web-based self-report survey data from 72,288 incoming university students across 18 countries (response rate=20.9%; median age=19 years, 57.9% female, 1.4% transgender, 21.0% non-heterosexual). These models examined the associations of four demographic variables, five CAs, and eight MDx with STB outcomes.

Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was 47.0%, 26.0%, and 9.6%, respectively; 12-month estimates were …

From Unmotivated To Motivated: Hermeneutic Inquiries Of Experience Of Community-Based Bsw Students In An Innovative Internship Seminar, Hyungjung Shin, Rana Hong, Philip Young P. Hong

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Providing a pathway for disadvantaged community college students in social work education aligns with the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work education. This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of an innovative internship seminar incorporating an evidence-based workforce training model, Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP), in a community college-based bachelor’s of social work program in South Korea. Of the 59 students who attended the TIP-infused social work internship seminar course in Spring 2018, 11 students participated in repeated in-depth interviews. The results revealed the themes of perception changes in self, others, and the lifeworld and …

Path To Empowerment: A Trauma Group Of High School Students, Megan Cowden

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Knowledge of the implementation of trauma interventions within the school environment can be crucial for academic and lifelong success. The literature review portion will define trauma, examine the prevalence among high school students and explores the impact trauma can have on mental health, academic performance and their social-emotional well-being. It discusses the significant number of students entering high school with traumatic experiences and emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches that can be used in schools. The effectiveness of group versus individual therapy is compared, along with an analysis of school-based and social-emotional curriculum. Based on this information, there is a …

How School Professionals Perceive They Can Engage Parents In Helping Children In Fifth Grade Cope Adaptively With Stress, Hector Alejandro Soto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

National education statistics indicate issues of aggressive behaviors in middle schools, such as bullying and disrespecting teachers. This suggests that fifth-grade students could benefit from parental intervention to manage stress and reduce such behaviors. However, there is limited information on effectively engaging parents in this process. The study involved a purposive sample of 20 school professionals from four schools in a large southwestern U.S. school district who were invited to address this gap. Nine professionals completed the online survey of six qualitative, open-ended questions regarding engaging parents in helping fifth graders cope with stress. The questions focused on establishing meaningful …

2025 Spring Commencement Program: Winona State University, Winona State University

WSU Commencement Programs

This is the Winona State University Spring 2025 commencement program. Commencement was on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Challenges Us Study Abroad Students Face When Acculturating To A Foreign Food Environment, Sydney C. Davis

Honors Theses

Studying abroad presents a unique opportunity for college students to immerse themselves in new cultures, including experiencing different food environments and dietary customs. However, adapting to a foreign food culture can pose various challenges that impact students’ overall health, eating behaviors, and study abroad experiences. The purpose of this study to develop a survey instrument designed to investigate the extent to which U.S. study abroad students embrace, accept, and face challenges with different aspects of Italian food culture, using the Social Ecological Model (SEM) as a guiding framework. Initial survey items were developed with information obtained from focus group discussions …

Harmonic Healing: Exploring Music As A Therapeutic Resource, Kalilah B. Chears, Mary Lynn Doherty

Honors Capstones

Mental health concerns among college students are increasing, especially in the post-Covid pandemic era. These issues could negatively affect students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Additionally, research illustrates that there are accessibility challenges for students who seek traditional counseling resources; campuses are struggling to meet this rising demand. The authors’ background in music ensembles inspired an exploration of music as an informal therapeutic resource. This literature review investigates one main question: How can an alternative mental health resource such as music serve college students experiencing barriers to traditional mental health resources? Findings suggest that music-based resources can alleviate some common …

Breaking The Silence: Student Mental Health, Karina Almanza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many students in Portola-Butler Continuation High School are experiencing mental health struggles. The continuation school is located in King City and serves students from 10th to 12th grade, ages 15 to 18. The project was implemented through the use of surveys which focused on student mental health and their experiences with mental health in school. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the struggles students may be facing related to their mental health and recognize areas where students may be in need of support. This project was created with the intent to provide students a platform where they are …

Post-Secondary Educational Interventions For Youth Aging Out Of Foster Care: A Systematic Review, Catherine Ware

Honors Scholar Theses

Youth with experience in foster care (YEFC) face significant educational disparities, with only a small fraction completing postsecondary education compared to the general population. These disparities stem from a complex interplay of adversities including placement instability, financial insecurity, trauma, and lack of support systems. In recent years, campus-based support programs (CSPs) have emerged to address these barriers and promote college access and success for YEFC. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 10 studies examining 15 CSPs across the United States, with a focus on (a) student perceptions of program experiences and (b) educational outcomes associated with program participation. Results indicate …

Perception Of Mental Health Among Students In Higher Education, Kasibah Baig, Leia Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health in higher education environments is a topic that has the need for exploration and discussion. Students with poor mental health face additional stressors and challenges in their academic and personal areas of life. It is critical for colleges and universities to address the topic of mental health and understand how it can affect students, as well as to be able to provide the proper support and services. By having more conversations about mental health on campus and providing easily accessible and inclusive resources for students, it can create a comfortable environment on campus for students to be able …

Assessing Healthcare Students’ Self-Efficacy In Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Aydın Şenol, Abdülkerim Adıyaman, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Assessing healthcare students’ self-efficacy in disaster response is crucial for preparing them to effectively manage real-world disaster situations. This study aimed to assess the self-efficacy status of healthcare students in disaster response.

Methods: The data for this cross-sectional analysis were gathered from 498 healthcare students between November 18, 2023, and February 14, 2024, using an individual diagnostic form and the disaster-response self-efficacy (DRSE) scale. This scale is used to assess an individual’s self-efficacy in responding effectively to disasters, including on-site rescue competency, disaster psychological nursing competency, disaster role quality, and adaptation competency.

Results: The mean age …

Students In Healthcare Professions: Their Knowledge Of Speech-Language Pathology, Savannah Hicks

Student Theses and Dissertations

This research provides insight into interprofessional collaboration between healthcare students and advocates for speech-language pathology (SLP) by highlighting the necessity to increase the awareness of SLPs’ responsibilities and interprofessional education across all disciplines throughout college education. Specifically, healthcare professionals need to have a complete understanding of what type of care patients are receiving or who they may need to be referred to. In this research study, healthcare students completed a survey to determine their knowledge of speech-language pathology and the amount of collaboration with SLPs. The qualitative results were analyzed with coding, which created a thematic analysis. The results revealed …

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

Church As Community: Religiosity And Queer Identity Among Emerging Adults In Adventist Higher Education, Chris N. Ngugi

Honors Theses

How do LGBTQ+ or “queer”-identifying emerging adults attending Seventh-day Adventist Christian institutions of higher education in the United States relate to their religiosity or relationship with religion? Within certain religious contexts (Avishai, 2020; Chiongbian et al., 2023; Lockett et al., 2023), including within the Seventh-day Adventist church (Pew Research Center, 2014), an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity may seem incongruent with commonly held stigmas, norms, doctrines, and beliefs maintained by religious group members and officials. LGBTQ+ identity and religiosity in such contexts are often described through “conflict” and “beyond conflict” theories, principally Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Identity Integration Theory (Rêgo-Moreira et al., …

Chronic School Absenteeism: A Symptom, Not A Sentence, Zahra Mohamed, Jessica Navarro, Kelsey Ogren, Eloise Reitzel, Katelyn Vonch

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Chronic school absenteeism has long been a persistent issue, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this challenge. Chronic absenteeism leads to poor academic outcomes and lower graduation rates, which limit future opportunities and potential. While many school districts have traditionally responded through child protection services (CPS) or juvenile court proceedings, these punitive strategies do not address the root causes of absenteeism or reduce barriers to school attendance. CPS resources are stretched thin, focused on more urgent child welfare issues, and should not be diverted to issues that can be better addressed through supportive, preventative strategies. Implementing proactive, supportive strategies rather …

No Free Labor: Pushing For The Eradication Of Unpaid Internships In Minnesota, Morgan Bruhn, Kaylee Cincoski, Jenna Host, Hollie Mclaughlin

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

The continued lack of paid internships exploits social work students and directly undermines the core values of the profession. To address this injustice, the NASW-MN Chapter’s 2025 legislative priorities call for the creation and funding of paid social work internships, ensuring education is not only affordable and accessible but also ethically grounded and free from exploitation. Equitable compensation is not optional, it is an ethical and economic imperative essential to building a more inclusive and just professional workforce. Minnesota House File 2914 provides a crucial pathway to achieve this goal through a targeted scholarship program.

Student Senate Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025, Student Senate-Winona State University

Student Senate Meeting Minutes

This document is the official Winona State University Student Senate Minutes for January 27, 2025.

“Science Belongs Everywhere”: Outlooks On Post-Secondary Stem Education For Correctional Centers In Virginia, Shelita R. Augustus

Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success Publications

Virginia has an incarceration rate of 679 per 100,000 residents, the highest among independent democratic nations. This scoping review examines perspectives on post-secondary STEM education to promote STEM education within Virginia's correctional facilities, assesses programs to improve rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and address systemic inequalities by developing the scientific potential of incarcerated individuals. The review finds that while STEM education in correctional facilities faces limitations, its potential benefits are being realized nationwide. Virginia has made strides through initiatives like House Bill 2158, which aims to expand higher education access for incarcerated individuals. Examples such as the programs at J. Sargeant Reynolds …

Taryn Dolan Honors Portfolio, Taryn Dolan

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Taryn Dolan's honors portfolio captured in May 2025.