Education Commons^™

The Frank J. Manning Certificate In Gerontology Alumni Survey: 21 Years Of Service To Elders, Nina M. Silverstein, Jenai Murtha, Donna Sullivan, May Jawad

Nina Silverstein

The Certificate Program in Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, a large urban university, was established in 1979 as part of an Administration on Aging (AoA) grant to develop and expand services to the elderly citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1984, a line item was added to the state budget by the legislature and governor establishing the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston and ensuring the continuation of training, research, and policy and advocacy work on behalf of and with Massachusetts’ elders (O’Brien, 1996). Upon Frank J. Manning’s death in 1986, the program was renamed …

Engaging Research As A Student Affairs Professional, Rishi R. Sriram

Rishi Sriram, Ph.D.

Student affairs professionals are often referred to as scholar-practitioners. As demands upon professionals increase, however, it is all too easy for the “practitioner” part to completely overtake the “scholar.” If we find ourselves too busy even to read research, perhaps it is time to pause, re-establish our priorities, and reclaim the “scholar” in scholar-practitioner.

Conceptualizations Of Spirituality, Religion, And Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions With The Perspectives Of Protestant Christian Students At A Lutheran College, Christy M. Craft, Alyssa B. Rockenbach

Christy Moran Craft

As part of a larger investigation into the spiritual climate at one Lutheran college, we interviewed Protestant Christian students in order to compare their conceptualizations of spirituality, religion, and faith with biblical notions of those concepts. We found that the students' understandings of those concepts only loosely reflected general understanding within the higher education literature, and a significant disconnect existed between their conceptualizations of the relevant terms and those found in the Bible. In an effort to make meaning of our findings, we discuss existing literature about religious illiteracy as it relates to inherited faith and to the impact of …

Ict And The Education Sector In Tanzania: Effectiveness Of Introducing And Applying Ict In Higher Learning Institutions In Tanzania: The Case Of Ardhi University, Kristofa S. Nkembo, Daniel Koloseni, Faith J. Shimba

Faith Joel Shimba

Academic Institutions are heavily investing in ICT in order to improve delivery and quality of education. But the process of introducing and applying ICT in Higher learning institutions is not effective to enable higher learning Institutions to reap fully the benefits offered by ICT. This book describes a number of factors that hindered the introduction and application of ICT at Ardhi University, which are limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate ICT personnel, inadequate training provided to staff, limited support services, inadequate financial resources,and insufficient budget for ICT infrastructure. Further it recommends among other things, improvement of ICT infrastructure, increasing the number of …

A Tale Of Three Campuses: Unearthing Theories Of Residential Life That Shape The Student Learning Experience, Frank Shushok Jr., Laine Scales, Rishi Sriram, Vera Kidd

Rishi Sriram, Ph.D.

Frank Shushok Jr., T. Laine Scales, Rishi Sriram, and Vera Kidd share some initial thoughts about responses to their Campus Residential Experience Survey. Do you recognize your institution?

Invisibly At Risk: Low-Income Students In A Middle And Upper-Class World, Jennifer O. Duffy

Jennifer O'Connor Duffy

Women's studies programs, multicultural centers, and organizations to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students are campus fixtures. Few now question diversity's contribution to the education of all students. Jennifer Duffy suggests that it's time to acknowledge, support, and celebrate one more form of diversity that is mostly hidden: social class.

“A Presidential Curriculum: A Four Stage Model For The University Presidency ”, Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD, COI

No abstract provided.

The Men’S Program: Does It Impact College Men’S Bystander Efficacy And Willingness To Intervene?, Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, John D. Foubert, Brent Hill, Hope Brasfield, Shannon Shelley-Tremblay

John D. Foubert

This study considered whether a rape prevention program could reduce men’s rape myth acceptance, enhance the perceived effectiveness of college men’s bystander behavior, and increase men’s willingness to intervene as bystanders in potentially dangerous situations. As predicted, college men who experienced The Men’s Program significantly increased their self-reported willingness to help as a bystander and their perceived bystander efficacy in comparison to college men who experienced the comparison condition. Men’s Program participants also significantly decreased their self-reported rape myth acceptance in comparison with comparison condition participants. The college policy and rape prevention program planning implications of these findings are discussed.

Effects Of Women’S Pornography Use On Bystander Intervention In A Sexual Assault Situation And Rape Myth Acceptance, Matt W. Brosi, John D. Foubert, R Sean Bannon, Gabriel Yandell

John D. Foubert

College women’s exposure to pornography is growing nationwide. A limited amount of research exists documenting the negative effects of pornography on women’s attitudes and behavior related to sexual assault. The present study surveyed sorority members at a Midwestern public university on their pornography use, rape myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential sexual assault situations. Results showed that women who view pornography are significantly less likely to intervene as a bystander and are more likely to believe rape myths. Implications for women’s personal safety and for the advisability of consuming pornography are discussed.

Answering The Questions Of Rape Prevention Research: A Response To Tharp Et Al. (2011), John D. Foubert

John D. Foubert

Rape prevention programmers and researchers have long struggled to select the most appropriate theoretical models to frame their work. Questions abound regarding appropriate standards of evidence for success of program interventions. The present article provides an alternative point of view to the one put forward by seven staff members from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Tharp et al., 2011). Questions are posed for readers to consider regarding the appropriateness of the medical model for rape prevention programs, whether randomized control trials are the one and only gold standard, whether programs presented to groups should be evaluated at …

Integrating Religious And Professional Identities: Christian Faculty At Public Institutions Of Higher Education, Christy M. Craft, John D. Foubert, Jessica J. Lane

John D. Foubert

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate how Christian faculty members integrate their religious identity with their professional identity within public colleges and universities. Semi-structured interviews with 12 Christian faculty members shed light on their perceived "calling" to public higher education, as well as revealed insights as to how they overtly and covertly attempt to express their religious identity within the workplace.

Pornography Viewing Among Fraternity Men: Effects On Bystander Intervention, Rape Myth Acceptance And Behavioral Intent To Commit Sexual Assault., John D. Foubert, Matt W. Brosi, R Sean Bannon

John D. Foubert

College men’s exposure to pornography is nearly universal, with growing viewing rates nationwide. Substantial research documents the harmful effects of mainstream, sadomasochistic, and rape pornography on men’s attitudes and behavior related to sexual assault. The present study surveyed 62% of the fraternity population at a Midwestern public university on their pornography viewing habits, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential rape situations. Results showed that men who view pornography are significantly less likely to intervene as a bystander, report an increased behavioral intent to rape, and are more likely to believe rape myths.

Spiritual And Moral Friendships: How Campuses Can Encourage A Search For Meaning And Purpose, Frank Shushok Jr.

Frank Shushok Jr.

Helping students understand and cultivate moral and spiritual friends is perhaps one of the most important gifts a college or university can give a student. Having meaningful relationships contributes significant energy to students’ inner lives—their values, moral commitments, and self-understandings. The topic of friendship, and all that it entails, offers educators a powerful tool to engage students in the discovery of meaning and purpose. Individuals should not fear the word “spiritual” at public universities, nor be convinced that faith-based institutions do spiritual well. This article invites colleges and universities to explore friendship as a learning outcome for all students.

Outcomes Of A Spiritually Focused Wilderness Orientation Program, Andrew Bobilya, Lynn Akey, Donald Mitchell Jr.

Donald Mitchell Jr., Ph.D.

Higher education often supports new student transition through various orientation programs. Recently a greater focus on student spiritual growth has emerged as an important aspect. The wilderness orientation program in this study is unique because of its length (12–14 days) and its focus on students’ spiritual development. The purpose of this study was to understand the students’ perceptions of a spiritually focused wilderness orientation program and the influence of their participation in the program during their transition to the college. Data were collected through a post-course essay, the Student Adaptations to College Questionnaire, and a focus group interview. The themes …

Academic Dishonesty Among International Students In Higher Education, Krishna Bista

Krishna Bista

Faith Development Within Religion And Philosophy Courses At A College Of The Lutheran Church, Christy M. Craft, Alyssa N. Bryant

Christy Moran Craft

As part of a larger investigation into the spiritual climate at one college of the Lutheran church, we interviewed students to determine the meaningful experiences that they faced as students. Many experiences mentioned related to two specific religion and philosophy courses. The analysis of data provided by 10 students who had completed one of the courses of interest resulted in intriguing insights concerning the development of the cognitive dimension of students' faith.

Integrating Religious And Professional Identities: Christian Faculty At Public Institutions Of Higher Education, Christy M. Craft, John D. Foubert, Jessica J. Lane

Christy Moran Craft

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate how Christian faculty members integrate their religious identity with their professional identity within public colleges and universities. Semi-structured interviews with 12 Christian faculty members shed light on their perceived "calling" to public higher education, as well as revealed insights as to how they overtly and covertly attempt to express their religious identity within the workplace.

Effects Of Greek Affiliation On African American Students' Engagement: Differences By College Racial Composition., Lori D. Patton, Brian K. Bridges, Lamont A. Flowers

Lori Patton Davis

This study used a nationally representative sample of African American college students to examine the degree to which their affiliation with a Greek-letter organization contributed to engagement in effective educational practices by analyzing National Survey of Student Engagement data at historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly White institutions. Overall, the findings indicated that Greek affiliation does enhance African American student engagement, particularly as it relates to interactions with faculty members and peers. Data also indicated that Greek affiliated members at historically Black colleges and universities appear to be more engaged than their counterparts at predominantly White institutions.

Perspectives On Identity, Disclosure And The Campus Environment Among African American Gay And Bisexual Men At One Historically Black College, Lori D. Patton

Lori Patton Davis

This qualitative study examined how 6 African American men at one historically Black college made meaning of their gay or bisexual identity, made decisions about to whom they disclosed this identity, and how their sexual identity experiences were mediated given the context of the campus environment. The findings suggest although this particular HBCU (historically Black college and university) provided the participants an overall supportive and uplifting environment, they experienced challenges with publicly expressing their sexual identities. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice are offered.

Presentation Handout For Doctoral Defense, Anu Vedantham

Anu Vedantham

No abstract provided.

Uni-Start: A Peer-Led Orientation Activity Designed For The Early And Timely Engagement Of Commencing University Students., Sarah E. O' Shea Dr

Professor Sarah O' Shea

Universities have both social and cultural contexts and new students need to participate effectively in both in order to succeed in this environment. With ever increasing numbers of students and also, the diversity of the contemporary university population, institutions have to consider innovative ways to effectively engage individuals. In terms of supporting students, there is a need to be more proactive, initiating structures of support that reach out to students rather than an often implicit expectation that the learners themselves will take the initiative and seek out support individually. This article reflects upon one approach to supporting diverse student populations …

Between The Ideal And The Practical: Using Assessment To Find The Balance, Rishi Sriram, Laine Scales, Meghan Oster

Rishi Sriram, Ph.D.

Rishi Sriram, T. Laine Scales, and Meghan Oster share how the assessment efforts of Baylor University’s Engaged Learning Groups have led to effective advocating for program improvement as well as increased administrative support.

Spirituality In Emerging Adults: Lessons From The National Study Of Youth And Religion, Rishi R. Sriram

Rishi Sriram, Ph.D.

“Working on Our Inner Lives: Meaning-Making in Colleges and Universities” is a four-part series intended to feature research snapshots, best practices, and personal narratives of faculty, staff, and students regarding spirituality, faith, religion, meaning, and existentialism in higher education generally and particularly affecting our work with students.

Students As Teachers: What Faculty Learn By Living On Campus, Rishi R. Sriram, Frank Shushok Jr., Jennifer Perkins, Laine Scales

Rishi Sriram, Ph.D.

In its recent history, American higher education has segmented the student experience, especially as research universities have grown in size and complexity. To increase the integration of undergraduate learning experiences, many efforts have combined the curricular and co-curricular worlds of students. In one practice, housing and residence life staff invite faculty members to live with students in residence halls and participate in the leadership of those communities. While research has found faculty-in-residence programs to positively impact students, what is the impact on faculty? This study examined the impact that living in residence has on faculty, their pedagogy, and their philosophy …

Challenges Associated With Ict Asset Disposal In Tanzania, Faith J. Shimba, Daniel Koloseni

Faith Joel Shimba

Government and non–Government institutions are heavily investing in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance their businesses and operational activities. This trend has partially been inspired by the lift of computer ban in 1980s where millions of ICT assets had been imported. Subsequently, there is a rapid increase of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Service Providers (MSP), and ICT asset vendors’ country-wide. This implies a massive increase in imported ICT assets as well as the number of ICT assets that are going out of the ICT asset life cycle. In order to study challenges facing Tanzania in disposing end of …

Computing Without Borders? Adapting An Irish Programme For The Tanzanian Ict Market, Faraja Igira, Herman Mandari, Bosi Masamila, Salehe Mwachaka, Zanifa Omar, Jafari Said, Faith J. Shimba, Rose Tinabo, June Barret, Damian Gordon, Paul Kelly, Fredick Mtenzi, Oliver O'Connor, Patricia O'Byrne, Ciaran O'Leary

Faith Joel Shimba

A Tanzanian higher education institution (Institute of Finance Management) and an Irish higher education institutio (Dublin Institute of Technology) have worked in partnership to develop the final stage of a Computer Science programme to meet the specific needs of the Tanzanian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The designed stage sits above three stages of a programme designed for the Irish ICT sector which was transplanted to the Tanzanian context. The final stage is crucial as it represents the final bridge between the employment market and the programme, which is informed by the best practice, needs and requirements of both …