Higher Education Administration Commons^™

Developing Occupational Programs: A Case Study Of Four Arkansas Community Colleges, Duane Edward Doyle

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how differences in the environmental conditions and organizational factors facing each community college contribute to the development of occupational and technical education programs. This study was driven by one primary research question: What environmental conditions and organizational factors influence the nature of the strategic response in the form of technical education program development within community colleges? To answer this question, a qualitative study of four community colleges in the state of Arkansas was conducted. The organizations studied were: University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, Pulaski Technical College, National Park Community College, and Mid South Community College. …

Looking To The Future: An Examination Of The Potential For Sat-Optional Admissions, Albert Betts Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The use of SAT scores in the college admissions process has been increasingly criticized in recent years for a variety of reasons. There are those who continue to support the use of the SAT in the college admissions process, those who oppose its use, and those who believe the best option is to make the submission of standardized tests scores optional. Currently, all applicants for undergraduate admission to Rowan University with less than 24 college credits earned must submit standardized test scores along with their high school and college transcripts when applying for admission to the university. The purpose of …

Through The Lens Of A College Success Seminar: Developing Workshops For Eof Students, Yesenia Madas

Theses and Dissertations

The body of research on first-year seminars has grown considerably and there is much evidence to support that college success seminars have increased student persistence and degree attainment (Fidler, 1991; Keenan & Gabovitch, 1995; O'Gara, Karp, & Hughes, 2009; Zeidenberg, Jenkins, & Calcagno, 2007). While most success courses come packaged with content such as study skills, test-taking, and time management, little assessment of the effectiveness of these areas has been conducted. Therefore, this study investigated the specific course components of the College Success Seminar that contribute to student success and used that information to create workshops for students in the …

Open Source Software As Applied In Higher Education: At One Four-Year University, Muneerah Wakeel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of my study was to explain the implementation process of open source software (OSS) in a higher education setting, including any challenges that the faculty encountered during professional development, and implementation during instruction. This study was conducted at a four-year university in the southern region of New Jersey. In addition, as a participant observer I investigated my leadership throughout the research process so that I could employ reflective practice in order to determine if my espoused beliefs were aligned with my theory-in-use. I reviewed literature that discussed both OSS and distance education and connected them to the social …

The Professional Staff And Librarian Learning Community At Rowan University, Katherine Boland

Theses and Dissertations

As powerful forces of change continue to exert pressure on institutions of higher education, scholars are calling for strategies to sustain our most valuable asset, the academic community. One promising response is Milton Cox's work. He created the Miami University model for faculty and professional learning communities, a nationally-recognized strategy for supporting faculty development, addressing institutional needs, and promoting meaningful change. This mixed methods action research project introduced a new version of Cox's technology, a project-based learning community. This project-based version was the basis of my work with the Professional Staff and Librarian Learning Community (PSLLC). The PSLLC engaged in …

From Passive To Active Learning: Contingent Faculty Collaboratively Leading Pedagogical Change, Thomas Setaro

Theses and Dissertations

A paradigm shift is underway in higher education where the role of the college instructor moves from a pure disseminator of knowledge to a facilitator of collaborative knowledge creation. Successful active learning strategies are gaining prominence through proven empirical research. Most recently, active learning strategies utilizing emerging collaborative software such as Web 2.0 technologies have furthered advanced cooperative and collaborative learning. The research points to the far reaching benefits that active learning can have across an institution and the affects that it can have upon faculty and students alike. Better retention and deeper learning are just two outcomes derived from …

Leadership For Improvement: Promoting Student Learning Through An On-Campus Residential Learning Community For First-Year Female, Minority, And Low Income Engineering Students, Patricia Zobel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to examine the effects of an Engineering Living and Learning Community (ELLC) comprised of minority, female, and low-income engineering students and their perceptions of their first-year experience regarding their transition to college, their peer-to-peer and peer-to-faculty relationships, and their connection to campus. This study explored the impact of the creation of the ELLC and the researcher's evolution as a leader during the process. Hinchey (2008) defines action research as a process of systematic inquiry usually cyclical, conducted by those inside a community with the goal to identify action that will generate some …

Changing Times: Engaging Faculty In Online Education, Steven Farney

Theses and Dissertations

The Internet has become a popular vehicle for the delivery of programs and courses among institutions of higher education. Nevertheless, it appears that many faculty members are still resistant to engage in online delivery based on biases and preconceptions rather than facts. The purpose of this action research project was to learn positive and negative views of faculty at Rowan University regarding online delivery of courses in an attempt to increase their participation in this mode of delivery. Additionally the researcher sought to explore if faculty concerns about online education could be addressed, clarified, or dispelled. The research was conducted …

An Evaluation Of Graduate Students' Perceptions Of Mattering At Rowan University, Christopher D'Angelo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether graduate students at Rowan University felt as though they mattered to the university. The subjects in this study consisted of 320 full-time and part-time matriculated graduate students at Rowan University during the spring 2010 semester. Data were collected using a revised version of the Mattering Scales for Adult Students in Higher Education, which consists of 45 Likert scale statements meant to gain insight into how students felt about their graduate school experience, and how they felt their needs were being met by the university community. Data analysis found that participants generally …

Expenditures, Efficiency, And Effectiveness In U.S. Undergraduate Higher Education: A National Benchmark Model, Brett A. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between expenditures and efficiency and effectiveness in U.S. higher education institutions and whether that relationship can begin to answer the accountability questions facing these institutions. Institutions are facing questions from federal legislators, state legislators, parents, students, and other stakeholders about the cost of U.S. higher education and whether these costs lead to success in educating students. Using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2003-04) and the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (2004), canonical correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to define and determine the relationship among four constructs: …

Impact Of A Selected Remedial Mathematics Course On Accuplacer Re-Test Results, Denise Chalow Case

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a selected remedial mathematics course offered at a selected community college. Initial placement test scores were compared with scores resulting from a placement retest after completion of the remedial course. While the majority of students placed higher on the retest, the most significant increases were achieved by students who earned an A for the remedial course. This study also analyzed the level of education and degree major of the instructors of the remedial courses. The results indicate that instructors holding master's degrees may be slightly more effective than those …

An Investigation Of The Lasting Impact The C.H.A.M.P/Gear-Up Program At Rowan University Has On Selected Alumni, Jamar Morton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to determine the lasting impact of the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-Up program alumni before the fall of 2004. The study involved 78 subjects, divided into two groups. Group one consisted of 70 subjects who participated in a survey. Group two consisted of eight subjects who participated in an interview.

The data collection instruments included a 30-item survey using the Likert scale format. The questions were arranged in a five factor grouping consisting of postsecondary exposure, identity development, social development, academic enrichment, motivational aspect, and program impact. The interview consisted of 12 questions ranging from general demographics, …

The Learning Curve: The Thinking And Learning Styles Of Selected Student Athletes At Rowan University And The Impact On Academic Achievement, Robert Bullard

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine if thinking and learning styles of selected student-athletes at Rowan University impact academic achievement. Ninety-six undergraduate student-athletes from Rowan University participated in the study completing both the Inquiry Mode Questionnaire (InQ) and the Learning Connections Inventory (LCI) to measure thinking and learning styles. The InQ consists of 18 statements which are followed by five possible endings in which respondents indicate the degree to which each statement is most like you (5) or least like you (1). The LCI is a 28 Likert item self-reporting instrument that allows the respondent to learn of their learning …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Educational Advancement Alliance, Inc. Afterschool And Summer Enrichment Programs, Karen E. Nicholas

Theses and Dissertations

By all accounts there is a crisis in the American educational system. From government officials at all levels to educators, both practitioners and researchers, the question of how to reconnect with America's youth is debated on a daily basis. Solutions to the problems are suggested, debated, and sometimes tested. One of the topics that is often deliberated is the impact of supplemental educational programs. In an effort to address issues of academic skill deficiencies and college preparedness, the Educational Advancement Alliance (EAA) was founded in 1990.

The intent of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of the Educational …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Enrollment Patterns Of Fulltime, First-Time Degree-Seeking Recent High School Graduates At A Community College, Ramsaran Ramoutar

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the enrollment patterns of first-time, full time recent high school graduates enrolled a community college. This longitudinal study focused on students who were enrolled at Cumberland County College in the fall of 2002 through the fall of 2008. Enrollment and transfer patterns and graduation rates were explored for the sample population of 209 students who came from all ethnic background. The databases of the Cumberland County College and the New Jersey Higher Education Clearing House were examined in order to retrieve the relevant information. The study revealed that although financial concerns impacted the educational outcomes, there was …

The Effectiveness Of Incident Command Systems Training For Residential Learning Personnel At Rowan University, Lori Ann Troise

Theses and Dissertations

Emergency Response is a topic addressed by colleges and universities across the country. Adequate training for response personnel is encouraged by the institutions and, in some cases, enforced by state and federal governments. On college campuses, emergencies occur at all areas and can occur at any given time, which includes residential areas. At Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, these residential areas are staffed by undergraduate and graduate students.

This study analyzed the effectiveness of Incident Command Systems training for personnel hired to work within the residential areas at Rowan University. Incident Command Systems is a national emergency management structure adopted …

The Impact Of Injuries On Division Iii Student-Athletes, Danielle Lodics

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to examine emotions and processes of 21 Rowan University student athletes that experienced a minor or major injury during the fall and spring semester of the 2008/2009 academic year. A minor injury is defined as an injury that keeps the student athlete out of competition for 7 to 10 days. A major injury is defined in this study as an injury that is season-ending or surgical. Of the 21 student athletes 13, experienced a minor injury and eight student athletes experienced a major injury. The major injuries in this study were: a torn …

Assessing Undergraduate Student Involvement: A Closer Look At The African American Pattern, Adam M. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement patterns of selected African American undergraduate students and explore the reasoning as to why they choose to participate in certain groups and abstain from others. Data were collected through a three part survey with 60 Likert-type items used, and through a series of interviews. The population used was a convenience sample of 178 students at Rowan University's main campus in Glassboro, NJ. Eight students of that sample were purposely selected to participate in interviews. Data analysis of the surveys showed positive relationships between students who worked with classmates outside of …

Motivations For Participation In Adult Education Of Predominately African Americans In A Religious Organization, Shirley S. Farrar

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research (a) the participation patterns of selected predominately African American adults in a religious-based educational program (n=225), (b) determine relative motivational patterns, (c) to compare the 'most' and 'least' of importance of motivations, and to identify if the samples' demographics are related to these motivations. This study was administered in a selected church in Deptford, New Jersey in March 2009. The African American adult population with an average age of 42 demonstrated similarities of participation to a previous study. To measure motivations to participate and patterns of participation in African American adults, data …

Impact Of New Financial Aid Trend: Attitudes And Opinions, Rihab Ezzat Saadeddine

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of administrators towards the new financial aid trend that was initiated by some well-endowed private universities, and its impact on colleges and universities. The study also explored personal attitudes towards need and merit based aid, and recommendations to improve students' accessibility and affordability in higher education.

Data analysis suggests that the majority of administrators have a positive attitude towards the general principle behind the new financial aid trend. However, they stated that this new trend is not broad and that it does not address the financial aid need of most …

Student-Athletes At Rowan University: Assessing Involvement Factors And Opportunities Provided Through Athletic Participation, Mark Fusiak

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of student-athletes toward their involvement in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes were surveyed from all sports sponsored by Rowan University. The survey included several measures to determine hours spent on academic and athletic pursuits, academic support and success, missed opportunities, and factors relating to personal development. Data analysis suggests that student-athletes spend equal amounts of time on academic and athletic pursuits. The study showed that female student-athletes reported missing out on opportunities because of their participation in athletics more than male student-athletes. The data also indicate that coaches, athletic administrators, and other …

Student Leadership: The Influence Of Television And Film On Today's Student Leaders, Alissa Krutoff

Theses and Dissertations

The primary focus of this study was to explore the role the media has on undergraduate student leadership. The study investigated traditional undergraduate student's understanding of leadership, personal leadership identities, perceptions of the media, and media viewing habits. Data about student views were collected by means of a survey using a series of Likert-style questions on a 5-point scale. Data were also collected with a two-part focus group series, investigating student's opinions on television, film, and leadership. Students reported the importance of leadership for undergraduate students, while identifying themselves with many of the characteristics of a leader. Students reported watching …

A Study Of The Impact Rowan University's Alcohol & Other Drug Program Has On Behaviors, Dispositions & Attitudes Among Students, Jessica P. Havery

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the impact that Rowan University's Alcohol & Other Drug program had on the behaviors, dispositions and attitudes of students responsible for violating the institution's alcohol policy. The study focused on the changes among students that attended the new program, instituted in the Spring 2008 semester, during the 2008-2009 academic year. Data on the behaviors, dispositions and attitudes were collected using a pre and post-test instrument, which consisted of 53 questions composed in both close-ended and Likert form. Data analysis suggests that the most significant changes among students were behavioral in nature. …

The Influence Of Career-Related Motivation On Academic Success, Freda Yeh

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between career-related motivation, defined by the constructs of career insight, identity, and resilience, and academic success of undergraduate students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. Influences on the development of these career and academic motivations were also studied. Furthermore, the study assessed the relationship between career-related motivation and academic success for students when grouped by academic years and major colleges.

A survey with eight demographic questions, including self-reported GPA, and 21 Likert-style items on a five-point scale was used to gather data on students' career and academic goals. For undergraduate students …

An Impact Evaluation Of The Ujima Female Mentoring Program At Rowan University, Talia Shiri Adalyah Sykes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of selected members of the 2007/08 Dr. Harley E. Flack Female Mentoring Program, Ujima, at Rowan University. The sample of 160 was divided into three groups. Group one consisted of 90 lower division and transfer female students. Group two consisted of 20 upper division female students. Finally, group three consisted of 50 female faculty, staff, and administrators.

The subjects provided data through a survey and an interview. The survey obtained background information, attitudes of the subjects toward the academic support services provided by Ujima, and the impact on …

Impact Of Involvement In Athletics Upon Leadership Preferences Among Selected Rowan University Athletes, Lindsay K. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to assess the level and attitudes of involvement of selected Rowan University student-athletes and any significant relationships between involvement and preferences among five dimensions of leadership. Involvement included activities such as academics, athletics, on and off campus occupations, religious organizations, professional clubs, and other organizations found on campus. Demographic factors were also studied including age, class level, role on team, ethnicity, gender, and participation in a specific sport. The five dimensions of leadership studied were autocratic behavior, democratic behavior, positive feedback, social support, and training and instruction.

The researcher surveyed 210 student-athletes at Rowan …

Engineering A Global-Minded Citizen: The Impact Of International Service Projects On Students Engaged In Ewb, Maria Perez-Colón

Theses and Dissertations

In order to explore the benefits of student engagement in Engineers Without Borders (EWB) on participants, a blended method was utilized to study the transformative impact of international service learning projects on selected undergraduate students' global perspective. Students currently engaged in EWB, and preparing for travel abroad to a project site, were surveyed prior to travel using the Global-Mindedness Scale (GMS) to determine global perspective within the following dimensions: interconnectedness, cultural pluralism, responsibility, globalcentrism, and efficacy. Upon return from the mission, the GMS was re-administered to note changes, if any, to original responses. Pre-travel questionnaires and post- travel interviews were …

Mattering And Marginality Among African American Students At Rowan University, Lovely Durham

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine student perceptions of advising relationships, administrative interactions, classroom climate, peer interactions, faculty interactions and diversity of campus services, and in which of these dimensions students felt they mattered or were marginalized most. Further, this study sought to determine if there was relationship between the dimensions of the institutional environment. Lastly, the study aimed to find out if there was a statistical relationship between student perception of the environment and their involvement in student organizations. The study also examined the student's perception of their involvement in relation to their perceived significance to the …

Service-Learning At Rowan University: Perceived Impact On Selected Student Participants, Dawn E. Sandas

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact that involvement in two service-learning courses had on participating Rowan University students during the spring semester of 2008. This study also investigated the impact of service-learning courses on the traditional classroom setting. Data were collected by means of a survey using Likert scale statements measuring related outcomes based on six components: academic, civic, developmental, social skills, leadership, and personal. Additionally, students were asked to rank those outcomes using another set of Likert scale items, comparing the service-learning experience to that of the traditional classroom setting. Overall, the data …

The Impact Of Cumberland County College's Student Pathways Leadership Institute On Selected Participants, Anjelica N. Leonard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall attitudes of Cumberland County College's Student pathways Leadership Institute of 11 selected participants who were all enrolled in the 2007-2008 Student Pathways Leadership Institute at Cumberland County College, Vineland, NJ, in April, 2008. Attitude data were collected through a survey consisting of 23 Likert scale items using a 5-point scale. Data analysis suggests that the selected participants had a positive attitude towards the Student Pathways Leadership Institute. Overall, 10 out of 11 participants reported that they agreed that participating in the Student Pathways Leadership Institute increased their understanding of leadership …