Higher Education Administration Commons^™

Military Veterans In Higher Education: Application Of Adult Development Theories To Selected Rowan University Undergraduate Veterans, Jennifer Deborah Dahan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of all undergraduate veterans in college after serving in a military setting, by using Schlossberg's transition theory and mattering study, and Mezirow's theory of transformative learning. Of particular interest was how veterans described their experiences, as well as what transitional issues they faced, and what the university might do to meet their needs. The methods used were both quantitative and qualitative, administering an interview protocol, as well as a survey instrument based on the Schlossberg, Lassalle and Golec survey created in 1990. The findings suggested that most students believe they …

The Impact Of Student Involvement And Engagement On African American Undergraduate Success In College, Keron A. Piper

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the study was to investigate student involvement and engagement levels and its impact on various aspects of student life on selected African American students at Rowan University. Data were collected by means of a Likert-style survey. In addition, a focus group was conducted consisting of students from the survey sample. Data analysis from the survey suggests that faculty involvement and active/collaborative learning in the classroom are very important to academic success in college. Holding an internship, making class presentations, and tutoring other students were reported as having a positive impact on GPA. From the focus group, …

Development Of An Academic Advising Program For Student-Athletes At The Division Iii Level, Harris Adler

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine the need for an academic advising program for student-athletes at the Division III level. Two hundred sixteen undergraduate student-athletes from Rowan University participated in the study by completing a survey that asked about their needs for an all-inclusive academic advising program, that would include advising, mentoring, study hall and tutoring. Phone interviews and a focus group session were conducted with student-athletes in order to more fully answer the question of whether an academic advising program for student-athletes at the Division III level would be helpful and practical. The major findings concluded that there is …

Attitudes Toward Women's Roles: A Study Of Selected Undergraduate Students At Rowan University, Alicia M. Groatman

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to look at students' attitudes toward women's roles of 381 selected undergraduate female and male students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, in March, 2008. Also investigated was the impact of demographic factors such as age, class level, class status, major, gender and race. The data on the attitudes toward women's roles was collected using a 25 item Likert-scale survey. The data analysis suggests that the selected students had a profeminist, egalitarian attitude rather than a traditional, conservative attitude. There was a moderate correlation between the gender of the students and their attitudes toward …

The Sophomore Experience At Rowan University From The Perspective Of Selected Sophomores, Sarah Beth Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to better understand the needs of sophomores at Rowan University through interviewing five purposefully selected sophomore students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, in the spring semester, 2008. The study investigated the experiences of selected sophomores in the classroom, outside of the classroom, and with identity and self concept that contributed to student success at Rowan University. Data were collected by means of three interviews with each participant. The interviews took place throughout the spring semester one in January, one in February, and one in March. The instruments used to collect the data consisted …

The Adult Student Decline: A Study Of The Longterm Impact Of The Rowan University Strategic Plan, Derrell Pustizzi

Theses and Dissertations

Adult students are considerably different as compared to the more traditional college-aged student. Along with school work adult students must grapple with work and family responsibilities presenting many challenges and time demands. Rowan University has evolved from more of a commuter institution to a traditional school with increased numbers of full-time enrollments and fewer part-time students. With this change, the needs of today's adult students may not be met and could potentially create an enrollment and student services problem for Rowan University.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adult student population of Rowan University to see if …

A Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of The Education Expo At Rowan University, Lauren Kontje

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Education Expo at Rowan University from the candidate and employer perspective, and to get an overall understanding of what the participants felt about the quality of the program. Of related interest were recommendations the candidates, employers and Coordinator of the Education Expo suggested for improvement of future programs. Fifty-six employers and 167 candidates completed the survey to evaluate attitudes, impressions, and recommendations. The findings suggest that employers and candidates believe there is a need for program development and improvement for the Education Expo at Rowan University. Improvements with diversity of candidate …

Academic Hope: A Study Investigating The Graduate School Experience Of Selected African American Male Students, Jay C. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the experience of selected African American male graduate students at Rowan University. Specifically, the study examined how selected students experience graduate school academically and socially. The study involved eight participants who engaged in an interview process and completed a demographic survey.

The data collection instruments included an interview schedule and a demographic survey. The demographic survey consisted of 11 questions that obtained information to better understand the participants. The interview schedule solicited information from the African American male participants about their experiences in graduate school, and what further recommendations they have to …

Factors Affecting Academic Performance In Selected Division Iii Student-Athletes, Jaime A. Dickerson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand selected NCAA Division III student-athletes and the factors that impact their academic performance. Of particular interest were Rowan University student-athletes. One hundred thirty-three athletes at a Division III institution completed a survey to evaluate what factors they reported impacted them academically. The survey addressed in-season versus out-of-season, athletes' attitudes, coaches' attitudes, and teachers' attitudes. It also dealt with demographic factors. The findings of the study showed that demographics play a role in academic performance. The study also found several correlations related to sport played and factors impacting academic performance.

Institutional Processes Intended To Achieve Accreditation: An Investigation Of How The Leadership Approaches Of Deans Of Schools And Colleges Of Education, Organizational Factors, And Environmental Conditions Influence The Process, Donna R. Hunnicutt

Theses and Dissertations

The leadership approach of five deans of teacher education from institutions in a southern state were examined using a cross case comparative qualitative analysis to determine how the dean's leadership approach along with organizational factors and environmental conditions influence the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation process within their respective institutions. Five institutional sites were selected for the case studies based upon the institutional head count, number of teacher education candidates, institutional type, and date of the next NCATE accreditation visit. The five institutions included one doctoral intensive, one doctoral extensive, one master's granting, one private, and …

African American Student Affairs Administrators At Predominantly White Institutions: Factors That Contribute To Their Success, Levester Gardner Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of African American student affairs administrators at predominantly white universities and the factors that contribute to their success. The study focused specifically on African American student affairs administrators at predominantly white institutions and their lived experiences. Through the use of phenomenological methods of inquiry, a purposive sample of fourteen African American Student Affairs Administrators from predominantly white institutions were selected and interviewed. The conceptual framework for the present study consisted of a set of variables that influence the success of African American student affairs administrators at predominantly white institutions. Some …

Student Connection: How Graduate Assistants Of Rowan University Connect To The Campus Community, Janelle R. M. Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate how graduate assistants at Rowan University, Glassboro campus connect to the campus community using socialization theory. Data collection consisted of interviews of 10 randomly selected first and second year graduate students during the 2006-07 academic school year. The interviews were conducted at Rowan University during the spring 2007 semester. On average the interviews took about 25 minutes to conduct. Participants were interviewed to see how the graduate assistants felt about graduate school and their programs of study. Interviews were transcribed into a word document and then analyzed for common themes.

The study …

A Study Of The Attitudes Of Selected African American Students Toward Leadership & Black Greek Letter Organizations, Elora L. Crump

Theses and Dissertations

The participants in this study consisted of 76 African-American students at Rowan University in the spring 2005 semester. The purpose of the study was to replicate the research of Kimbrough (1995) exploring the attitudes of two groups of selected African American students regarding the impact of Black Greek organizations on the development of personal leadership. Subjects completed a survey indicating their level of leadership skills and activities, attitudes of Black Greek organizations and their leadership, along with demographic information. Members of Black Greek organizations (BGOs) and-non-members were compared to determine if there were attitudinal differences. The information collected from the …

Student-Athletes And Involvement Theory, Thomas F. J. Iacovone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to better understand the level of involvement student athletes have at Rowan University. The researcher surveyed 99 student athletes at Rowan University during the 2006-2007 academic year. The subjects were administered a survey to measure their level of involvement, as well as their attitudes toward involvement at Rowan University. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine frequency, percentages, means, standard deviations, and significant correlations between selected demographics and specific involvement activities.

The study provides insight on the relationship between student athletes' academic performance and their level of involvement, as well as insight on relationships between …

A Study Of Student Involvement At Rowan University, Joseph P. Lizza

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine the reasons why students get involved in student organizations, the benefits perceived by being involved, and the impact of the "highly involved" student. Seventy-five undergraduate students from Rowan University participated in the study by completing a survey that asked about involvement in a Student Government (SGA) chartered organization, Greek Life, and Varsity Athletics and the perceived learning outcomes associated with involvement. A follow-up interview was conducted with four students who completed the survey in order to more fully answer the question of what motivated and characterized the highly involved student. The survey inquired about …

A Study Investigating The Opinions And Experiences Of Selected Teachers Regarding Teacher Bullying, Christian A. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the opinions and experiences of selected teachers regarding teacher bullying at Triton High School. The researcher surveyed teachers with instructional responsibilities. A total of 70 out of 100 teachers participated in the survey. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that measured teacher experience with bullying, interpersonal dynamics of bullying teachers, the causes of bullying, and personal experience of bullying. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations on the opinion factors.

The study provides insight on the opinions and experiences of teachers regarding teacher bullying. Teachers at …

A Pilot Study Investigating The Sophomore Experience At Rowan University, David R. Stuart Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the study was to develop and pilot test an instrument to better understand the sophomore experience at Rowan University. The study investigated the importance and level of satisfaction of factors that contribute to the sophomore experience. Of particular interest was to identify those factors which are controlled by the university, so that improvements can be made in order to better serve students. The study was conducted at Rowan University during the 2007 spring semester of the academic year. A total of 574 students chose to participate in the study. The participants were asked to take the …

Acceptance Or Denial: What Matters Most In College Admissions, Lori Ann Getler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of selected college admissions officers regarding the most important criteria of a high school senior's application for admission into 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. The researcher surveyed admissions officers at eight 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. A total of 21 admissions officers participated in the survey. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that measured the weight given selected criteria contained in the application for admission to their institution. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine the means, percentages and frequencies regarding the selected …

Leadership Issues, Concerns, And Competencies Of Senior Level Student Affairs Professionals: A Study Of A 4 Year Public University, Todd C. Brelsford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the leadership competencies commonly exhibited by selected student affairs professionals at a 4-year public university in the northeast. To have a deeper understanding of leadership within the field of student affairs, issues and concerns were investigated using relevant leadership theories (Eddy & VanDerLinden, 2006). The study sought to close the gap in the literature base by examining a division of student affairs from the director (or equivalent positions) up to the vice president of the division.

Twenty one participants were selected because of their rank of senior level student affairs professionals at …

Planning An Employee Spanish Training Program At The Community College Level, Melissa A. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research the process of planning and creating an employee Spanish training program. The researcher determined employees' previous knowledge of the language and culture as well as training preferences utilizing two surveys (n = 120) and a personal interview (n = 15). Surveys were statistically analyzed using SPSS software to determine frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and the interviews were analyzed using a content analysis procedure. Research on adult learning theories, program planning theories and exemplary Spanish training programs complemented the quantitative and qualitative data collected.

The study revealed that CCC employees had …

Communication Theory Vs. Performance Skills: How Do Rowan Public Speaking Professors Weave Both Into Class Lectures?, Renai Ellison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand how Rowan University public speaking professors blend the teaching of communication theory and performance skills in their classroom lectures. The researcher conducted one-on-one interviews and classroom observations of public speaking professors at Rowan. Five professors participated in the process. Each professor was asked open-ended questions which were created by the researcher to determine the specific methods used to impart knowledge about communication theory and performance skills. A classroom observation was conducted to provide confirmation and further elaboration of the information gathered from the interviews.

The study uncovered each professor's feelings and attitudes …

Evidence Of Heterarchical Planning Within Higher Education Institutions: Learning Garden Planning And Development At Rowan University, Sheri K. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes during the early stages of planning for an educational garden at Rowan University. This study also attempted to fill the gap in the literature that exists between garden planning and development and planning at higher education institutions. The investigator surveyed 20 committee members involved in this large-scale project, in addition to interviewing six committee members who were considered key stakeholders and have displayed high levels of involvement during the initial stages of the project. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that looked for the emergence of heterarchical practices during the development …

Attitudes Towards Accommodations For Students With Learning Disabilities: A Study Of Rowan University Faculty, Sean C. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of Rowan University faculty regarding accommodations for students with learning disabilities. A survey was sent to 350 full-time assistant, associate, and full professors from Rowan University's six colleges. The study aimed to discover what instructional, exam, policy, as well as university accommodations faculty members were willing to make for students with learning disabilities. The demographic data of age, gender, college, years teaching experience were correlated with the attitudinal statements included in the survey. The study revealed that, overall, faculty were willing to make accommodations for students with learning disabilities.

A Study Of Selected Student Attitudes Toward Factors That Influence Academic Achievement, Marquis L. Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of selected African-American male college students and the impact of financing, role-modeling, high school preparation, college/community acceptance, and family support on academic achievement at Rowan University. The study sought to determine if any of these factors had a significant relationship with academic achievement.

Academic achievement was measured by a self-reported GPA of 2.76 or higher, which was higher than Rowan University's minimum requirement (2.5) for graduation, and honors achievements (awards, certificates, honor societies). Responses were measured using a Likert scale of 1-Strongly Agree to 5-Strongly Disagree.

Respondents reported that financial …

Perceived Benefits Of Involvement In Student Government, Kristen Diorio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived benefits of being involved in student government at Rowan University. Thirty-five undergraduate students involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) at Rowan University completed a survey to determine their perceived benefits, discover why they decided to become involved, and to determine whether there was a pattern of involvement.

The findings showed that involved students saw positive benefits in the areas of: personal development, educational, and developing social skills. Rowan University students who were involved in SGA saw positive values from their experience. The higher level of involvement a student had …

A Study Investigating Academic Advising Support For Student Athletes At Rutgers University-Camden, Thomas Thomasson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a need for an academic advising support program for student athletes at Rutgers University-Camden. Rutgers University-Camden is currently in the process of developing such a program. The sample studied consisted of 122 student-athletes at Rutgers University-Camden.

Data were collected through an 18 item survey designed to obtain background information on the student athletes and their attitudes toward academic-advising at Rutgers University-Camden. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program to calculate the descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations for responses …

A Study Of The Attitudes Of Selected Campus Leaders Toward The Role Of Student Trustees At New Jersey State Colleges And Universities, Matthew S. Minnella

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of college and university presidents, board chairpersons, student trustees and student government presidents at eight member institutions of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU) concerning the role of student trustees. The major areas of interest included voting rights, compensation, roles, training, and conflicts of interest. Seventeen campus leaders from NJASCU institutions participated in the study. The subjects were mailed a survey to complete to document their attitudes toward the roles of student trustees. The study found that the majority of selected campus leaders agreed that student …

Division Iii Athletic Trainers' Attitudes Toward Issues And Concerns Of The Athletic Training Profession, Kristin Sacerdote

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the specific issues and concerns that athletic trainers face in the college and university setting. A secondary purpose was to solicit recommendations in addressing the issues and concerns that are present in the profession. Seventy-two certified athletic trainers in the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association (EATA) completed a survey to evaluate their attitudes on the issues and concerns facing athletic trainers in higher education institutions. Those surveyed were asked to identify what were the top issues and concerns facing athletic trainers and what recommendations that they had for addressing these issues. The findings …

Issues, Challenges, And Leadership Qualities Of Participating Njac Head Soccer Coaches At The Division Iii Level, Thomas E. Eichhorn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the issues, challenges, and leadership qualities of NCAA Division III head soccer coaches in a highly competitive and diverse area of the United States. Fifteen head soccer coaches from the New Jersey Athletic Conference completed the Leadership Assessment Instrument and the Issues and Challenges survey to identify similarities amongst state institutions of higher education in New Jersey and to compare similarities between head coaches of male and female soccer programs. Findings suggest there are no distinct differences amongst these institutions or between head coaches of male and female soccer programs. The leadership …

Ncaa Division Iii Student-Athletes' Attitudes And Knowledge Of Anabolic Steroids, Keith Smicklo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide data on the attitudes, knowledge, and deterrents of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III student-athletes related to illegal steroid abuse. One hundred and two student-athletes from Rowan University completed a survey to evaluate their knowledge of anabolic steroids and the NCAA Division III Drug-testing policy. The student-athletes also responded to statements regarding their current attitudes towards anabolic steroids and some deterrents to the use of steroids. Results indicated that NCAA Division III student-athletes do possess general knowledge of anabolic steroids and feel the use of anabolic steroids during athletic competition is …