Higher Education Commons^™

Braving Ai In Tertiary Education: Generative Artificial Intelligence And Chatbots In Civics, Magdalena Brzezinska

Journal of Research Initiatives

This article explores tested strategies for the responsible and inclusive use of text- and video-generating artificial intelligence (GenAI) and educational chatbots in university classrooms, with a focus on foreign language learners, including students from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Drawing on case studies from WSB Merito University in Poznan, Poland, the author presents methods for integrating AI in civics education in a culturally relevant and equitable manner, emphasizing the importance of responsible technology use. The strategies discussed are adaptable to various tertiary education settings and aim to enhance global skills, foreign language proficiency, AI literacy, and visual literacy among college students. …

Exploring The Potential Of Generative Artificial Intelligence In Enhancing Computational Thinking In Digital Literacy And Computer Science Education, Simone Elias, Richard Brutti, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

This conceptual article examines resources for facilitating computational thinking (CT) in Massachusetts schools within the context of the Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework. It advances an argument for the ethical, intentional, and educator supervised integration of computational thinking resources and generative artificial intelligence to support inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and student-centered learning environments. The analysis suggests that although no single resource may fully address the breadth of DLCS standards, their coordinated use may strengthen scaffolding, differentiation, personalization, and meaningful engagement with computational thinking concepts. Within this framework, generative artificial intelligence is understood as a supportive instructional tool, while …

Introducing The Aasspectq Framework: A New Typology For Assessing Quality, Pedagogy, Outcomes, And Learning In Micro-Credentials, Felix Quayson

Journal of Research Initiatives

Micro-credentials have gained increasing attention as a flexible and competency-based approach to bridging the gap between formal education and workforce demands. Unlike traditional qualifications and degrees, micro-credentials focus on discrete, demonstrable skills that can be rapidly developed, assessed, and recognized across industries. I proposed the Auditing, Avoidance, Specificity, Skills, Personalization, Efficiency, Competency, Technology, and Quality Assurance (AASSPECTQ) conceptual framework to examine the current state of micro-credential implementation, highlighting the tools, learning outcomes, and assessment instruments necessary for effective program design. The challenges of quality assurance, portability, and recognition that continue to limit widespread adoption were also explored. By …

My Schoolhouse Remains A Ghost Town: When The School Closes, The Block Dies, Sunni Ali

Journal of Research Initiatives

This conceptual essay examines the neoliberal policy forces driving widespread public school closures in urban communities across the United States. Drawing on scholarship in education policy, urban sociology, and community studies, the author argues that the closure of traditional public schools — accelerated by charter school expansion and accountability-driven federal policies such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top — has had devastating consequences for low-income communities of color. The essay explores how school closures erode neighborhood cohesion, dismantle civic anchors, and disproportionately burden students and families with the fewest school choice options. The author advocates for …

Enhancing Science Accessibility And Engagement For Students With Visual Impairments: A Randomized Trial Of The Talking Labquest In Nigerian Schools, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with Blindness in Nigeria are often erroneously perceived as incapable of engaging with science at the basic education level, contributing to their low enrolment in science-related careers. Although various techniques and materials have been proposed to support students with blindness in science, many lack empirical validation. This study investigated one such approach by examining the impact of the Talking LabQuest on the interest of Students with blindness in science subjects.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in inclusive junior secondary schools in Nigeria, involving 20 classrooms over an 18-week period. Twelve classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention group, …

Institutionalizing A Culture Of Respect For Teaching And Professional Faculty, Laura E. Sponsler

Higher Education: Faculty Scholarship

The University of Denver has made great strides in improving faculty work and culture with the creation of full time non-tenure track lines – the Teaching and Professional Faculty. In 2015, DU’s faculty senate and Board of Trustees approved and created professional pathways with promotion, longer term contracts, and defined responsibilities for Teaching and Professional Faculty. Compared to other universities and colleges, our current strengths include multi-year contracts, participation and leadership in university governance, opportunities for advancement and promotion, and collegiality amongst faculty members.

This white paper serves to examine the institutionalization of these lines and the current status of …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, February 27, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

February 27, 2026 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Self-Awareness, Advocacy, And Support In Stem Success: Stories From Landmark College's Aie-Stemplos Program, Anastasio Bonhomme, Jaden Clark, Madison Wan, Gabrielle Woolgar, Rebecca Matte, Christin B. Monroe

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives and talents to STEM fields while facing distinct challenges, particularly in higher education environments that often rely on traditional learning models. Landmark College’s AIE-STEMPLOS program provides an innovative framework to empower neurodivergent STEM scholars by fostering self-awareness, advocacy, and community support. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and strengths-based approaches, the program leverages tools like the Birkman Method® to help students articulate their strengths and communication styles in professional terms. This paper examines how accessible learning strategies, peer mentorship, and individualized advising cultivate belonging, confidence, and resilience among neurodivergent STEM scholars, offering a …

20260224: Institute For The Arts, 1978-1985, College Of Arts And Media

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the College of Arts and Media at Marshall University from 1978-1985. Items were received sometime in the 1990s but were not processed until 2026. Items include notable materials about the Institute for the Arts in the late 1970s and then early 1980s.

20260223: The Green Book, 1956-1971, Academic Affairs

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of Academic Affairs at Marshall University from 1956-1971. Items were received at an earlier date (likely the 1990s) but were not accessioned until 2026. Materials in this collection include The Greenbook or Green Book publication from 1956-1971.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Staff Council Meeting, February 2026, Marshall University Staff Council

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Learning In Clinical Education As A Catalyst To Support Foundational Professional Competencies In Speech-Language Pathology: A Theoretical Framework, Lori-Ann Ferraro

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As a part of every speech-language pathology graduate program in the US, clinical education is an integral and required element for both academic accreditation and the eventual clinical certification for students. Clinical education is significantly important when considering overall educational models because it is an aspect of a student’s education that contributes to their ability to make connections between what is learned in the classroom and its real-world clinical application while contributing to the acquisition of competencies. The 2:1 collaborative learning model is supported by sound learning theories and evidence from the literature. A theoretical framework was created to demonstrate …

20260213: Council Of Chairs Minutes, 1974-1993, Academic Affairs

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of Academic Affairs at Marshall University from 1974-1993. Items were received in the 1990s and not accessioned or inventoried until 2026. Items include notable materials from or about "Council of Chairmen" or "Council of Chairs" Minutes from 1974-1993. Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

20260212: President's Papers, 1957-1990, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1957-1990 Items were received in the 1990s and were accessioned/inventoried in 2026. Items within this collection include materials from the Distinguished Lecture Series as well as "The Scott Lectures" from 1959-1963. Other materials include campus events, most likely, and other formal writings about higher education. Of note: "An Informal, Incomplete Introduction to Appalachian Culture" by Dr. O. Normal Simpkins. This is not an exhaustive list, but the attached inventory will give a broad overview of what is contained in each of the boxes.

20260211: President's Papers, Administrative Assistant Files, 1943-1957, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1943-1957. Items were received in the 1970s or 1980s but were not inventoried until 2026. This collection includes notable materials from the Administrative Assistant to the President. Items include Faculty Bulletins from 1943-1957, letters President Smith sent and received (1945-1946), Correspondence from Williams and Lipscomb, some newspaper clippings from 1945, older photographs, and a "Marshall News -- I.S.S. Marshall Victory" from 1946. This is not an exhaustive list, but the attached inventory will give a broad overview of what is contained in each of the boxes.

20260209: Dr. Kelli Johnson's Donation, 1952-2025, University Libraries

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from University Libraries at Marshall University from 1952-2025. Items were received in 2026 from Dr. Kelli Johnson within the University Libraries and include notable materials about various campus events, such as the MU Textbook Affordability Committee (2022), the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Dinner Honoring Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress (2018), Greater Huntington Wall of Fame 2024 Induction Ceremony, June Harless Center 25 Years Celebration (2025), Hooding Ceremony for Grad Students (2025), Marshall vs. Morris Harvey (1952), and WV's Experience in Civil Rights with Eve Faulkes (2024). Please download the finding aid for a full list …

What Is Happening In The World Today And Why: Humanity’S Evolving Consciousness And The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

What is happening in the world today and why? Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels. Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say. However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born--to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be. That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an …

White Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions Of Faculty Of Color, Jeffrey Cross

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Despite decades of initiatives that promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, the percentage of faculty who identify as people of Color still remains low. Experiences of discrimination and marginalization from White faculty colleagues and White students has been commonly reported by faculty of Color. While studies have examined these experiences from the faculty perspective, research addressing White students’ experiences with faculty of Color has been sparse. The purpose of this study was to examine White undergraduate students’ perceptions of faculty of Color at predominately White institutions and how these students understand the influence of racial …

20260202: President's Papers, 1948-2004, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of the President at Marshall University from 1948-2004. Items were received in the mid 2000s and include notable materials including materials with or about President Stewart H. Smith, Alan Gould, John G. Barker, and James Wade Gilley. Items could include personnel policies, administrative policies, the establishment of a proposed Marshall Research Center (1963), Annual Performance Reports. Please download the inventory for a complete list of the contents.

Social Media Monitoring And The Admissions Process: A Study Of College Admissions Officers' Use Of Social Media In Undergraduate Application Review, Rachel Karpeles

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This study explored the evolving role of social media in college admissions, focusing on the perceptions and practices of admissions professionals following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on Affirmative Action. The research, utilizing a descriptive design, employed a 31-question anonymous survey administered to a convenience sample of 532 admissions representatives. The findings directly contradict the public and media narrative by revealing a profound paradox: while social media monitoring is not a widespread professional practice, its impact on admissions outcomes for a notable portion of applicants is demonstrably significant.

The study found a majority of respondents believe evaluating applicants based …

A Phenomenologically Informed Study Of Black Male Preservice Teachers’ Lived Experiences: Professional Socialization, Social Representation, And The Redesign Of Teacher Education For Equity, William A. Anders

Student Theses

This qualitative research explores the experiences of Black male preservice teachers in New York City’s teacher education programs. To examine the underrepresentation of Black male preservice teachers, the research employs Critical University Studies and Critical Race Theory to investigate the institutional barriers they face. Using semi-structured interviews with seven participants and reflexive thematic analysis, the findings revealed six paramount themes: Pathways in Teaching, Representation and Identity, Experiences in Teacher Education, Racial Bias and Institutional Challenges, the Role of Mentorship and Support Networks, and Teaching Philosophy.

Participants described the challenges that Black male preservice teachers face, including isolation, economic hardships, unsuitable …

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, January 30, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

January 30, 2026 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

20260121: President's Papers (Early Marshall History), 1858-1983, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1858-1986. Items were received over the course of several iterations, but not accessioned until 2026.  This collection combines information from early Principals and Presidents at Marshall, including letters to Principal and President L.J. Corbly. Other items include materials from or about William J. Kenny, A.D. CHesterman, Benjamin Thackston, Michael Allen, Samuel Clagg,, Stewart H. Smith...and more.  Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

Multimedia-Based Interventions To Improve Science Learning Outcomes For Deaf Students At Wangsel Institute For The Deaf., Cheten Tshering Mr., Tshering Wangchuk

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Efforts have been made to ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds. One key strategy to enhance children’s learning and academic performance involves the thoughtful selection and application of instructional tools tailored to meet learners' specific needs. This study examines the impact of multimedia-based instruction on science achievement among deaf students at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Bhutan. Using a quasi-experimental design, the research compared pretest and post-test results between a control group and an experimental group. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (t-test) and ANCOVA. The findings indicated a statistically significant differences (p = …

20260113: Physical Education And Wellness, 1970-1997, College Of Education And Professional Development

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University from 1970-1997. Items were received in the 1980s and were processed in 2026 and include notable materials from two separate areas... the first one is a WMUL & closed circuit television services, and the second set of materials in this collection is a newsletter titled Well/Fit News that ranges from 1993-1997. Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

Shedding The Chrysalis: Black Women Leading In Higher Education, Olga M. Welch, Carolyn R. Hodges

Navigating Careers in Higher Education Series

Shedding the Chrysalis: Black Women Leading in Higher Education features the voices of six experienced and emerging Black females in a variety of academic leadership roles. This book provides a Black feminist perspective, highlighting the need to address racial realism within higher education administration. These personal testimonies focus on a variety of levels in the academic hierarchy to emphasize the continuum across the lived experiences of these women, some of whom have served in multiple upper-level administrative roles. The contributors’ positions range from postdoctoral research fellows to positions reporting to central administration at predominantly white institutions. Shedding the Chrysalis underscores …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Staff Council Meeting, January 2026, Marshall University Staff Council

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.