Higher Education Commons^™

Athletics And Faith: A Quantitative Analysis On The Relationship Of Athletic Participation And Spiritual Development, Griffin O. Gardner

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between athletic involvement and spiritual development. Historically, athletics has been examined as an outlet of spirituality, but previous studies have not examined spirituality as a product of athletic involvement. The following question guided this study: “To what extent, if any, does college athletic involvement impact spiritual development?” This study took a longitudinal quantitative approach, leveraging archival survey data to conduct a means comparison study of the responses to particular survey items for athletic and non-athletic students. Though no statistical significance existed between the results of the two populations, the study …

Seeking Balance: How The Practice Of Spiritual Disciplines Impacts The Health Of Residence Hall Directors, Caylan Delucia

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Residence hall directors often fulfill an instrumental role in a student’s college experience. As residence hall directors facilitate programs and intentionally interact with students, a unique connection is formed between the student and his or her residence hall director. Residence hall directors experience unique work-related stress through flexible workhours each day of the week. Thus, it is crucial for residence hall directors to establish healthy rhythms of rest and rejuvenation as they integrate living where they work. Research suggests spirituality as an effective stress management tool. This study specifically focuses on how various spiritual disciplines of Christianity impact stress experienced …

Involvement: Assessing Factors Contributing To 'Inactive Athletes' Persistence, Alec Devries

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to discover why students remain enrolled at an institution after departing from their athletic team. This study was conducted at small private, faith-based liberal arts institutions within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Forty respondents participated in a quantitative analysis inquiring about their experiences and satisfaction into their persistence at their institution of enrollment. Findings include the lack of support ‘inactive athletes’ received during their athletic experience, as well as the high value participants placed on their academic experience. Implications for future practice include, a continuous emphasis on student development and academic affairs …

Remember When: Alumni Involvement And Meaning Making Impacted By Perceptions Of Traditions Culture In Higher Education, Christina R. Brandsma

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of traditions culture on alumni involvement and meaning making. Through a transcendental phenomenological design, his study investigated traditions at a small, faith-based, liberal arts institution in the Midwest from the perspective of alumni. This exploratory research was guided by the following questions: How have traditions impacted the meaning alumni made of their college experience and their personal identity? How do traditions influence the current involvement of alumni with their institution? Key findings from this study include an understanding of traditions defined from an alumni perspective, the benefits alumni perceive from …

"I Finally Found A Place Where I Feel Like Home": Understanding The Relationship Between A Sense Of Belonging And The Transfer Student Experience, Ashley Smith

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The rate at which college students transfer from one higher education institution to another is steadily increasing. The purpose of the study was to develop a greater understanding of the relationship between a sense of belonging and the transfer student experience. The study implemented a mixed-methods embedded design. A survey adapted from the Basic Human Needs Scale was administered to participants to produce a Belonging composite score. The survey questions were followed by three open-response questions that allowed participants to explain further the relationship between their sense of belonging and transfer student experiences. Quantitative data revealed an above-average sense of …

The Extra Mile: How Collegiate Coaches Can Better Prepare Student-Athletes For Retirement, Kayla Hunter

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The power of high athletic identity coupled with the unfamiliar process of athletic retirement presents a unique crossroads for individuals approaching the end of their intercollegiate athletic careers. Despite the presence of several resources to aid student-athletes, the literature reports a range of both positive and negative experiences for retiring student-athletes. Collegiate coaches serve a prominent role in the lives of student-athletes and therefore present a valuable avenue through which mentorship, identity development, and preparation for retirement can occur. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to explore the impact, if any, of collegiate coaches on the retirement process of …

"I Don't Have To Fit What I Thought A Leader Was, It Can Be So Many Things": The Relationship Between The Enneagram And Self-Authorship Development Of Student Leaders, Shelby Delay

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The Enneagram is a personality typing tool that has existed for thousands of years yet recently has gained popularity within higher education. The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of the relationship between a college student’s dominant Enneagram type and a student leader’s self-authorship development. The study implemented a qualitative, phenomenological design through the use of both individual interviews and focus group settings. The interview protocol was adapted from the four phases of self-authorship development, as explained by Baxter Magolda. The interview settings were organized by dominant Enneagram type of student leaders, which allowed the participants to …

"All I Remember Is Everybody Started Singing": A Qualitative Exploration Of The Intended Learning Outcomes Of General Music Courses, Geoffrey Nelson

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Music is one of the most fundamentally human forms of art and communication in existence. Since Ancient Greece, music has served as a central component of a liberal arts education, a practice that continues today. In the modern higher education context, students are often required to take an art or music course as part of the liberal arts curriculum. Despite the importance of the study of music, general music courses face many challenges in regard to student learning. Some of the most prominent challenges include increased musical illiteracy and the increasingly saturated and diverse musical preferences of the modern student. …

Thinking Deeply In College: An Inquiry Into Contemplation Amongst Undergraduate Students, Dan R. Read

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

In student development theory, a crisis is considered the impetus for development. For undergraduate students, contemplation is one of the ways students resolve their crises. This study was an inquiry into those contemplative practices and was guided by the following research question: What are the contemplative practices of undergraduate students, and what are the outcomes of those practices? After eleven students were interviewed, findings revealed 1) an enrichment of the meaning of the word space to include space in time; 2) contemplation is perceived by students as deep thinking; 3) contemplation is often connected to spiritual practices; and 4) students’ …

Not-So-Neutral: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Smartphones And Student Quality Of Life, Talis Rudzitis

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

As smartphones grow in purpose and function, they become more pervasive in the average college student’s life. Consequently, the more students integrate smartphones into their lives, the more consideration must be taken to understand the impact smartphones have on human life. This correlation study explored the relationship between smartphones and student quality of life. For the purpose of the study, “smartphone consumption” best communicated the variable “smartphones” and was measured by the average number of minutes participants spent on their smartphones per day. Moreover, the variable “quality of life” was measured by students’ self-perception and satisfaction of their own health …

How International Students' View Of Their Perseverance Affects Their Experience In Higher Education In The United States, Jana Soto

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Regardless of place of origin, students entering colleges or universities undergo transition. Focusing on the added adjustments international students endure, the existing literature on these students highlights the negative effect such adaptions have. The purpose of this study was to understand the perseverance and pinpoint the strategies of international students’ success in an effort to develop a strength-based approach to international student services. This research was conducted using a mixed-methods explanatory approach that began with a survey measuring international students’ personal views of their perseverance, followed by phenomenological interviews. This research revealed an essence of perception of situation, self, and …

The Relationship Between The Christian College Experience And Women's Feminist Identity Development, Cynthia L. Moberly

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to explore how women at a faith-based institution score on the Feminist Identity Development Scale, the perceptions and attitudes those women have toward their personal feminist identity development, and the factors in the college experience that may influence such attitudes. Feminist identity is the conception of feminism or of the self as feminist. This study explored the scores of freshmen and seniors on the Feminist Identity Development Scale (Bargad & Hyde, 1991) and considered open-ended reflections from seniors concerning their college experience. Findings included the following: (1) students’ perspectives are polarized concerning gender roles …

On-Campus Living: A Quantitative Exploration Of Engagement In Coeducational And Single-Sex Residence Halls, Jason Katsma

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This study investigates residential living arrangements as they relate to engagement using the National Survey of Student Engagement. It examines any difference in men and women in engagement with living in coeducational or single-sex residence halls on a small, faith-based, liberal arts college in the Midwest. Engagement continues to show value in helping students get the most out of their college experience. This study found no significant difference between coeducational and single-sex residence halls. Also, no difference emerged between men and women populations of both living arrangements. This finding adds to research pertaining to the relationships between place of residence …

Thriving In Students Of Color At A Predominantly White Institution, Travis J. Trotman

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Every year, students of color across the United States diversify their university campuses; in return, many of them fail to engage with their peers or succeed in their class work due to feelings of neglect or fear that contribute to a lack of engagement and success. To begin to explore the challenges students of color face when enrolled at a predominantly white institution, one must look into how their experiences help or hinder their thriving.

Beyond surviving in a college environment, thriving conveys a student’s full engagement in his or her intellectual, social, and emotional experiences. A sense of psychological …

Partnering With College Students In Need Of Change: A Case Study Analysis Of Motivational Interviewing In A Residence Hall, Brett Borland

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This study explores the use of motivational interviewing by a resident director in his residence hall at a faith-based, liberal arts institution in the Midwest. The purpose of this study was to determine if the practice of motivational interviewing led students to enact meaningful change in their lives. A secondary purpose was to observe how the practice of motivational interviewing affected the relationship between the resident director and his students. Data was collected through a questionnaire sent to students after meeting with the resident director who used motivational interviewing in an academic support meeting, as well as two interviews with …

"I Don't Fit Into The Identity You Expect Me To Have": Development Of Self-Authorship In Lgb Students At A Faith-Based Institution, Sara Bretz

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of the study was to build an understanding of how lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students grow in their self-authorship development at faith-based, small, private, liberal arts institutions. Self-authorship is one’s ability to define one’s own internally held beliefs, values, relationships, and identities. Five sexual minority students participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews inquiring about their experiences at an eastern U.S. faith-based institution with an established educational group focusing on issues of sexuality and gender. Findings included the importance of faith-related development and experience, clarity in communication, support systems, perspective weighing, and leadership experiences. Implications for future practice include …

Ways Of Knowing: An Exploration Of The Epistemological Development Of Undergraduates, Eli Casteel

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Today, the United States is polarized; people cannot agree on facts or how they know their facts. This study was aimed at researching how people know and the development of an epistemic lens, that is, how they know what they know. Literature suggests many undergraduates understand the world as either black and white or relativistic (King & Kitchener, 1994). However, through educational experiences some students move beyond relativistic thinking. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the significance of an undergraduate course on ways of knowing. The study investigated the experience of undergraduates and how a course …

An Exploration Of The Educational Experiences Of Bahamian Students At Taylor University, Dominic Justin Cartwright

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Bahamian alumni during their undergraduate years at Taylor University. Thirteen participants who graduated between the years 1980 and 2016 were interviewed. All responses were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to discover varies themes. Participants shared how they experienced Taylor as a Bahamian during their time. The results of this research provide clarity to what Bahamian students have experienced and what Bahamian students may continue to experience in the future.

The Relationship Of Tuition Discounting And Student Loan Debt At Faith-Based Institutions, Alana Marie Dean

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Tuition discounting and student loan debt are two topics in United States higher education of growing concern among practitioners. Both of these financial constructs affect the overall cost of college and how students pay for their education. Bringing both concepts together, the purpose of the study was to explore quantitatively a relationship between tuition discounting and student loan debt at faith-based institutions. Specifically, the study examined the relationship of these two financial constructs at member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). The definition of tuition discounting employed is the practice of providing non-repayable institutional grants and …

Supporting Student-Parents: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Online Presence Of Support At Postsecondary Institutions, Paige L. Mccourt

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Increasing numbers of nontraditional students, including student-parents, are enrolling in postsecondary education. These students are raising dependent children while pursuing a degree and often require specialized support services, such as childcare, flexible course schedules, family housing, and financial assistance. Qualitative document analysis of the online resources at 50 postsecondary institutions’ revealed the presence and absence of student support services at these campuses. An initial analysis of the documents generated five themes regarding support for student-parents: (1) structured support services and offices; (2) family housing options or assistance; (3) specific financial aid options for student-parents; (4) the availability of parenting resources …

Designing Community: Residence Halls, Shower Facilities, And Experiences Of Community Amongst Male Students, Eric Christopher Moore

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

This study explored the impact of shower facility design on traditional men's residence hall floors. This research drew upon previous research in proxemics and residence hall design by looking at three shared shower facility designs in traditional residence halls at a small, liberal-arts, faith-based institution located in the Midwest. The selected shower designs were open showers with no dividers, partially-open showers with chest-high dividers, and divided showers with complete coverage. An online survey with both quantitative and qualitative questions was sent out to male students living in traditional residence halls, and the results were analyzed. This study looked for connections, …

Habits Of Mind And The Impactful Uses Of Time Of College Seniors, David Scott Gebby

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

College students spend their time in a variety of activities outside of the typical classroom setting. These activities range from academic, such as spending time discussing opinions with peers, to more non-academic, such as spending time on social media. The purpose of the study was to examine free time as it relates to Habits of Mind or habits that lay a foundation for lifelong learning (HERI, 2017d). The study utilized archival data from a small, private, liberal arts university in the American Midwest. Using the results from the 2015 College Senior Survey, the research examined the relationship between how students …

Paradigm Or Paradox? Student Consumerism And Learning At A Liberal Arts Institution, Jessica L. Martin

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Existing literature widely asserts the increasing prevalence of consumer-minded students, often presenting consumerism and learning as opposed. The purpose of the study is to better understand the relationship between consumer and learner orientations and explore aspects of a liberal arts education affecting each. To this end, the study employed a mixed methods embedded sequential design. A survey—utilizing both quantitative learner and consumer scales along with qualitative open-ended items—was administered to students. A subsequent focus group further clarified and explored survey results. Quantitative data revealed students identify more strongly as learners than consumers but still identify positively as consumers. Furthermore, a …

Taste And See That The Lord Is Good: A Christian Liberal Arts Education And The Development Of Students' Theology Of Nutrition, Lauren Nicole Miles

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a Christian liberal arts (CLA) university on students’ development of a theology of nutrition. Through phenomenological research, this study explored the experience students had with food and the education they received regarding nutrition at the CLA university. The study was guided by the following research questions:

• How do students’ experiences at a CLA university impact their theology of nutrition?
• Does a theology of food change eating habits?
• Does taking part in a nutrition course change an individual’s food choices compared to those who do not take a nutrition course? …

Impact Of A Student Leadership Experience On The Development Of Creativity In Undergraduate Students, Austin Taylor Smith

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a leadership experience on the development of creativity in undergraduate students in order to help student affairs professionals, faculty, and administrators better understand how they can develop creativity in their students. A phenomenological study was conducted on students who held a leadership position as a Resident Assistant or cabinet member of a student organization on the campus of a small institution in the Midwestern United States. The study consisted of an open-ended survey and semi-structured interviews. Key findings from this study include insight into various aspects of students’ experiences …

We Are All Humans: The Impact Of The Integration Of Old Miss In 1962 On The White Racial Identity Development Of The Campus Newspaper Staff, Kelsey Ann Snyder

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The Integration of Ole Miss in 1962 was an incredibly impactful event in the Civil Rights Movement. A contributing member to the impact of integration was James Meredith, a student determined to go to Ole Miss. The institution was forever changed by this event, as were the students who experienced the integration first hand. The students at the campus newspaper, known at the time as The Mississippian, had a unique experience of the integration due to their reporting of the events. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the Integration of Ole Miss on the White …

A College Favorite: Students' Perceptions Of Traditions And Culture In Higher Education, Danielle M. Spoutz

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a college tradition on a university’s culture. Through a hermeneutical phenomenological design, this study explored two college traditions at two separate campuses: Taylor University’s Airband and Westmont College’s Spring Sing. The research was guided by the following questions:

1. What are students’ perceptions of the impact a college tradition has on a university culture?
2. Is there mutual shaping—does a tradition shape institutional culture as much as institutional culture shapes a tradition?

Three findings emerged from this study. The first finding demonstrated the importance of traditions in building community, as it …

What Type Of Village Does It Take? The Impact Of Campus Housing On The Freshmen Experience, Britney Ann Wallbaum

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that type of residence has on a freshman’s experience, specifically comparing all-freshmen residence halls to comprehensive residence halls. Through phenomenological research, this study explored the common meaning for seventeen students at two universities of their experiences living in a residence hall as freshmen. The following research questions guided this study:

• Is there an impact a student’s first year experience based on type of on-campus residence?
  • How does an all-freshmen residence hall impact a student’s freshmen year?
  • How does a comprehensive residence hall impact a student’s freshmen year?

Major findings include …

Kizuna Model Of Learning: Inviting Space For Authenticity, Empathy, And Learning With Humility Across And Through Differences, Manabu Taketani

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The field of education is becoming increasingly diverse with more emphasis on experiential learning and a return to a communal model of learning. Scholars note the importance of the virtues of authenticity, empathy, and humility within the learning experience. In order to explore the relationship between the trends of education and the virtues that drive the experience of learning, a study on the experiences of Japan-America Student Conference participants was conducted. Representing diverse educational institutions, participants responded to surveys regarding their experience of the conference. Strong themes emerged resulting in the development of the Kizuna Model of Learning (KML), a …

Experience, Perception, And Purpose For The Chapel Program At Taylor University, Wynn Coggin

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Research concerning student experience and perception of chapel programs at Christian colleges is severely lacking (Morrison, 2014). However, relevant literature on secularization and the rising impact of spirituality on today’s students reveals chapel programs to be a critical intersection for the spiritual life of a Christian institution and its students. This study sought to explore and describe student perceptions and experience of the chapel program at Taylor University for the 2016-2017 academic year. The study implemented an embedded mixed methods design consisting of two surveys administered to the entire campus community; one survey administered at regular intervals to a group …