Higher Education Commons^™

Transgressive Body, Open Mind, And Perceptive Spirit For Nurturing Soul: A Reflection On Teaching To Transgress, Akie F. Wenk

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

In this reflection essay, I discuss my journey into the liberatory pedagogy bell hooks champions. As a foreign-born Japanese woman, who speaks English as her second language, being in the classroom itself can be seen as a transgressive act. Positioning myself as an educator who strives to creates an environment that is liberatory for me and my students, I discuss my specific experience and relationship to theories surrounding critical feminist pedagogy and how I practice these theories in my own classroom.

Climate Change Denial Messages As Post-Truth, David H. Kahl Jr., Ahmet Atay

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Post-truth messages are hegemonic forms of communication intentionally designed to create false narratives that perpetuate power and marginalize others. These messages make differentiating fact from fiction difficult. Students are especially susceptible to believing and internalizing post-truth messages due to their high level of interaction with social media and the neoliberal period in which they have been raised. One type of post-truth message that has become especially prevalent is climate change denial messages that advance a neoliberal agenda. This article will apply tenets of critical communication pedagogy (CCP) as a means by which to recognize messages that deny climate change as …

Introduction Pages, Lorenzo M. Sianez Jr, Claudia Martinez

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Student Supports For Achieving College And Career Readiness, Edward C. Fletcher Jr., Turhan K. Carroll, Bo Hyun Lee, Carrie Burggraf

Journal of College Access

School community members help to foster students’ college-going mindsets by creating and facilitating a college-going culture within the school. Based on our findings of a school district composed of a majority ethnically and racially diverse student body, we found the district to be successful in promoting social capital by way of a school stakeholder community. The school stakeholders leveraged social capital to promote a college and career going culture within the context of career pathway programs. This culture promoted a sense of belonging where students felt supported in achieving their goals of being college and career ready. Most notably, the …

Professional Pathways In Business: The Role Of Social Capital For Latinx Students, Maritza S. Campo, Manuel Pech, Teresa Madamba

Journal of College Access

Latina/os currently represent one of the most significant contributors to the United States economy, possessing $3.78 trillion in purchasing power. Despite constituting the second largest demographic group in the nation, Latinx representation in business graduate programs and corporate leadership positions, including board memberships, remains below 5%. As Latinx enrollment and graduation rates in higher education have consistently increased over the past decade, it has become increasingly imperative to examine how Hispanic-Serving Institutions can more effectively support Latinx students in their transition from academic to professional careers in business. This study investigates the impact of initiatives implemented by one Hispanic-Serving Institution …

The Power Of Social Capital For First-Generation College Students, Inez M. Gonzalez Perezchica

Journal of College Access

First-generation college students (FGCS) face unique challenges in achieving career success, challenges which stem from limited access to social capital. Social capital refers to the value derived from access to social structures, which serve as resources that enable individuals to pursue and attain their interests (Coleman, 1988). Enhancing mentoring for FGCS requires an understanding of how social capital facilitates success and upward mobility. FGCS face information gaps that can hinder their ability to navigate college bureaucracy, advance their careers, and beyond. To address this information gap, FGCS can seek advisors and mentors, or institutional agents, who can provide critical insights …

Complete Issue, Claudia Martinez, Lorenzo M. Sianez Jr

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Connections: Toward A Framework For Equity In Social Capital Development In College And Career Pathways, Samantha L. Perez

Journal of College Access

The attention on college and career pathways over the last decade has revitalized interest in key activities like early career exploration, work-based learning, and labor market alignment of career and technical education. One essential element of this work, and perhaps among the most critical, has not received as much attention. Research shows that social capital—the relationships and networks an individual has and their ability to build, leverage, and mobilize them— is often how people get access to new information and educational and career opportunities; however, it is not something that most school systems have made an explicit priority for preparing …

Theorizing With Purpose: A Five-Step Approach To Motivate And Guide Students In Communication Theory Courses, Weixu Lu

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This study addresses the challenges of effectively teaching communication theories to undergraduate students by highlighting the gap between the need for developing higher-order, transferrable knowledge and the learning needs of novice learners. To bridge this gap, it introduces a novel five-step model integrating motivation, direct instruction, revisiting, assessing, and invention steps into the teaching process. Assessment results from two semesters were compared to evaluate the efficacy of this model, showing significant improvements in students’ comprehension of communication theories, ability to theorize communication phenomena, and proficiency in formulating research questions based on theoretical insights. These findings suggest the potential of the …

Rigor And Academic (Re)Socialization: The Faculty Role In Student Success Curriculum, Kendra Knight, Stephanie Grau, Elissa Foster, Jay Baglia

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

In the post-pandemic learning era, communication faculty experience tensions among expectations for flexibility, sensitivity to students’ well-being, and our commitment to the academic rigor of our courses. These tensions, we argue, may be resolved through offering academic (re)socialization as a stand-alone element of the communication curriculum. This essay explicates the development and implementation of a for-credit workshop-style course aimed at bridging gaps in student academic capital laid bare by the COVID-19 learning crisis. “Communication Fundamentals for College Success” is a collaborative effort among six communication instructors to support practical and socio-emotional skills that undergird students’ transdisciplinary intellectual growth. We reflect …

Ela Pre-Service Teachers Composing For Change: Public Letter Writing As Activist Endeavor, Mike P. Cook, Gail Harper Yeilding, Lindsey Ives

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

This study of five English Language Arts pre-service teachers draws on critical literacy and collective case study methods to examine how they talk about their own experiences with public letter writing as part of their writing methods course and they ways they perceive public letter writing as an activist endeavor. Our findings noted three interwoven themes—agency, advocacy, and focus on students—where participants talked about public letter writing as a way to develop and utilize agency, which allows them to advocate for students, teacher, themselves, education, etc. and to focus on students, especially as it relates to writing and writing instruction. …

The Fault Line: Understanding Tension Between Industry And Higher Education Institutions In Sustained Partnerships, David Lawrence

Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamics that influence tensions in industry–higher education partnerships and identifies effective navigation factors in sustainable partnerships. Despite the increasing prevalence, such partnerships face high failure rates due to inherent tensions. This research explores how partners from industry and higher education institutions successfully navigate these tensions using a qualitative case study approach.

This investigation employed a case study design with a multi-case two-by-two holistic matrix and an interpretive, constructivist framework. Data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with key individuals from nine higher education institutions and five industry organizations spanning healthcare, technology, consulting, real estate development, and accounting …

Complete Issue, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm, Laura Owen, Christopher W. Tremblay

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

College Access Literacy With A Focus On Key Transition Knowledge For Historically Underrepresented Students And Their Educators, Molly S. Dunn, Stephanie L. Savick, Rachel E. Durham

Journal of College Access

In this article, we present a programmatic model to develop College Access Literacy (CAL) among both students and educators. University faculty developed a six-module curriculum delivered through existing Professional Development School partnerships in afterschool seminars for high school juniors and separate class periods for other high school students. Professional development sessions were also delivered by content experts to high school educators and faculty who were paired to co-teach the curriculum. The program was implemented in three high schools that primarily serve historically underrepresented students. CAL topics, intended to provide students with knowledge and strategies for college access success, included college …

Book Review: Fundamentals Of College Admission Counseling: A Textbook For Graduate Students And Practicing Counselors, Brenda Gerhardt

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Introductory Pages, Christopher W. Tremblay, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Laura Owen, Moya Malcolm, Diana Camilo

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

The Experiences Of Graduate Students Of Color During Recruitment, Tracy Sweet, Kristabel Stark, Bridget Turner Kelly

Journal of College Access

We posit that graduate student recruitment is a form of community engagement where universities invite community members to apply. We conducted a study about the recruitment experience with 29 newly matriculated graduate students of color. Many students reported that welcoming interactions, research and courses on diversity or racial equity impacted their decision to enroll. Some barriers included lack of information, standardized tests, and funding. This study offers important insights for improving inclusive recruitment strategies.

Marching To College: Exploring Military-Connected Students’ Access Experiences Navigating College Choice, Latosha R. Henderson, Jennifer Johnson, Shannon Martin

Journal of College Access

This study analyzed how pre-college advising and transition experiences impact the postsecondary success of military-connected students (MCS). Each year, approximately 200,000 military veterans transition to civilian life, with around 40% seeking higher education. Despite the financial support of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, MCS face unique challenges in accessing and succeeding in higher education, including restrictive admissions policies, unclear credit transfer processes, and insufficient pre-college advising.

Through a case study approach, this study explores the college transition experiences of MCS and the role of pre-college advising in supporting these transitions. Data were collected via surveys and interviews, focusing on the participants' …

A Survey-Based Quantification Of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy, Dina Prisco, Siobhan Walsh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Imposter phenomenon is a professional issue that negatively affects health professionals’ performance and well-being. This study examined imposter phenomenon’s prevalence in occupational therapy (OT). Researchers hypothesized that imposter phenomenon is prevalent in OT, more so in underrepresented groups. The rate of imposter phenomenon throughout OT was quantified and rates between demographic groups compared.

Method: This study used an exploratory, survey-based research design. Survey sections included informed consent, demographics, and the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). The CIPS measured rates of imposterism. Analyses of variances and independent group t-tests were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Inclusion criteria …

Emeriti News Spring 2025, Emeriti Council

Emeriti News

No abstract provided.

The Ebony Edge: A Qualitative Exploration Of Math Success Among Black College Women, April Ruiz

Dissertations

Historically, women have been underrepresented as leaders in STEM. However, according to the National Science Foundation (2022), women accounted for a little more than half of the college-educated workforce and underrepresented minority women increased in broad science and engineering occupational categories. This promising upturn underscores the importance—if progress is to continue—of better understanding why some African American women succeed in and persist with their study of college mathematics.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Black college women attending a predominantly White institution in the Midwest, to better understand what reasons Black college women ascribe to their success in …

A Multiple Case Study Of Four-Year Public, Non-Flagship Universities: Meeting Common Institutional Goals Of Increased Enrollment And Academic Profile, Alicia Kornowa

Dissertations

For several reasons, the number of students seeking and enrolling in a postsecondary education has started to decline in the United States (U.S.) and the decrease is expected to intensify for the foreseeable future. This trend is cause for concern among higher education enrollment leaders, especially those who serve at institutions not among the most elite universities or without a national brand—the campuses researchers project will have the greatest difficulty maintaining enrollment levels. Using strategic enrollment management (SEM) as an example of general systems theory and systems thinking, this multiple case study explored how four public, four-year, non-flagship institutions increased …

Ready, Set, No: Why Not All Successful Dual Credit High School Graduates Matriculate To Postsecondary Education, Jessica Deckard Mann

Dissertations

Dual-credit programs that allow students to earn college credentials in high school have become commonplace in the United States. Early College High Schools (ECHSs) were specifically developed to support equitable access to these programs, targeting groups that are historically underpopulated in postsecondary education (PSE). ECHSs aim to close the achievement gap, increase the number of college credentials earned by high school students, better train the workforce, and improve the life-time earnings potential of a diverse population.

The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to gather data from graduates in one Midwestern state who earned a college credential in high …

Upper-Level Undergraduate Pre-Healthcare Students’ Journeys To Graduation And Health Professional Graduate Programs, Holly L. Sisson

Dissertations

Despite decades of research on undergraduate student retention and persistence, only a handful of researchers, such as Dumke et al. (2018) and Stull et al. (2021), have looked specifically at pre-health students preparing for graduate health professional programs and the complex challenges these students face while trying to achieve their goals. Very little research focused on upper-level undergraduate students pursuing graduate health professional programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or similar graduate health professional programs excluding medical school. To help fill this gap, my study focused on the experiences of pre-healthcare students as they navigated their undergraduate …

A Psychosociocultural Exploration Of Connection Among First-Generation Latina Undergraduates, Elizandra Sandoval M.S., Mary Dueñas Ph.D

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Using a narrative inquiry, we explored the educational experiences of first-generation Latina college students and highlight opportunities for integrating their educational wisdoms in resource and service development. We center notions of critical consciousness to focus on how students’ language identity kept them connected to their home pedagogies in higher education.

Latinas Graduate Students: Exploring The Psychosociocultural Influences As They Navigate Doctoral Education, Berenice Sanchez Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Latina graduate students continue to be underrepresented with in higher education despite their population growth. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors and influences that help them navigate academia. This study utilizes the psychosociocultural (PSC) model to explore the factors that aided them in persisting toward degree completion.

Artivism For Access: Disrupting The Educational Status Quo, Mercedes Albarran, Rocio Zamora

Journal of College Access

This piece explores the transformative role of art as a platform for historically marginalized populations to challenge educational inequities and catalyze social change. Through the concept of "artivism," art and activism merge to humanize complex social issues, fostering understanding and solidarity. Highlighting historical moments such as the Chicano/a movement and contemporary contributions from students at Hoover High School, the text underscores how creative expression empowers individuals to disrupt the educational status quo. It examines the rich tapestry of student-led artivism that elevates voices from diverse backgrounds, notably BIPOC and first-generation students, in their pursuit of education and societal change. Through …

From The Guest Editors, Mercedes Albarran, Rocio Zamora

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

An Academic Self-Regulation Program For First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy: A Preexperimental Study, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students at U.S. universities have lower academic performance than their continuing-generation counterparts. They also have a lower level of academic self-regulation and academic self-efficacy. Bandura’s social cognition theory and Zimmerman’s self-regulation theory were used as theoretical frameworks to guide an intervention program relating to self-efficacy and self-regulation. A pretest and posttest survey measured changes in the participants’ use of the academic self-regulatory strategies and level of confidence in using those strategies. An open-ended questionnaire provided a detailed account of the participants’ lived experiences of the program. The researcher-facilitator designed an academic self-regulation program using Zimmerman’s (1998) self-regulated learning framework …

Understanding The Experience Of Being Food Insecure At An Independent College Or University, Natalie Wagner

Dissertations

Many people struggle to consistently access enough food for an active and healthy life (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). Research has shown that college students experience food insecurity at rates higher than the general population while also facing negative academic, mental, physical, and social consequences (Baker-Smith et al., 2020; Bruening et al., 2018; Dubick et al., 2016; Henry, 2017; Martinez et al., 2018). Although studies on food insecurity among higher education have increased in the past few years, much of the research has been quantitative in nature and has been conducted at community colleges and state-funded institutions (Baker-Smith et …