Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons^™

The Relationship Between Professional Preparation Of Student Affairs Professionals And Community College Completion Rates, Jennifer D. Elliott

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to gather data and investigate what type of degree or degrees student affairs professionals hold at community colleges in Illinois, and how earned a degree in College Student Affairs or an equivalent degree. Then, to compare this data with existing graduation and retention data to see what, if any, correlation there might be. A survey was distributed to student affairs officers at each of the 48 Illinois community colleges, with the request the survey be forwarded to their student services professional staff. This data was then compared to recent graduation and retention rates at each school. …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Perceptions Of Prospective Students On A Campus Tour, Tiffany C. Leschke

Masters Theses

Enrollment in universities has increased in importance as cost continues to rise and the potential student population who might attend college is shrinking. As researchers examine marketing techniques that might increase enrollment yield, the campus tour has been identified as a critical piece of the overall selection process. The goal of the study was to examine phenomenon that occurs during the campus tour experience. Understanding what factors of the campus tour members experience, notice and appreciate will provide information that may lead to tours that increase enrollment. A phenomenological approach was utilized to explore tour members' perceptions of their guided …

Community Development Through Electronic Sociograms, Aubrie L. Piper

Masters Theses

As the expectations of assessing student development for student affairs professionals throughout higher education increases, the efforts of residence halls initiatives have been in the spotlight. To reflect upon the intentional means of developing each student, Eastern Illinois University's Housing & Dining Services department created the Panther Success Initiative. The Panther Success Initiative was designed with the expectation that RA staff interact with residents as frequent as possible to gain an understanding and of the residents' personal and academic needs for a successful collegiate experience. Through these interactions, the RA can then provide resources and advocate for the individual students …

African American Students' Perceptions Of Undergraduate Experiences: Matriculation, Retention, Attrition, And Graduation, Christina L. Rainer

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine the recruitment, matriculation, attrition, and retention behaviors of African American students attending the university. Data collected for this study were obtained from surveys completed by African American undergraduate students enrolled at the university either part-time or full-time at the time of the survey. Frequencies, percentages, and summaries were utilized in data analysis. There were also opportunities for participants to explain their responses.

The participants in this study completed a 25-item survey. This survey requested that participants rate (1) their level of involvement in co-curricular activities on campus; (2) their relationships with faculty and staff; …

Interactions Between Class Attendance And Students' Alcohol Consumption, Brittany Meding

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an interaction between class attendance and students' alcohol consumption. Several issues are associated with the relationship between alcohol consumption and class attendance. From the results, there was no statistical significance between a students' self reported alcohol consumption and a students' self reported class attendance.

My B.A.C. Is Higher Than My G.P.A.: Alcohol Expectancies And College Student Consumption, Erica Nicole Roa

Masters Theses

Students state that they drink for a variety of reasons and these reasons appear to change throughout the course of their time at the university. In this research thesis the researcher set out to find if there was link between the expectancies for alcohol consumption and the number of drinks that a student would drink based off of certain characteristics (i.e. class standing, gender, negative consequences). Literature is presented that highlights studies used in exploring alcohol expectancies as well as factors that affect alcohol knowledge/behavior. Molar Behavior Theory and Schlossberg's Transitional Theory were used which created the foundation for the …

Non-Completion In Thesis Required Master's Degree Programs, Emily Ritter

Masters Theses

This study examined phenomena associated with non-completers enrolled in a master's level graduate program with a thesis requirement at medium-sized mid-western comprehensive university. Both program coordinators and program-identified noncompleters were interviewed based on five research questions in order to discover themes emerging from thesis non-completion. Ten themes emerged, including peer and academic support, assistantship factors, influencing factors, choice, and perceived thesis value. Although previous research of master's degree thesis non-completion is not extensive, a review of literature is included. The researcher found that while there were similarities in many themes among the program coordinators and students, areas in which there …

Effects Of Test Preparatory Program For Illinois Basic Skills Test, Jennifer R. Rose

Masters Theses

The Basic Skills Test is required for admissions into all teacher certification programs in the state of Illinois. The aim of the study was to determine if the 6-week, test preparatory program had an impact on participants Basic Skills Test. The hypothesis of this study was that the test preparatory program would increase participants' post-test scores (i.e. actual Basic Skills test). Participants included 25 undergraduate students from a midwestern university (males = 6, females = 19) who committed to approximately 60 hours of workshops, tutoring and educational software alongside 90 minute group support sessions, once a week for a total …

The Motivation Of African-American Females To Cross Historical Racial Boundaries In The Greek Community At A Predominantly White Institution, Thomas J. Sargent

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate what motivates African-American female students at a predominantly White four year comprehensive university in the Midwest to join a historically White social Greek organization. Participants were four women between the ages of 18 and 33. Using a semi-structured interview format and thematic analysis, the study intended to produce information relevant to the three guiding research questions: a) Why do African-American collegiate females choose to join social Greek organizations which are historically compromised of primarily White females?, b) What do African-American females who choose to join historically White social Greek organizations feel are …

The Effectiveness Of Alcoholedu At Eastern Illinois University, Brock Severson

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Effect Of A Summer Bridge Program On Provisionally Admitted Students' Self-Efficacy, Merry Kathleen Lucas

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

African American Students' Perceptions Of Diversity, Inclusion, And Hate Speech, Andrea E. Grant

Masters Theses

African American students' perceptions of diversity, inclusion, and hate speech were explored to reveal implications for the efficacy of the university's mission and obligation to diversity. Using qualitative research methodology, six African American female undergraduate students were interviewed via a semi-structured interview protocol. Using constant-comparative analysis common categories were drawn revealing nine salient themes: Artificial Diversity between Races, Implicit Racial Lines, Efforts of Housing Staff, Missed Educational Opportunities, Encounters with Hate Speech, Subtle Acts of Hate Speech, Overcoming Stereotypes, Users of Hate Speech, and Speech Codes are Not the Solution. These findings provided African American students an opportunity to have …

African American Students' Perceptions Of The Campus Climate At Eastern Illinois University, Tynisa R. Collins

Masters Theses

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate African American undergraduate students' perceptions of the campus racial climate at Eastern Illinois University. Quantitative research was utilized through the use of the TOCAR Collaborative Campus Climate Survey. The survey addressed perceptions of campus climate, perceptions of campus racial climate, perceptions of academic experiences, and specific experiences that the students have undergone that have contributed to their overall perception of the campus climate.

Findings showed that African American undergraduates perceived the campus climate at Eastern Illinois University to be somewhat welcoming. The data revealed that African American students would like the …

The Self-Reported Pattern Of Student Drinking During The First Six Weeks Of College, Travis Smith

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Transition In Conceptualizing The Transgender Experience: A Measure Of Counselor Attitudes, Rachel N. Rehbein

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine counseling practitioner attitudes regarding the diagnosis, conceptualization and treatment of trans gender clients, and to observe possible factors affecting counselor views of trans gender individuals and their presenting issues. The Counselor Attitude Survey (CAS) was designed to measure coonselor attitudes toward trans gender individuals. This measure was distributed to 1000 members of the American Counseling Association throughout the United States and United States territories, resulting in 66 total respondents. Support was found regarding the association between counselor attitudes toward the transgender population and religious and political affiliations. Much of the literature states …

Sleeping The Way To Success: Examining The Relationship Between Sleep And Academic Success Among College Students, Jennifer M. Hedges

Masters Theses

The negative effects of poor sleep habits have been widely studied, although there is little research focusing on the academic impact that poor sleep has among the college student population, where poor sleep seems to be prevalent. Research studies have consistently documented that sleep difficulties and daytime tiredness affect more than half of college students. Daytime naps, pulling "all-nighter" cram sessions, and late bedtimes and rise times are just a few of the common scenarios that deeply disturb the sleep quality and quantity of college students. The American Sleep Association (2007) has shown that sleep is necessary for survival in …

Assessing Happiness In College Students, Ross A. Mcclure

Masters Theses

The present research was constructed with the aim to assess happiness within college students. The research hypotheses were 1.) Students of "belief' faith will experience higher levels of classic happiness than will students not of faith or of "activity" faith, 2.) Students of "belief' faith will experience higher levels of life satisfaction and purpose in life than will students not of faith or of "activity" faith. 3.) Students not of faith will experience the highest levels of contemporary happiness, and 4.) Students not of faith will have the least overall satisfaction with life and have the weakest grasp of a …

Experiences Of Lesbian Women In Social Sororities At Mid-Sized Public Institutions: A Qualitative Study, Kate S. Solberg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of lesbian identified women in social sororities at medium sized public universities in the Midwest. Experiences and perceptions of three women were investigated in a phenomenological study to discover the influence of their sexual orientation on their lives as sorority women. Their responses indicated that while their experiences of being out lesbian women in their chapters had been largely positive, there is still a culture of heteronormativity fighting against full acceptance of diverse sexual orientations in the fraternity and sorority community.

Challenges Of Forming A Registered Student Organization For Students With Asperger's Syndrome Or High Functioning Autism, Jennifer L. Smith

Masters Theses

Autism is a complex disorder, affecting a person's ability to socialize, process information, and communicate effectively. Often, persons with autism struggle with sensory system deficits that compound their isolation. As college campuses welcome an increasing number of students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HF A), student affairs professionals must learn to adapt their skills to challenge and support this population. Student affairs professionals instinctively encourage students to form student organizations (RSO) and to be involved on their campuses to ensure enriching learning experiences. It is important for student affairs professionals to be aware of the effects of …

African American Male Student Leaders And Matriculation: A Qualitative Evaluation, Alexandra Leann Finley

Masters Theses

The current study was designed to identify the correlations between leadership, academic success, and matriculation within the African American male community at a predominantly White institution. Within separate one-on-one interviews, six participants were asked a set of pre-determined questions regarding their involvement and educational experiences at their university. Through coding and analyzing participant responses, five themes emerged, including: 1) academic success as an African American male student leader, (2) leadership skills learned and developed, (3) skills obtained for general success as an African American male student leader at a PWI, (4) the importance of mentoring on shaping an African American …

For Wanting Of A Meal: An Exploratory Study Of Meal Provisions At Medium To Large College And University Food Services In Illinois, Evan J. Mcwhirter

Masters Theses

This cross-sectional analysis of vegetarian provisions in medium to large college and university food services was developed to facilitate more inclusive institutional food services in higher education. The primary investigator interviewed eight college and university food service directors for the purposes of the study. The overarching theme emerging from the study was that food services are amenable to change current food provisions as long as the students voice their opinions and eat the food thus prepared.

Millennial Music Students: Perceptions Of General Stress, Performance Stress, Physical Health, And Mental Health, Elizabeth Plapp

Masters Theses

The participants in the current study were examined utilizing qualitative research. Focus groups were conducted to examine the experience of music majors in relation to general stress, performance stress, physical health, mental health, and well-being strategies.

Results found participants perceived stress as ambient due to excessive non-credit course, studio and private practice loads, expectations for participation outside of coursework, practicing toward an ill-defined concept of 'success', and poor time management skills. Participants discussed a continuum of stress from performance before private instructor and peers (more stressful) to a general audience (less stressful). Participants expressed a moderate amount of physical health …

An Examination Of The Intersection Between Alcohol Use And Unanticipated Consequences For College Females, Jessica A. Wright

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the intersection between alcohol use and unanticipated consequences for college females. The second purpose of this study was to examine how the participants perceived their risk of sexual assault. Prior quantitative research in this field indicated that binge drinking is a predictor of risky behaviors. Research also showed that many negative consequences, including sexual assault, can occur as a result of binge drinking. A qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the drinking behaviors of college females in their own voices, as well as their perceived risk of negative …

The Mis-Education Of Fraternity-Sorority Life Professionals: Moving Towards Effective Support And Development Of Nphc Advisors At Predominantly White Institutions, Sunni Lee Solomon Ii

Masters Theses

National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations have existed at Predominantly White Institutions since the early 20tl' century, and the actual council was formed during the 1930s. Since their inception these organizations have struggled to obtain equal facilities, campus advisorship, and support on PWI campuses. On many fronts the needs of NPHC organizations have been ignored or poorly addressed on many campuses. Through the usage of the qualitative inquiry method of phenomenology, the present study highlights the more successful experiences of student affairs professionals who have succeeded in developing strong NPHC communities on their campuses, the difficulties they encountered, and the valuable lessons …

Student-Athletes And Their Willingness To Contribute Financially In The Future To Eastern Illinois University Athletics, Joseph Richard Ethington

Masters Theses

The present study examines the perceptions of student-athletes at a mid-sized Midwest public university. The study relates the athletic, academic, and social experiences of student-athletes to their willingness to make financial contributions to the department of Athletics in the future. By knowing the degree of association to an athletic-department and/or sport team, predictors can be established to determine potential donors and their preferred recipient of support. In order to study these predictors, student-athletes were administered a survey and asked to participate in oneon- one interviews. Survey protocols were administered via a web-based survey instrument which received a response rate of …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Esl Chinese Student Experiences At A North American Institution Of Higher Education, Kelly Anne Kawa

Masters Theses

The present qualitative study explored the educational and cultural experiences of English as a Second Language Chinese international students while studying abroad at a North American institution of higher education. The research focused on the experiences of three Chinese students who were currently in their first semester at a Midwestern mid-sized comprehensive university comprised of nearly 12,000 students. A review ofliterature revealed that there has been a steady rise in international education abroad since the implementation of China's open door policy in 1978. The United States is the leading country to admit international students into their colleges and universities. The …

Student Athletes' Perceptions Of Academic Support, Career Support And Personal Support, Chandra R. Golden

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of student athletes concerning self identity, academic support, career support, and personal support. Qualitative methodology was used to gather information through in-depth focus groups. Participants were male and female student athletes from a mid-size Midwestern Public University.

Findings indicated there is an inherent struggle to balance multiple roles with one usually elevated over the other. Second, participants appreciated the academic support of the university, but indicated its influence ranged from extremely helpful and appreciated (Athletic Academic Support Staff) to moderately helpful (Major Specific Academic Advisors) to least helpful (Regular Academic …

Financial Well-Being Among Selected Students At Eastern Illinois University, Eric John Mazoch

Masters Theses

This study examined the financial well-being of Eastern Illinois University undergraduate students. Specifically the areas of financial debt, stress, and specific buying habits were addressed in determining the financial status of EIU students. The study was completed during spring 2011 by means of an online survey.

Significant correlations were found between the level of debt students had and their overall level of self-reported stress using a local five item semantic differential measure. There were no significant differences between student academic class standing and collective outstanding debt. Major on-campus versus off-campus spending differences were the cost of utilities and in the …

The Initial Application Screening Process For P-12 Potential Teacher Candidates, Brian Edward Neighbors

Masters Theses

This study was designed to understand what factors determine how a school district hiring official takes a stack of many applicants and screens those down to a few to bring in for a face to face interview. The application process is seldom a focus in teacher education curriculum, and the study sought to see how important the application documents were in determining how the candidate was viewed by the hiring official. The researcher conducted one on one interview with a selected sample of district hiring officials using a qualitative inquiry method. Interviews were analyzed to determine how district size and …

Assessing Transfer Student Needs At Eastern Illinois University, Samantha J. Noblit

Masters Theses

This qualitative study was designed to assess the transitional needs of transfer students at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Ten students who transferred to EIU in the fall of 2009 were interviewed to compile valuable feedback and data that could ultimately be used to enhance transfer student programming. Five students who experienced a difficult academic transition and were placed on academic warning were interviewed as well as five students who remained in good academic standing with the institution. With the diverse backgrounds and experiences from the interviewees, many different results were concluded. Transfer student transitions were effected by living on campus, …