Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons^™

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 …

A Survey Of School Psychologists' Application Of The Problem-Solving Model To Counseling Services, Rebecca Mary Cole

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Obesity Prevention Among Latino Youth: School Counselors’ Role In Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, Amy Cook, Laura Hayden

Counseling, School Psychology & Sport Faculty Publication Series

Given the burgeoning obesity problem among Latino youth and concomitant health problems (Spiotta & Luma, 2008), school counselors have begun to recognize the need for culturally sensitive programming to promote healthy lifestyles. More theoretical, evidence-based programs are needed, however, to ensure Latino youth receive appropriate interventions and services. This study provides a review of three theoretical perspectives and obesity prevention programs with recommendations to school counselors for implementing a comprehensive obesity prevention program for Latino youth.

Low-Stakes, Reflective Writing: Moving Students Into Their Professional Fields, Joyce Neff, Garrett J. Mcauliffe, Carl Whithaus, Nial P. Quinlan

English Faculty Publications

This study examines low-stakes, written commentaries from a graduate counseling course to better understand the role writing plays in the transition from being a student to becoming a professional practitioner. The cross disciplinary research team used methods from Grounded Theory to analyze 60 commentaries and found that: (1) low-stakes, reflective writing revealed changes in self-awareness from Situational Self-Knowledge to Pattern Self-Knowledge (Weinstein & Alschuler, 1985); (2) low-stakes writing provided evidence of students connecting personally to learning and then connecting learning to professional practice; and (3) low-stakes writing encouraged the instructor to make mid-course adjustments to his teaching methods. This study …

School Counselor Competency And Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Questioning (Lgbtq) Youth, Rebekah J. Byrd, Danica Hays

ETSU Faculty Works

Much research has been dedicated to the difficulties LGBTQ individuals face. Further, school counselors have been challenged to assist LGBTQ individuals in the school setting. Being aware of the specific issues and being educated about specific ways to assist these individuals enable school counselors to be more effective clinicians (DePaul, Walsh, & Dam, 2009). This article will address three components of counselor preparation and affirmative school counseling interventions: counselor self-awareness, LGBTQ sexual identity development, and LGBTQ-affirmative school climate. For each component, an activity is presented to assist professional school counselors become more LGBTQ-affirmative.

Study Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Awareness And Understanding Self Skills: A Development Of Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students, Aliina Vivant Peterson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The skills curriculum: Study Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Awareness and Understanding Self Skills: A Development of Skills Curriculum for Middle School Students was created for the guidance staff at Twin Oaks Middle School. Each lesson is designed around an issue or topic that has been identified as a common subject matter during scheduled group sessions during this age of adolescence. The purpose of the skills curriculum allows for the guidance staff to have an additional resource to pull material from regarding specific subject matters.

Specifically, each lesson is based upon research and literature that supports the introduction, education, and implementation of …

Exploring The Relationship Between Pre Service School Counselor's Academic Training And Reported Levels Of Multicultural Competence As Predictors Of Attitudes Toward Inclusion, Rachael Annette Evans

Wayne State University Dissertations

The principal aim of this study was to explore the relationships between preservice school counselors' academic training and their self-reported levels of multicultural competence as predictors of attitudes toward inclusion. Variances in demographic data also were examined as predictors of attitudes regarding inclusion. A nonexperimental, correlational research design was used. Pearson product moment correlations were used to test the relationships between preservice school counselors' level of academic training and their attitudes toward inclusions. No statistically significant correlations were obtained on these analyses, indicating that academic training does not predict attitudes toward inclusion. . Pearson product moment correlations were used to …

Minority Stress And Physical Health In Lesbians, Gays, And Bisexuals: The Mediating Role Of Coping Self-Efficacy, Fowler Nicholas Denton

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Mental health issues have been the primary focus of much of the health research concerning lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals over the previous decade. Studies have demonstrated that LGB individuals experience psychological distress due to prejudice and discrimination (Lewis, Derlega, Berndt, Morris, & Rose, 2002; Meyer, Schwartz, & Frost, 2008; Rostosky, Riggle, Horne, & Miller, 2009). Health researchers have not given the physical health of LGB individuals the same level of attention (Dibble, Eliason, & Christiansen, 2007). The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA; 2001) asserted that little was known about LGB physical health disparities and called for more …

On The Road To Internationalization: Designing An International Student Handbook For Northern New Mexico College, Sara M. Mccormick

Capstone Collection

The United States continues to host more international students than any other country in the world. According to the recent Open Doors 2010/11 report published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by five percent to 723, 277 during the 2010/11 academic year (Open Doors, 2011). Currently, there are approximately 2, 724 international students studying in colleges and universities across New Mexico (Open Doors, 2011). As the number of international students increases at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC), located in Espanola, New Mexico, it becomes …

Alternative Interventions Used To Help Mexican-American Students Improve Academic Achievement In Grades 9 - 12, Alberta M. Reyes

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study employing a cross-case analysis on previous case studies is to better understand the engagement of Latino students in a small number of cultural sensitivity programs and the teaching practices that are factors in the development of their academic achievement. In the traditional infrastructure of public schools, assimilation is built on fundamental values aligned with the U.S. political establishment rather than on the value of adaptation to the demands and conflicts of other cultures. Thus, less-empowered groups are at a disadvantage resulting in subgroups abandoning their ideas and reducing their contributions to human capital. …

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 …

Student Facilitated Anti-Bully Program, Ashley Kiefer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Minnesota law currently states that each school district should have a policy that addresses all forms of bullying but allows each district to create their own. This past year, the state of Minnesota has begun to scrutinize this legislation with the purpose of studying the extent of bullying in Minnesota schools and developing policies to stop it. Many schools in the state have unfortunately experienced the negative effects of bullying; some such as the Anoka-Hennepin Schools have experienced investigation and lawsuits due to suicides related to bullying (Post, 2012). At Byron Middle School, there has been limited student involvement in …

Career Cruising Impact On The Self Efficacy Of Deciding Majors, Anthony William Smothers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of Career Cruising© on self-efficacy of deciding majors in a university setting. The use of the self-assessment instrument, Career Cruising©, was used with measuring the career-decision making self-efficacy in a pre and post-test with deciding majors. The independent variables are the Career Cruising ©, self-assessment instrument, gender, age, ethnic background, year in college, GPA, generation of education, and involvement. The dependent variables are the levels of self-efficacy in the five subscales of pre and post-test results. Those subscales include Accurate Self-appraisal, Gathering Occupational Information, Goal Selection, Planning for …

Intensive Mentoring : Stimulators Of And Barriers To Coaching, Spiritual Guiding And Discipling Relationships, David Alan De Jong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

After reviewing data from over 600 case studies of mentoring, Stanley and Clinton (1993) concluded many people long for intensive mentoring relationships yet miss out on opportunities because they simply do not understand the true nature of mentoring. The stories of my intensive mentors and their mentors will bring greater clarity, depth, breadth, and an applied perspective to intensive mentors on Stanley and Clinton's mentorship continuum. The goal of my qualitative research was to provide an opportunity for the reader to connect to my story and the stories of my mentors to draw conclusions for themselves concerning pieces of the …

The Influence Of Late Registration On Academic Outcomes And Retention At A Multi-Campus Community College, Kathy John Maalouf

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

In response to the increasing challenge for community colleges to uphold their mission of accessibility with an open door policy, while being held accountable for student success, higher education administrators and counselors need to have a better comprehension on the relationship among community college students, institutional enrollment policies, and academic success. The overall purpose of study was to broaden the understanding of the implications of late registration policy on community college students. Specifically, the purpose was to (1) investigate if there are statistical relationships between the demographics of community college students, registration behaviors, academic outcome, and retention (2) identify possible …

The Expected Adjustment And Academic Outcomes Of Honors College Students, Christina R. Washington

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The transition to an institution of higher education can present challenges and difficulties, but it is a student's expectations that can ultimately predict adjustment (Jackson, Pancer, Pratt, & Hunsberger, 2000). A larger number of students who experience difficulties in their adjustment end up withdrawing from the institution (Baker & Siryk, 1986). There is evidence that for some students there is a vast disconnect between their expectations regarding the institution of higher education, and the reality of their experiences. Students may not realize that what was expected of them in high school will differ greatly in college. It is this lack …

Racial/Ethnic Differences In Possible Selves Of Diverse Adolescents: Implications For Higher Education And Mental Health, Viana Y. Turcios-Cotto

Master's Theses

There are striking disparities in the academic achievement of American youth, with Latino and Black adolescents attaining higher education at vastly lower rates than White adolescents. Though numerous reasons exist for these educational disparities this study examines possible selves as they may relate to educational achievement among Latinos. Specifically, this study investigates: a) racial/ethnic differences in the content and themes of expected possible selves held by young adolescents; b) within group differences among Latino students and their expected possible selves; c) racial/ethnic differences in the relation between higher education possible selves and current mental health adjustment. Written responses reflecting types …

Mathematics Anxiety And The College Student, Amanda Mccloy

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to investigate whether mathematics anxiety is correlated to choice of major in college, the need to be enrolled in a remedial math course and average mathematics grades. Types of mathematical problems, statements and situations were also viewed to determine which of the latter caused the greatest anxiety among volunteers. Volunteers were given an experimenter designed mathematics anxiety survey in which they rated problems, statements and situations pertaining to math on a five-point Likert scale. Upon performance of correlations, results proved non-significant for all conditions. Thus, mathematics anxiety in this particular sample was not correlated to choice …