There’S A Crisis Brewing In Higher Education, Caroline M. Graham

Dissertations, 2020-current

This dissertation addresses the increasing need to enhance crisis preparedness among student affairs practitioners in higher education. With the growing frequency and complexity of campus crises—ranging from mental health emergencies to incidents of violence, the preparedness and self-efficacy of those in student support roles are paramount. This three-manuscript dissertation explores crisis intervention training, crisis self-efficacy, and the lived experiences of student affairs practitioners navigating campus crises. The first manuscript provides a conceptual overview of the gaps in current crisis intervention training within graduate programs, advocating for the integration of core competencies informed by accreditation standards and professional associations. The second …

The Impact Of Inclusive Leadership And Restorative Justice Practices On The Organizational Commitment Of Student Conduct Professionals, Cover Heishman

Dissertations, 2020-current

Within higher education, divisions of student affairs have struggled for years to retain employees, address burnout and stress, and find solutions to keep employees satisfied (e.g., Tull, 2006; Renn & Hodges, 2007; Marshall et al., 2016; Brown, 2022; Whitford, 2022; Bichsel et al., 2023). Central to campus safety are student conduct professionals, who work to provide education, restoration, and crisis support for students and their communities. Recent research (e.g., Davidson, 2009; Selznick & Heishman, 2023) has indicated increasing levels of stress and burnout in these professionals, and with a concern for attrition and job satisfaction that could negatively impact the …

Fostering Belonging: Understanding The Transfer Student Experience At Usd, Ruth Elena Santos

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

In many universities, student affairs programming is primarily designed with traditional students in mind which often overlooks the unique needs of transfer students. This study aims to examine how current USD orientation programming impacts the sense of belonging for transfer students. The central question guiding this research is: How can the sense of belonging for transfer students be improved? The study consisted of three cycles: a focus group conducted during OLÉ Weekend, a survey administered during National Transfer Week, and interviews held during Spring Orientation. The outcomes suggest that transfer students value identity-affirming events, early peer connections, and consistent engagement …

Assessing The Academic Success Factors And Needs Of Student Parents In Online Asynchronous Graduate Programs, Noriel Mostajo

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Online graduate programs are steadily growing as working professionals look to return to school and search for flexible options that fit their schedules. As the online graduate student population grows, student parents also make up this ever-increasing population. My action research questions focused on assessing the factors that contribute the most to student parents’ academic success in online graduate programs; and seeing how support for online graduate student parents can be enhanced to meet their needs. I implemented three cycles for my project. These cycles involved interviewing student parents in our online graduate programs and providing them with workshops relevant …

From First Steps To First Stories: The Power Of Being The First, Samuel Osuna

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Abstract

This action research project centers on empowering first-generation college students (FGCS) through storytelling and reflection to identify better ways to support them and expand resources. The guiding question of my research is: How can I better empower first-generation college students? To explore this, I will incorporate two cycles, one involving visual art representations and another consisting of individual interviews. These methods were intentionally chosen to provide FGCS with creative and personal avenues to express their experiences. Through this project, I anticipate that students will feel more empowered by sharing their stories and gain a stronger sense of agency in …

Engaging The Educators: Enhancing Faculty Support In Online Graduate Programs, Alexandra Constant

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

In this action research study, I explored how the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education can better support faculty in increasing their presence in online graduate programs. Drawing from the literature on faculty engagement and student satisfaction in online education, I investigated two guiding questions: How do online graduate students perceive faculty engagement, and what support do faculty need to sustain high levels of engagement? Guided by Kemmis and McTaggart’s (2000) action research spiral, the four-phase study began with an analysis of student evaluations (n = 592), derived from 58 course sections, followed by a student …

Understanding First-Generation Students’ Needs And Sense Of Belonging In Online Graduate Programs, Jessica Guerrero

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore first-generation graduate students’ needs and perception of their sense of belonging in online programs. This data can guide the development of effective practices for supporting and retaining these students. The research question driving this study is: how can I support first-generation students as they navigate challenges, achieve academic success, and strengthen a sense of belonging in online graduate programs? Through a mixed-methods approach, three cycles were used consisting of a focus group, individual interviews, and an online webinar to collect data. The themes that emerged in this study were the need for …

Beyond Brotherhood And Sisterhood: Leading With Awareness To Forge Inclusive Relationships In Fsl, Natalie O'Neal

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my study was to explore strategies that enhance fraternity and sorority members’ capacity to build relationships across identity differences at the University of San Diego (USD). The research question that guided my study was: How can I help USD’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Office provide a capacity-building model for fraternity and sorority members to cultivate relationships across identity differences? My research utilized three cycles of workshops, surveys, and interviews. Key findings highlight the essential role of identity work in fostering self-awareness and social awareness, the challenges of discussing identity in FSL, and the need for dedicated spaces …

Spirituality And Outdoor Recreation In Higher Education, Sierra G. Hilton

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my project is to explore the role of spirituality in an outdoor recreation office called Outdoor Adventures at the University of San Diego. My project question is: How can I integrate spiritually focused activities in outdoor recreation to foster students’ faith and increase well-being? Themes that emerged included the perceived positivity of engaging with spirituality, the value of art in doing so, and the relevance of Catholic spirituality in the lives of college students and staff. Recommendations include the development of stronger partnerships with campus partners, the creation of a database for Catholic resources for student affairs …

Enhancing Peer Coach Learning Outcomes: Integrating Alumni Insights For Future Development, Kari Adams

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

My research aimed to enhance learning outcomes for the coaches participating in a peer coaching internship program. The research question was: how can I work and engage peer coach alumni to better support the professional development of future peer coaches? I incorporated the perspectives of alumni coaches to identify key areas for improvement to support the professional development of future peer coaches. I conducted three cycles: alumni reflections, workshops, and a roundtable resume discussion. A theme that emerged from alumni peer coach reflections were to provide opportunities to engage with more psychology professionals and integrate career readiness into the internship …

Improving Interconnectedness Among Student Affairs Conduct Processes On The University Of San Diego’S Campus, Oliver H. Kushen

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to learn how student conduct systems within The Division of Student Affairs at the University of San Diego (USD) could be improved by staff and students learning from one another. My research involved guiding staff and students from various conduct processes across campus to learn from each other through improved communication and restorative practices, while ensuring USD’s Mission was emphasized. Research cycles included restorative justice circles, interviews, and a survey. Common themes were the importance of the restorative mission, a focus on student wellness, and a desire to learn from one another through joint …

La Cultura Cura: Implementing Culturally-Relevant Wellness Programs For Latinx College Students, Valentina Valenzuela

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Latinx college students are the fastest growing demographic on college campuses. As this population continues to rise, institutions must adapt their programming to meet their unique needs. One key factor influencing Latinx success and retention is wellness. The purpose of this action research project was to investigate the relationship between culture and wellness and use this information to implement culturally-relevant wellness initiatives for Latinx students. The main research question that guided this study was: How can I incorporate culturally-relevant wellness events into United Front Multicultural Commons’ programming for Latinx students? I conducted three cycles that included a wellness event, plática …

An Integrated Approach To Supporting Undergraduate Students Through Wellness And Community, Nicole Manning

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Students experience mounting levels of stress due to the demands of balancing academics and social relationships. These influences can cause negative effects on the mind and body. Empowering students with resources for holistic wellbeing could relieve stress, create a nurturing environment, and impact their overall success at University of San Diego (USD). My project assisted in a course where undergraduate students develop skills to thrive personally beyond their time at USD. The research question that drove my study was: How can I help develop a successful holistic wellness course to support students in relieving stress? I completed three cycles which …

Empowering Student Leaders: A Collaborative Approach To Professional Development In Higher Education, Kasandra J. Vela

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to explore how integrating students as partners in professional development enhances student leader training. The study addressed gaps in student participation in training session planning, guided by two research questions: How can integrating students as partners in student leader professional development initiatives contribute to training success? And, what insights can be gained from including undergraduate student leaders in curriculum development for professional training? Research cycles included a survey, workshops, and reflective journaling. Themes that emerged were the importance of staff–student collaboration, student empowerment as co-creators, and the value of diverse perspectives. Findings showed that …

Empowering Voices: The Impact Of Collective Storytelling Within College Support Programs, Sara Rock

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The Torero Renaissance Scholars Program (TRSP) supports undergraduate and graduate students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or who are emancipated minors or in legal guardianship. My action research aimed to explore and improve TRSP practices related to sharing personal narratives, community building, and fostering mutual understanding between students, campus, and community partners. Using an action research model focused on community engagement, I conducted three research cycles involving narrative inquiry-based individual interviews and surveys to evaluate group activities. Findings revealed a tension around sharing personal stories and highlighted the importance of self-authorship and holistic mentorship. Interviews showed students prioritize resources …

Changing The Face Of Power: Understanding Black Female Clinical Supervisors Through The Superwoman Schema, Shanelle V. Clay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2014), the counseling profession’s core values include honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach to both direct services and supervision. Despite the acknowledgement of multiculturalism in clinical supervision, there is minimal research on the impact of supervisors’ intersectionality on supervision dynamics. This qualitative research study will examine the experience of Black female clinical supervisors and the impact the Superwoman Schema has on their role in supervision. This phenomenological research is grounded in the Superwoman Schema Conceptual Framework and Black Feminist Thought. A total of five superordinate themes and 14 subordinate themes …

Hospital Organizations’ Obligation To Promote Spiritual Well-Being Among Nurses: Development Of A Normative Ethical Argument, Michael Jordan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents an innovative strategy to promote the support of nurses' spirituality within hospital organizations. By focusing on the spiritual well-being of nurses by hospital organizations, with a natural extension into nursing schools, the approach aims to enhance nurse’s ability to protect their own spirituality, provide comprehensive spiritual care to patients, and increase nurse moral resilience. By investing in nurses' spirituality and spiritual growth, hospitals can potentially increase job satisfaction among nursing staff, improve patient care outcomes, and create a more holistic healing environment for both nurses and patients. As the nursing shortage continues and the number of nurses …

The Democratization Of Coaching And Development Through Peer Coaching In Groups, Richard E. Boyatzis

Engaged Management ReView

People want and need development at work and in life. The cost of typical development activities limits access to those in powerful or higher status positions. In addition, the efficacy of training programs in organizations and higher education as developmental activities have shown relatively poor results in terms of sustained, desired change. The effects of coaching seem more promising, but it is highly labor intensive and therefore costly. Peer coaching in groups (PCGs) offers a potentially efficacious developmental activity at no or very low cost to organizations or individuals. PCGs can be used throughout the world and invite participation regardless …

Transforming Criminal Justice Leadership With A Servant-Oriented Trauma-Informed Approach, Janina Cich

Forensic Scholars Today

This paper explores the transformative potential of a criminal justice leadership model by integrating principles of servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed care, focusing on rebuilding community trust, improving officer well-being, and fostering equitable, empathetic public service. This transformative module emphasizes humility, accountability, and emotional awareness to address the deep-rooted effects of trauma on both criminal justice personnel and the communities they serve. Through proactive strategies, such as open communication, cultural competence training, and mental health support, future leaders can cultivate resilient, community-focused agencies prioritizing healing, justice, and human dignity.

Position Utilization And Leadership Of Senior Woman Administrators In The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, Mattie J. Schimenz

Leadership Education Capstones

This study investigates the utilization and impact of the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) position within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), focusing on job satisfaction and career confidence. Historically, women led collegiate women’s sports, but with the consolidation of men’s and women’s athletics under a single governance structure, female representation in leadership declined. While women make up 44% of NCAA athletes, only 27.2% of athletic directors are women (Statista, n.d.). The SWA role was created to ensure women have a voice in athletic department decision-making. This mixed-methods study explores whether the SWA role is fulfilling its original purpose of promoting …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Federal Telework Intensity, Perceived Organizational Support, And Perceived Supervisor Support As Predictors Of Affective Commitment In A Post-Pandemic Environment, Jamaris Moore

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many governments to transition to non-traditional work such as telework (Lunde et al., 2022). However, in a post-pandemic environment, federal agencies required their employees to return to the offices (Office of Management and Budget, 2021), which led employees to agency hop, looking for more accommodating work arrangements (The Committee on Oversight and Accountability, 2022). Therefore, the researcher sought to determine if telework intensity (TI), perceived organizational support (POS), and perceived supervisor support (PSS) predicted employee organizational commitment (OC). The researcher used a quantitative correlational cross-sectional survey to assess 202 federal employees from two Department of Defense …

Collaborative Leadership Approaches’ Impact On Student Athlete Participation, Jacob Ledger

Leadership Education Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify reasons for the decline in student athletes participating in high school football within the Big Nine Conference. The research is intended to identify several key reasons for the decline in youth sports, which contributes to high school sports, and ultimately football programs in the conference. The study also identifies two specific coaching and leadership styles and how they impact sports participation. Collaborative leadership and coaching styles compared to authoritative leadership and coaching styles. Using a qualitative research method using surveys and document review themes of sport specialization, Technology, burnout, Culture, and Feedback …

The Mighty C: A Fractal Model For Modern Creativity, Joe Todaro

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The persistent ambiguity surrounding the definition of creativity has hindered its advancement across academic, educational, and professional settings. In response, this paper proposes an updated framework—The Mighty C—which defines creativity as the intrinsic human activity of generating meaningful, novel, and useful outcomes through deliberate process. This model addresses critical gaps in conventional definitions, particularly the frequent omission of meaningfulness, intentionality, and the uniquely human nature of creativity. It further emphasizes the recursive nature of these aspects across different levels of creative activity, represented through the structure of fractals. Drawing from scholarly models such as Rhodes’ 4Ps and Kaufman and Beghetto’s …

Optimal Time Of Training To Prioritize Sleep, Stress, Recovery And Performance In Student-Athletes, Ryan E. Mutzner

Leadership Education Capstones

This study investigated the impact of training time—morning versus afternoon—on the sleep, stress, recovery, and performance of high school student-athletes. With increasing demands placed on student-athletes, particularly during the academic year, understanding how training schedules influence both physiological and psychological well-being is critical. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from ten student-athletes over six training sessions through self-reported surveys and performance testing via Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) assessments. The study found that afternoon athletes consistently reported longer sleep durations and higher peak performance, while morning athletes demonstrated better sleep quality and more consistent performance across sessions. Afternoon participants experienced higher …

Bridging The Gap: Analyzing The Impact Of The On Track Program On Academic Achievement And Retention Rates Of Academic Warning Students, Tyler J. Peil

Leadership Education Capstones

This thesis examines the effectiveness of a college program called the OnTrack Program, which addresses achievement gaps, improves retention rates, and boosts academic performance for its students considered "at-risk." The study analyzes data from two groups: Students who qualified for the On Track program and chose not to participate, and students who enrolled in the On Track program. Through both quantitative measures of research, such as GPA and retention statistics, as well as qualitative measures of researchers, such as student testimonials, the research investigates whether the targeted academic support significantly impacts students' educational outcomes and student experience. By evaluating the …

Navigating The Tides Of Change: Girls’ Experiences In Scouts Bsa, Alexandra Rush, Olivia Kochis, Beth Belanger, Jennifer Brown Urban, Miriam R. Linver

Journal of Youth Development

On February 1, 2019, Boy Scouts of America officially accepted girls into its signature program (ages 11–18) and changed its name to Scouts BSA. This historic shift provided a novel opportunity for researchers to investigate the experiences of some of the first 13 girls to enter this traditionally all-boy space and examine how participation influenced sense of self and purpose. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted to explore girls’ experiences and perceptions and meanings they constructed, using secondary data consisting of 38 transcribed interviews from all 13 girls. Girls ranged in age from 12–18 years old (M = 13.72, SD …

An Exploration In Using Aesthetic Creative Modalities In Professional Supervision, Linda Young

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project examines the integration of aesthetic and creative modalities into professional supervision, traditionally dominated by conversation-based methods. Drawing on over thirty years of experience in education, ministry, and supervision, it addresses the need for more creative, diverse, expressive, and reflective tools to be used in professional supervision practice. The study proposes a theoretically and theologically grounded curriculum to equip supervisors in postgraduate training with creative approaches that enrich learning, insight, and practice within the evolving landscape of professional supervision in Australia.

Empowering Diversity: A Comprehensvie Approach To Minority Risk Management Education, Jahqethea Johnson

Applied Science Program: Theses

Federal programs are pivotal to the foundation of the United States agricultural sector. Program payments impact the economic well-being of agricultural producers, yet accessibility, outreach and education disparities remain prevalent among socially disadvantaged producer and agriculturists. From 2020-2024, an average of $21.7 billion dollars in federal agricultural payments have been paid to producers. Although federal funding historically supports commodity crops, livestock producers also depend on a distinct set of federal risk management programs, which are often less visible but pertinent for operational sustainability. There is a growing focus on the need for addressing disparities faced by socially disadvantaged producers and …

Coming Back To Life: Inner Work, Intentional Containers And Feminine Leadership For Social Change — A Phenomenological Case Study Of A Social Change-Oriented Organization And The Self, Maria Trias Arraut

Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the phenomenon of inner work within social change organizations through an in-depth case study of a nonprofit organization dedicated to women’s empowerment and transformation. Using a phenomenological approach and ethnographic methods, the research combines intensive 7-month fieldwork in 2016 with reflective analysis years later, shaped by my own evolving relationship with inner work practices, providing a unique perspective on how inner work lived experience shapes individuals, organizational culture, and social change efforts.

The findings reveal that the social change organization (SCO) operated through three distinct yet interconnected levels of inner work practice: tending to the personal …