This qualitative research study explored how undergraduate students at a public four-year land grant university can co-create a sense of belonging through an appreciative inquiry (AI) process. The study employed a strengths-based and generative approach to investigate the experiences of students within the same student organization, focusing on…

With a growing number of Latine students in higher education, we investigated the support and protection mechanisms in place for first-generation Latine/Hispanic college students at large-land grant institutions in the Southeastern region. We used the Psychosociocultural (PSC) framework (Gloria and Rodriguez, 2000) to examine how Latine student…

This article describes the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP), a mentored undergraduate research experience implemented in 2017 at a public land-grant institution located in the Appalachian region. The article focuses on RAP's approach to recruiting, retaining, and supporting students in faculty-mentored research and creative inquiry. To assess…

While concept mapping is a valuable tool used to organize and represent ideas, the complexity and variability in how concepts are understood, connected, and represented make learners less receptive to using concept maps. Hence, it is important to employ scaffolding and motivational strategies to help students deal with complexity in working with…

This qualitative narrative inquiry study explores lived experiences of seven working adult part-time online students, mostly community college transfers, in a Research 1 institution's online degree-completion program. Using in-depth interviews, four key themes are identified: access, engagement, inclusion, and university pride in students'…

The following study employed a student-centered methodology to understand undergraduate student confusion with student learning outcomes (SLOs), or the statements that specify what students should know or be able to do by the end of a course. Through understanding and investigating student confusion with undergraduate student researchers, we have…

Student cheating is a growing concern in all aspects of higher education, particularly in technical programs such as information systems. Technology is also enabling student cheating. This paper utilizes existing literature and various behavioral theories, including incentive theory, the theory of planned behavior, social reciprocity theory,…

The development of interest and aspirations to pursue STEM careers has been a focus of recent educational research and action. This study used Social Cognitive Career Theory as the framework to explore how types of learning experiences in and out of school prior to college affected undergraduates' STEM beliefs and intent to pursue a career in a…

In this study, we analyze undergraduate student responses in 1,364 surveys to better understand student reactions to online proctoring. We present findings regarding two aspects of student reactions to online proctoring: First, we assess whether students believe that the act of cheating in online exams diminishes the legitimacy of their courses;…

As the challenge to broaden participation across STEM fields continues, a fundamental question is: Why are certain universities more successful in granting degrees to students in Underrepresented Groups (URG) than other institutions? What are they doing differently? Are there practices or approaches used by certain institutions that might work for…

While Extension communication units have seen success in implementing brand strategies to raise awareness of Extension, the public value and need for Extension programming continue to be misunderstood. College students have the potential to ensure the future of Extension is viable. To expose undergraduate students to the brand and value of…

Inspired by participation in the 2014 version of the Stewardship of Public Lands seminar, hosted by the Yellowstone Association Institute and sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' American Democracy Project, the author's first goal was the creation of a "Sophomore Seminar" course themed on "Parks,…

College students with identities traditionally marginalized in scientific disciplines are more engaged and more likely to remain in science if they feel that they belong in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes and departments. In this qualitative case study, we elevated marginalized student voices to learn how…

Purpose: The agricultural sector is facing a myriad of financial, environmental, social, and cultural challenges which affect the mental health of those working on-farm. This study focused on a tertiary education programme designed to increase recognition of mental health issues and convey strategies to address these. Methodology: To identify the…

This paper reports on a three-year initiative to enhance the undergraduate Extension Education minor at a state land-grant university. Specific initiatives to improve the undergraduate Extension Education minor curriculum involved (a) revising the Extension Education minor due to varied curriculum and faculty changes and (b) aligning eight…