This study proposes a new giving behavior model for higher education institutions (HEI), featuring alumni connectedness as a primary predictor. This contrasts with previous studies that measured variables that showed an inconsistent influence as predictors of alumni's desire to contribute. Alumni connectedness, built from socio-psychological…

Using an ethnically diverse, national sample, this study used structural equation modeling to investigate the development of leadership self-efficacy (LSE) among 2,223 Asian American college students by focusing on the influences of racial identity (using the construct of collective racial esteem; CRE) and resilience. Results demonstrated a strong…

Background: Race and gender disparities remain a challenge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. We introduce campus racial climate as a framework for conceptualizing the role of racial microaggressions (RMAs) as a contributing factor to the lack of representation of domestic students of color in STEM programs on…

Volunteerism in the undergraduate years can be a predictor highly correlated with remarkable increase in social integrity, civic-mindedness, (Astin & Sax, 1998; Eyler & Giles, 1999; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005; Vogelgesang & Astin, 2000; Cruce & Moore, 2007, 2012; Johnson, 2014; Plante & Halman, 2016), continued…

A correlational design was employed to determine how risk and protective factors relate to first-year college adjustment. In total, 348 students completed an online survey about their experience adjusting to college. Risk factors (i.e., psychiatric medication, fearful-avoidant attachment, and anxious-preoccupied attachment) negatively impacted…

Based on Boyer's (1990) principles of community, the purpose of this study was to examine how students' perceived sense of campus community contributed to explaining their satisfaction with school life. Participants were randomly selected from a student email address list obtained by the Office of Assessment at a mid-size university in the Midwest…

Academic advising satisfaction is highly correlated with retention in higher education. Thriving Quotient survey responses were collected from undergraduate students at a private, liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwest. Using a multiple regression analysis, this study examined what "student characteristics" and "collegiate…

This study explored whether three broad areas promoted students' mental health: perceptions of the climate related to civic learning, experiences on campus, and civic engagement. Campus climates for civic learning including the development of ethical and moral reasoning and the importance of contributing to community were the strongest predictors…

The underrepresentation of American Indian students continues to exist at the undergraduate and graduate levels of postsecondary education despite increases of American Indian student enrollment. The purpose of this quantitative study is to identify correlations between academic factors and graduate student persistence, as well as to understand…

Two previous studies indicated that students at evangelical institutions report the highest levels of religious struggle in comparison to their peers at other institutions. However, patterns and predictors of religious struggle for students attending evangelical institutions have not been thoroughly explored. This study fills that gap in the…

Assessing campus climate is an important factor in understanding the persistence and satisfaction of all students. This investigation extends this research stream by examining the relationship between perceptions of campus and overall sense of belonging of Asian American students on a diverse campus. Administrators may use the information gained…

Utilizing data from the multi-institutional "Student Experience in the Research University" survey, we examined self-identified working-class students' experiences in higher education. The results suggest that working-class students experience a lower sense of belonging, perceive a less welcoming campus climate, and pursue fewer social…

An estimated one million acts of racially or ethnically motivated violence take place on university and college campuses each year. In response, higher education institutions have implemented various types of diversity programs. However, there exists little research on the success of such programs or whether these programs actually reduce…

This study examines unique patterns of college engagement and outcomes among Latino undergraduate students attending highly selective institutions in comparison with those from other racial/ethnic groups. The study also identifies predictors of select college outcomes--that is, cognitive, affective, and civic outcomes--for this population.…

For postdocs to have the best chances of achieving their career goals they need to not only acquire discipline-specific research experience, but also additional generic skills vital for future employment inside or outside academia. They also require access to information and mentoring that will help them strategically plan and make informed…