This study was conducted to determine if there is a difference in learning between a required career preparation course without a client-based project (Class A) and one with a client-based project (Class B). Members of each course took a pre and post survey where they answered 59 items from Caballero et al.'s (2011) Workplace Readiness Scale…

The purpose of the current study was to determine if there were variations in the self-perceptions of honors and nonhonors collegiate students in areas of academic and nonacademic self-concept. This research was important as it provides emphasis on an understudied population and gathers a deeper understanding of intricacies related to self-concept…

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which life purpose explained the variance in college students' levels of resilience and persistence amidst COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized a cross-sectional design and focused upon the three dimensions of life purpose: awareness of purpose, awakening to purpose, altruistic purpose.…

Behavior-change theories reliably explain behavior, but they often lack messaging recommendations to modify behavior. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) could benefit from clear, replicable messaging strategies to target its constructs of attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) about a behavior (Ajzen, 1991). Habit Theory…

Physical education (PE) has the potential to educate students to spend a lifetime in physical activity. An up-and-coming activity that has this potential of lifetime activity is Spike Ball. Generally, Spike Ball is played with four players with teams of two. The ball is put into play and the players can move anywhere they want. The objective is to…

Learning analytics systems are software designed to aggregate student data to be analyzed for the purpose of delivering information to students, with the goal of increasing student success, academic goal completion, and retention. Despite being identified as stakeholders and beneficiaries of learning analytics, student perceptions make up a small…

All students should have the ability to thrive within collegiate environments. Despite widening access for postsecondary education participation, low-income students often do not experience the collegiate environment in the same ways as their well-resourced peers. Previous research highlights obstacles low-income students face; yet, these results…

In this qualitative study, through a "testimonio" methodology, we examined the working-learner re-entry experiences of eight Latinx students enrolled at a community college. In particular, we studied how their multiple identities influenced their educational journey as they attempted to complete their college degrees. Our findings show…

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and community college student success are two well-studied constructs. However, they largely exist as separate fields of interest, despite their shared links to numerous variables. This study consolidated a considerable number of findings from prior research to demonstrate the plausibility of ACEs being a…

The first-year writing (FYW) course is located at a crucial moment in a student's educational pursuits: it is one of the few required courses that nearly all students must take, and success in this course is often an early indicator of whether a student is likely to graduate. This dissertation examines how writing assessment and FYW have been used…

The problem addressed in this study was that first-generation Latino students underutilize academic support services, which affects college persistence, self-efficacy levels, and help-seeking behaviors. Although higher education institutions offer an array of student support, researchers have found many institutions find that underrepresented…

The connections we establish in college are transformative and redirect our lives to make lasting impacts on others around us and in the world. Student affairs and academic support services can make the difference in whether students drop out, fail academically or succeed in their college and career aspirations and realize a personal vision for…

This ethnographic study answers the following overarching research question: How do faculty perceive community college transfer students' academic preparedness and ability to academically succeed at a small, private university? Using data collected from faculty interviews, analysis yielded salient themes: 1. The faculty perception of academic…

At an institution which serves mostly commuting students who are first generation and often balancing life responsibilities, online learning is enticing and presents challenges. Students can struggle with the required skills of self-regulation, effective time-management, communication, and balancing needs. In the spring of 2022, an innovative…

This article details the creation of the Finding Your Place Podcast. Key features of the podcast are presented, including the way it features student producers documenting their college experiences. The theoretical underpinnings of the podcast are explored along with key features of sound-only storytelling, making it an effective way to reach…