This thesis explored the experiences of four Student Affairs practitioners working within Multicultural Affairs (MA). The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how professionals within MA offices were developing and conducting assessment as well as identify barriers they faced and best practices used. Data for this study was...
It was only when I reached a graduate-level education that I began to make meaning of my educational experiences. I found validation in my upbringing through the CSSA program, and I gave myself permission to accept myself. I have always felt I needed to
“catch up” with white students. I...
Two decades of literature from national college student climate reports measuring student attitudes toward people who are lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) indicate, “anti-GLBT intolerance and harassment has been prevalent” (Rankin, 2003). This study seeks to explore the determinants of such attitudes and explore the life contexts of students’...
This qualitative study examined the experience of White student affairs professionals involved in racial justice work at a predominantly White institution in the Pacific Northwest. This study explored participants' consciousness of their white identity, white privilege, and commitment to end systems of privilege and oppression in regards to White supremacy...
The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify factors that contribute to students' levels of global citizenship. Factors considered in this research include (a) race/ethnicity, (b) gender, (c), year in school, (d) age, (e), length of time abroad, (f) host family experience, (g), community service abroad, (h) more than...
Biracial and Multiracial people are one of the fastest growing racial groups in the United States. Individuals with a mixed identity have the ability to choose endless racial/ethnic designations that best exemplify their racial/ethnic social identity. However, people who are racially/ethnically mixed may receive criticism if their proclaimed identity does...
During the 2006/07 academic year, 582,984 international students studied in the United States (Open Doors Study, 2007). Roughly 430,000 of these international students were pursuing Bachelors or Graduate level degrees. Of the international students that complete degrees, most will return to their home country and will be unable to attend...
For my CSSA portfolio, I developed a graduate-level education course about disability in the United States and in higher education. In this paper, I will provide an introduction to my life and work in disability support services, and how my experience as a disability support services professional and graduate student...
This work is a representation of my competencies, experiences, reflections and learning through
the College Student Services Administration Master’s of Education program at Oregon State
University. This paper consists of both research and reflective writing and demonstrates in-depth
my learning and development over the past two years in the College...
This thesis examined the identity transitions that occurred prior to enrollment at a predominantly, White, large, public research university and after completing at least one year of college for students who identify as multiracial. As a secondary purpose, this thesis also examined whether these students sought support through groups that...
The contemporary student veteran population is growing rapidly as service members who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts take advantage of the Post 9/11 Veteran Educational Assistance Act of 2008 to receive educational benefits to attend college (Cook & Kim, 2009). However, student veterans entering college today have a...
This qualitative study examines the experiences of Asian American students at a predominantly White institution in the cultivation of their racial identity development with the support of resources and services on campus, specifically an Asian cultural center. Six participants at a large, public research institution in the Northwest region were...
This thesis explored the experiences of male students of color currently enrolled in a predominantly White academic institution, in a predominantly White region of the United States of America who were also initiated and involved in an IFC fraternity. The focus of the qualitative study examined the experiences of students...
This study explores the lived experiences of first-year, rural, Oregon students in their initial entry to college. Through qualitative research involving one-on-one interviews with 10 participants, the author examines the transition of rural students into higher education, common experiences of rural students in their first term of college, and perceived...
College campuses are becoming more diverse now than ever before. Campuses, however, are not as prepared as they should be for the new students that are arriving. Changes need to be made to status quo processes and procedures, event planning, and classroom education in order to best serve current students....
Multicultural curriculum, as a facet of multicultural education is not a new topic in higher education. Although there are many theories that describe multicultural curriculum (Banks, 1997b; Bennett, 2007), and a multitude of ideas and suggestions for best practices, several studies show there is not overwhelming faculty support for or...
This study explored how students navigate the technological landscape of a public, land-grant institution. Through online surveys and semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, the study operated through an anticipatory/participatory lens to research with the intent of understanding students' experiences with technology at a research institution. Using this methodology and Triandis and Triandis'...
Existing literature on first generation students focuses on the challenges these students encounter in arriving at and persisting within higher education. The area of first generation student involvement, particularly within clubs and organizations on campus, is relatively unknown. In this study, I conducted nine qualitative interviews with first generation students...
Gender role conflict has been found to be a psychological condition that produces negative outcomes for men as they negotiate the tensions between who they truly are and who they feel they must be based on social expectations (O'Neil, Helms, Gable, David, & Wrightsman, 1986). Recent studies on college men's...
This qualitative study explored the experiences of transgender students at a large, public university. The focus of this study was to identify where transgender students found support systems and obstacles at Rivera University. Six students, who self-identified as transgender, participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews directed by three research questions: (a)...
This study addresses perceptions, expectations, and values of women who espoused interest in joining National Panhellenic Conference sorority organizations, and the congruence of their beliefs with their first term membership experiences. The sources that informed women's expectations were also explored. Eight participants were selected from the potential new member pool...
As the number of international students continues to increase on campuses throughout the world, many institutions are turning to pathway programs (college preparation programs) to ensure that these students are able to successfully transition into the host culture and campus environment (Andrade, 2006; Dooey, 2010; Hanover Research, 2010; Perez-Pena, 2014,...
This interpretive, descriptive qualitative study explores how graduate students in a student affairs preparation program make meaning of their role in supporting student spiritual development. Six one-on-one semi-structured interviews with six graduate students were conducted in this single-site study. Five prevalent themes emerged from the data, each playing a role...
This study aimed to explore the relatively undocumented experiences and perceptions of mattering and marginality among Middle Eastern students attending a large American university, it also sought to inform higher education administration about the unique characteristics of this rapidly noticeable student population and it attempted to narrow the knowledge gap...
This paper offers a brief reflection on my personal journey and development as I embark as a paraprofessional into the world of higher education, focusing on my growth as a practitioner, learner, scholar, leader, and human. I will share formative experiences that contributed to my development and discuss my process...
Within the United States, the number of "out" Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals attending a college or university is on the rise (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). With this increase, the new and/or different ways that lesbian and gay individuals can present and express their sexual orientation has...
This study explored the lived experiences of graduate students in masters-level academic programs who become pregnant, whether intended or otherwise, and the sources from which they received support in their efforts to balance their dual responsibilities as students and mothers-to-be. Through a series of three, semistructured one-on-one interviews, seven participants...
For more than a decade research on student involvement has informed practitioners in their understanding of the development that results from students' involvement inside and outside the classroom. Since 2006, researchers have explored the socially responsible leadership practices as well as the rise in the popularity of community grassroots organizations;...
Research universities in the United States recognize the importance of attracting graduate students from around the world to make global collaborations possible and to take advantage of the worldwide demand for higher education. Educational research has developed a large body of literature on the specialized supports that improve successful outcomes...
This study explored the motivations, expectations, and experiences of tenure-track faculty members at a public research institution. Through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, the study utilized a constructivist paradigm to qualitative research to address the individual experiences of faculty members entering the professoriate and pursuing tenure. With this methodology and...
Problem: The current national focus on college student success highlights the need to increase the graduation rates of students of color. To date, qualitative research has shown benefits from Ethnic Studies courses such as higher levels of student achievement, engagement and involvement, validation, mattering, and a sense of belonging for...
This qualitative thesis explored the experiences of self-identified Master-level graduate students who worked four or more years in higher education before enrolling into a student affairs graduate program. The researcher utilized a sample of six semi-structured student interviews along with a review of relevant literature. The data analysis yielded five...
The purpose of this study was to explore, from current Native American and Alaskan Native undergraduate students, what their experiences were as first year college students on the Oregon State University campus. In addition, it was important to learn how these experiences contributed to their success, satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and...
This qualitative study explores the experiences of Latina/o transfer students from a two-year to a four-year institution. Six Latina/o transfer student from the Pacific Northwest participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The researcher utilized Critical Race Theory, LatCrit, Validation Theory, and Chicana Feminist Epistemology to bring forth the narratives of the...
This thesis explored the factors that influence members expression of hypermasculine behaviors in fraternity organizations serving male-identified students at a predominately White university in a predominately White state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. Utilizing the Auburn Differential Masculinities Inventory, this quantitative approach focused on...
The purpose of this is study is to investigate the experiences of students in Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities. Five students were selected to take part of the study and were interviewed using a qualitative case study methodology grounded in critical race theory. Five themes were identified: the support system that...
This qualitative study explored the experiences of self-identified White students currently enrolled at a predominantly White institution who were cross- racially involved for at least ten weeks in a multicultural association, club, or organization that had students of color as the racial majority. This study also examined students' consciousness of...
This thesis is a report of a phenomenological-informed study of public university student spiritual development. The research was based primarily upon semi-structured personal interviews and a focus group with undergraduate students at a large, public research institution on the west coast. Since the introduction of scientific objectivity into the academy...