Student perception of class size remains a consideration in the online setting. This study explored graduate student perceptions of class size and impact on instructor effectiveness and student engagement. Data was gathered via a web-based survey with a sample of online graduate students. Respondents noted 20 or 25 students as the point that…

A small university in rural Texas explored developing a criminal justice bachelor's degree curriculum through the lens of perspective transformation focusing on humanity courses, resulting in a paradigm shift away from a traditional criminal justice baccalaureate degree curriculum. This article addresses the university's journey in developing the…

The purpose of this research was to inform best practices for creating institutional self-assessments for measuring financial sustainability. The project took place at a small tuition-dependent college that will be referred to as ABC College. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 of this action research project consisted of a series of seven…

The authors document in detail how the entrepreneurship program was created at Babson College in the 1970s. They recount the early history of Babson's program because the school was one of the first, if not the first, to make a huge institutional commitment that led to entrepreneurship becoming a core part of its academic programs. At the time,…

In fall 2019 the Access Services and User Engagement librarians at the Woodbury University Library undertook to identify campus library marginal and nonusers among faculty and students. We administered an online survey and conducted follow-up, one-on-one interviews in an effort to understand: (1) Why some Woodbury community members visit the…

What barriers to compliance do research administrators face at liberal arts colleges and predominantly undergraduate institutions? What solutions can be offered to overcome these challenges? All academic institutions that receive government funding must abide by the same federally imposed rules and regulations for financial assistance, whether for…

Objective: To examine social connection as a protective factor against exam stress. Participants: 55 undergraduate students at two universities. Methods: Students were evaluated on an exam day for their hardest class and at baseline, a day in a week where they had no exams. Social connection, salivary cortisol, perceived stress, and cognitive…

Given the negative effects that anxiety and stress can have on university students' academic performance, work, and relationships, it is important to identify factors associated with intentions to seek personal counselling. We identified social self-concept, students' beliefs about their abilities and confidence in social situations, as a mediator…

Collaboration between academic and student affairs fosters meaningful student engagement, supports academic achievement, and facilitates a robust campus community. Although these partnerships can be challenging to develop, small institutions occupy a unique position in higher education, as these collaborations are highly valued as fundamental to…

This article explores the dynamics of student engagement in small institutions, emphasizing their unique community-centered approach. Particularly in the post-pandemic era, where personalized support systems have become crucial, small institutions are reevaluating their strategies to enhance student empowerment and connection. Key aspects examined…

Research administration is a matter of concern for institutions of higher education. While national trends reveal a lack of interest in investing in higher education institutions through federal and state allocations, such institutions have turned to sponsored research as a means of addressing critical issues of instruction, research, and public…

Universities have grappled with declining enrollment over the past decade and have explored various strategies to boost enrollment and enhance student success. To compete with other universities nationally and align their academic calendar with traditional semesters, the university in this study transitioned from four 11-week to five 8-week…

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…

The purpose of this qualitative feminist phenomenological study was to explore women's perceptions of professional advancement to the president role within higher-education administration due to the lack of progress of diversifying college presidencies. To examine challenges that women face as they navigate the career advancing pipeline, it…

The study explored the impact of motivations and organizational ethos on foundation giving to small colleges and universities seeking to enhance funding streams and educational opportunities within these institutions. Employing a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with former foundation executives to delve…