This study investigated the predictive relationship between grit and its components (perseverance of effort and consistency of interest) on GPA among students at a small Midwestern private college. Using archival data from 234 participants and drawing upon the grit theory and Tinto's integration Model, the research aimed to determine these effects…

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to highlight the characteristics that first-time, first-year students at a small, private, faith-based university in South Florida perceive as part of quality advising, what qualities of advising this group of students perceive as most important for their retention, and whether the advisors…

This dissertation investigates the factors influencing the matriculation trends of former College Credit Plus (CCP) participants to host institutions in Ohio, utilizing Perna's (2006) College Choice Model as a framework. The study examines variables such as course modality, geographical proximity to the host institution, course load, and grade…

As online programs grow, so should attempts to create a better virtual asynchronous learning experience. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of video-based online learning activities in increasing components of social, teaching, and cognitive presence, among interprofessional healthcare students of various age groups. Studying this…

There has been a decline in tuition revenue for some private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); an above-average tuition discount rate may impede the financial performance of private HBCUs. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of business officers and other employees of…

This qualitative collective case study aimed to explore that attitudes and perceptions of alumni engagement at a private women's college in the Southeastern United States. A total of thirteen alumni from one of two generational cohorts: baby boomers or millennials, were interviewed and six participated in two focus group sessions. Interviews and…

The purpose of this quantitative regression analysis was to examine the association between romantic relationships and athletic performance of student athletes at a private Catholic university in South Texas. Student-athletes are under a lot of pressure with high expectations. Research has shown how a student-athlete's performance is crucial for…

A workforce with highly developed communication skills, also known as career and life skills (CLS), is critical to America's ability to compete in the technologically advanced global and capricious economy. Although the number of college graduates entering the workforce is rising, there remains a perceptible gap in their communication skills,…

After completing the first-year seminar, this qualitative research study explored traditional first-generation students' lived experiences in their sophomore year. The second year of college is primarily viewed as challenging and difficult for sophomores. Nevertheless, colleges and universities tend to provide less support to sophomore students…

Trans* (transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, and gender non-binary) students face unique challenges and have historically been an underserved population within higher education (Nicolazzo, 2017). The purpose of this inquiry was to understand the campus climate that exists for trans* students and their specific needs, challenges, and…

This study examined undergraduate college students' sense of belonging during the COVID-19 pandemic and how student services staff addressed belonging during this time. The social cognitive theory served as the theoretical model. Three research questions guided this inquiry: What is undergraduate college students' current sense of belonging right…

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, colleges and universities have faced growing problems, especially increased accountability for education quality. Leaders have challenged faculty to solve these issues by continual improvement of curricula and student experiences with innovative practices for student-centered learning. Higher education leaders…

The long-term financial viability of private higher education has been a topic of concern for some time, with experts predicting their decline. This concern has been exacerbated by declining enrollment, mounting deficits, and a wave of closures among small private institutions. Demographic changes, including declining high school graduate…

Despite efforts to improve student retention and graduation success outcomes, many U.S. four-year postsecondary institutions have experienced limited growth in student retention and graduation rates over the past decade. The purpose of this causal-comparative quantitative study was to determine the mean differences in retention and graduation…

This study examined the experiences of undergraduate student leaders at a small, private institution of higher education in the New England region and specifically how those undergraduate students made sense of their experiences as student leaders and the impact that had on their career readiness based on the competencies identified by the…