ERIC Number: ED648389
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 169
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-8454-4117-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Preparing Professionals for Leading Healing Circles for Undocumented Students in Higher Education: An Action Research Study
Edward Henderson
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D./HE Dissertation, Azusa Pacific University
Undocumented college students face a broad range of legal, political, financial, cultural/social, and psychological/emotional barriers and challenges to persisting and succeeding in their college journey. The purpose of this action research study was to train faculty and staff at Long Beach City College (LBCC) on the undocumented college experience to prepare them and provide a foundation for the mental health initiative to create undocu viking healing circles at the college. LBCC staff and faculty (n = 8) were trained on the holistic undocumented college student experience. Topics covered in the three 3-hour training sessions, which also included a student panel, included financial aid, Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, healing circles, undocumented students' educational journey, and mental health concerns. Data were gathered from post-training interviews and from reflective journals completed by participants after each training. Qualitative analysis of the data generated six main themes: (a) healing circles, (b) college experience, (c) financial aid, (d) trauma, (e) DACA, and (f) migrating to the United States. Through this study, staff and faculty participants learned new concepts and gained in-depth knowledge about the undocumented student experience, frequently expressing they were unaware of the depth and scope of challenges and trauma endured by these students. There was widespread consensus the healing circles would not only benefit students, but would also foster further understanding and support throughout the campus. When looking at student success with an equity and holistic approach, institutions also need to address mental health aspects that can affect a student's overall academic and psychological well-being. When intentionally supporting undocumented students in college, institutions also need to become creative in services and programs built to help our students meet their goals and help make their dreams come true. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Undocumented Immigrants, College Students, Mental Health, Teacher Education, Training, Mental Health Programs, College Environment, Student Financial Aid, Trauma, Migration
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California (Long Beach)
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A