(2021). Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice Special Issue – Health and Wellbeing. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 58, Special Issue on Health and Wellbeing, pp. 119-120.

Using case study data about the emergence of the university chief wellness officer (CWO), this article discusses the purpose of this niche executive role. Borrowing from corporate wellness models, universities charge this senior leader to improve population health for faculty, staff, and students and promote organizational cultures that value well-being. Findings include participant perspectives on

This study explored trends in health and wellness peer educator training using five years of data from a multi-institutional study. Findings indicated training increased among 17 health and wellness topics over five years, and peer educators utilized the knowledge gained in their training to facilitate programs and engage in educational conversations. Peer educators without training though are also

Little is known about student affairs professionals’ well-being. A hierarchical regression analysis of responses from 2,414 participants revealed a robust relationship between work quality variables and these professionals’ well-being score. Work-life balance was not a significant predictor of well-being for these respondents. Recommendations for practice are offered.

The purpose of this study was to assess the health impact of professional quality of life and self-care on student services professionals. Results of an online survey indicate that health-related quality of life was negatively associated with compassion fatigue (secondary traumatic stress and burnout) and positively associated with mindful self-care. The latter association was insignificant after controlling

Using structural equation modeling, we examined if experiencing racialized aggressions on social media affects the mental health of students of Color (n = 692). We also examined the relationships between these experiences and ethnic identity, campus interactions, sense of belonging, campus climate, and mental health. Findings suggest that experiencing racialized aggressions on social media is positively

By analyzing 11,232 college students using a large longitudinal national dataset, this study examined students of Color’s perceived campus climate and its impact on their psychological well-being compared to that of their White peers. Students of Color and female students appeared to show lower levels of perceived psychological well-being and to experience more negative campus climates compared to

A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine if self-esteem, social support, locus of control, or coping strategies could predict perceived stress in first-generation college students. All variables studied were found to predict stress, while self-esteem and emotional-support seeking coping added statistical significance to the prediction, p < 0.05. Results can be used to improve the college

This quantitative study examines differences between the holistic wellness of international students in the United States (n = 244) and a random sub-sample of their domestic U.S. peers (n = 244) using wellness assessment data. Findings suggest international students have significantly better wellness profiles than domestic students, specifically within the emotional, financial, and physical wellness

The purpose of this research article is to provide an examination of the structures and practices of historically White student organizations (HWSOs). Examined through the lens of Black feminist thought (BFT), this article offers a critical analysis of the gendered racial encounters and interactions of Black women in historically White campus involvement spaces. This article critiques the structure

Strong mentoring relationships improve the success of students in academia and must be the foundation for increasing diversity in STEM. We developed an innovative skills-based training workshop to teach effective communication in mentoring and build awareness of diversity issues in STEM. The workshop was interactive and included open discussions, improvisational theater exercises, and activities in

This study explored the experiences of former first-year students who had been institutionally dismissed from an undergraduate health program in a large Canadian university. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry, 20 individual interviews were conducted with 10 former students. Challenges connecting with faculty, large classes, and academic under-preparedness contributed to these commuter students’

While research on microaggressions has exploded, most scholarship explores singular dimensions of identity, including race, gender, or sexual orientation. To date, little work has considered the experiences of LGBTQ students with disabilities. We compared microaggressions reported by 25 LGBTQ students with disabilities to existing taxonomies, revealing 126 disability microaggressions and 53 LGBTQ microaggressions

This study examined health and wellness peer educators’ learning outcomes using a socially responsible leadership conceptual framework. Data from a multi-institutional study were collected via a survey of 425 participants. Findings suggested peer educators gained outcomes of socially responsible leadership as a result of their cocurricular involvement. Additionally, academic class standing, motivations

Using structural equation modeling, the current study analyzed data from 249 college students to examine how four aspects of ownership of learning (engagement in learning, self-direction, self-efficacy, and self-monitoring) predicted academic, social, and institutional adjustment to college. Results indicated the model was a good fit to the data overall, but that the three types of adjustment were

Data from a qualitative study of 16 undocumented Latinx college students across the U.S. indicated that student affairs educators can support undocumented Latinx students by serving as institutional agents. The main findings from this study indicated there are two main ways institutional agents supported undocumented Latinx college students: (a) provided emotional support, and (b) assisted with navigating

In this study, 18 undergraduate college students were interviewed and identified academics, work, and relationships as primary sources of stress and anxiety. The students attributed their reduced stress and anxiety to their participation in informal recreation. Administrators in student affairs are encouraged to integrate informal recreational opportunities in their collaborative approach to students’

This article uses data derived from an institutional ethnography of diversity work at a large public university to examine the experiences of student affairs professionals engaged in diversity work with students of Color and LGBTQ-identified students. Rather than describing their exhausting experiences providing emotional labor to multiple campus constituencies as burnout, the author reframes burnout

(2020). Conducting an Institutional Diversity Audit in Higher Education: A Practitioner’s Guide to Systemic Diversity Transformation. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

(2020). Race on Campus: Debunking Myths With Data. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

(2020). Broken Pledge. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

New student affairs professionals are critical for higher education and yet institutions continue to suffer attrition rates as high as 60%. Using cross-sectional survey, this study measured relationships between wellness and intent to leave the profession. Results showed wellness levels were considerably lower than the general population and, as self-reported wellness levels increased, reported attrition

University students often seek affiliation with student-led, content-based organizations. We explored student expectations and perceived benefits from affiliation in terms of perceived cohesion. We asked members from three student organizations to provide self-reported data about their expectations from affiliation, reasons for staying or leaving, and benefits received from membership. We found that

(2020). Understanding the Latinx Experience: Developmental and Contextual Influences. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

This study examines food insecurity in a novel population: health professions students. Their academic success has a unique impact on our nation’s future health care system. We administered a 39-question survey, including open-ended questions that were coded for qualitative analyses, to 2,853 students to delineate the scope of this problem and identify actionable solutions. The prevalence of food insecurity

Research suggests that social networking sites may provide a viable context for promoting student involvement. We examined the relations between social and academic Facebook use and undergraduates’ social and academic involvement. We found that social Facebook use was positively linked to social involvement, particularly among non-shy students. Conversely, among shy students, social Facebook use was

This qualitative study explores how second-generation immigrant (SGI) college seniors experience and navigate their final year of college. Drawing on Schlossberg’s theory of transitions, we analyze in-depth interviews with 34 SGI seniors. Emergent themes include: (a) perceptions of the senior-year transition, (b) challenges finding and using university resources, (c) tensions between sense of self

Using an embedded mixed methods design, a randomized control trial assessed the effects of in-person and online academic coaching professional development training on university faculty and staff behaviors and attitudes with undergraduate students. Results suggest there was widespread implementation of academic coaching behaviors including collaboration, asking open-ended questions, and creating an

Students with minoritized identities (SMI) are increasingly engaged on college campuses as activists and often feel unsupported by faculty and student affairs professionals (SAP). This phenomenological study examined how eight SMI activists described their experiences partnering with faculty or SAPs. Data analysis from semi-structured interviews with participants resulted in four salient themes: differences

(2021). 13 Ideas That Are Transforming the Community College World. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 116-118.

(2020). Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

The current study explores the structural and functional features of social support among college students with disabilities. Findings indicated that parents and friends were critical sources of support among all students. Analyses of specific subgroup differences by disability indicated that students in certain disability groups (e.g., psychological disabilities) had significantly fewer sources of

In this study, we seek to understand the role of educators (faculty, staff, and administrators) in supporting identity-based student activists through a power-conscious framework. Specifically, we highlight the experiences of 17 educators who student activists identified as supportive of their work. We examine the role of identity and power in educators’ experiences and the mixed messages educators

This narrative study examined the involvement of Queer Men of Color in culturally based fraternities beyond their undergraduate years. Eight Queer Men of Color discussed how they saw hypermasculine and heterosexist behaviors occurring in online spaces, local chapters, and on a national level. Findings revealed how participants enacted resistance including challenging problematic behaviors, supporting

(2020). Building the Field of Higher Education Engagement: Foundational Ideas and Future Directions. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

Emerging evidence demonstrates that integrated programs, which combine academic and socioemotional supports and bridge boundaries between academic and student affairs, can improve college success rates for low-income, first-generation college students. This article explores the organizational value of integrated transition programs across several institutions, describing how such programs improve relationships

(2020). The College Completion Glass: Half-Full or Half-Empty?. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

Mindfulness training (MT) has shown promise in improving psychological health among college students yet has rarely been evaluated as an addition to the college academic curriculum. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a first-year MT seminar offered to residential students at a selective private university, evaluating its impact on psychological and cognitive functioning in relationship

LGBTQ+ affairs professionals are often marginalized in their work and identities and therefore develop strategies to resist this continued marginalization. Using a critical conceptual framework, the traditionally heterogendered institution (THI), we show how LGBTQ+ affairs staff resist bureaucratic systems in their praxis to center LGBTQ+ (and other minoritized) identities on their campuses and how

This qualitative study draws from 60 interviews with LGBTQ+ college students to highlight how a positive psychology framework illuminates aspects of LGBTQ+ student success. Utilizing the broaden-and-build theory and the concept of thriving, we found LGBTQ+ students experienced thriving through managing and experiencing support for multiple identities and LGBTQ+-specific connections, contributions,

(2020). Students with Learning Differences: A Review of From Disability to Diversity. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

The present study examined the utilization of Clery Act information by college students. Results from 107 students indicated that awareness of the Clery Act and knowledge of crime log information was lacking. Using an experimental design, study participants demonstrated potential benefits from exposure to information about campus crimes. This suggests that to further improve student safety, administrators

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of eight undocumented students who successfully studied abroad between 2012 and 2016. In-depth interviews of students at a public research university in California articulate the determination, resourcefulness, and unspoken fears that undocumented students carried with them throughout the higher education experience. This study identifies the

This study focused on understanding how college student educators use The Student Affairs Professional Facebook group. Through descriptive and qualitative analysis of posts, shares, comments, and interactions, this study identifies central topics and issues discussed over a 14-month period. This research shows how college student educators use this Facebook group to share professional development,

(2021). Beyond Access: Indigenizing Programs for Native American Student Success. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 113-115.

Racial inequities in retention and graduation rates are a top concern in higher education, yet scholars and practitioners rarely look to racism to explain these disparities. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a vehicle to reveal and challenge power and oppression dynamics between racialized groups. This article proposes a practical model for student affairs professionals to leverage CRT concepts to address

Assessing basic needs of students at colleges and universities is gaining traction across the United States. Our research examined the prevalence of food and housing insecurity at a land-grant institution and its implications on student success. Food insecure students have poorer health status, difficulty concentrating on their studies, lower GPAs, and suspended their studies more often. This study

This study addresses a gap in the study-abroad literature, examining both student and host family experiences of two-way cultural transmission. Interviews, participant observation and reflective journals revealed both parties sought authentic cultural experiences, but implicit forms of cultural transmission in homestay rendered preconceived notions of authenticity elusive. This discrepancy held potential

(2021). Place-Based Community Engagement in Higher Education: A Strategy to Transform Universities and Communities. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 110-112.

Opportunities for student affairs work outside of the United States continue to increase because of the value of the U.S. student affairs model in the growing number of branch campuses and U.S.-inspired institutions. This qualitative study explored the student-focused and institutional experiences of 29 student affairs professionals abroad. The findings include a recognition of the universality of

Queer college students experience microaggressions and macro-aggressive behaviors that may diminish positive effects of on-campus housing. This longitudinal, qualitative study examined the narratives of 12 queer college students and their experiences living on campus toward understanding the ways queer college students navigate their required on-campus housing experiences. Findings delineate the ways

Using a sample of 119 Hmong students, this study employed multiple linear regression analysis to examine the role of ethnic identity, principled policy beliefs, self-interest, and gender in Hmong college students’ support for college affirmative action policies designed to benefit their own group. Results indicated principled policy beliefs as well as gender were significant predictors of support.

(2020). Using Focus Groups to Listen, Learn, and Lead in Higher Education. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. Ahead of Print.

This study proposes an empirically grounded, non-deficit oriented, college transition program proactive advising model, called “mid-semester grade checks,” to promote academic self-efficacy among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minoritized students. The grade checks model was developed based on data comprised of longitudinal interviews with 70 participants in a comprehensive college

Recognizing the changing demographics of students applying to college coupled with Trinity University’s responsibility to help our students succeed, we have created a Summer Bridge program that focuses on first-generation, underrepresented students (FGUS). Trinity’s Summer Bridge program has been a success—both in terms of student performance and retention. The central purpose of our article is to

Due to more college students recovering from addictions, institutions are implementing collegiate recovery communities (CRCs). CRCs provide academic and social support needed for recovering students to succeed and stay sober. Social network analysis tested whether the social connections within a CRC were related to relapse prevention among students involved. Having more network connections was related

In this study, the authors explored diversity appreciation among White first-year residential students (n = 1,617) using residential curriculum survey data from a large public university in the Southeast. The regression analysis explained 11% of the variance in diversity appreciation among White undergraduate respondents (p < 0.001). Open-ended text analysis using Leximancer yielded six major themes

This study explored how academic advisors developed intercultural competence to work with international students in U.S.-based higher education and student affairs (HESA) master’s programs. Using a basic qualitative approach, we found that faculty did not stress international topics in participants’ HESA programs, leading to uneven development of intercultural competence and some problematic behaviors

Guided by several theoretical approaches to student success, this study tested cognitive and non-cognitive variables including a set of background, financial, and psychosocial factors. Regression analysis revealed five foci predicted Latina/o student‘s sense of belonging at a Hispanic Serving Institution. These include (1) finances/financial aid, (2) psychosocial experiences, (3) racial attitudes and

Assessment is a core competency in student affairs, but scholars in the field of higher education and student affairs know little about how practitioners perceive and approach learning about assessment. In this study with 20 students in a student affairs master’s program, I found they perceived assessment as the “wild card” and had trepidation about learning assessment. They also viewed it as meeting