An Evaluation of the Long-Term Effectiveness of a Women\u27s Leadership Development Program

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Women\u27s Institute for Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) program to determine the immediate and long-term impact as defined by the alumni program participants from three cohorts (2008, 2005, 2003). A secondary focus of the career transition decision-making of recent W.I.L.D. participants was also investigated. Qualitative (individual interviews and W.I.L.D. inventory open-ended written responses) and quantitative [Career Transitions Inventory, (CTI), and the W.I.L.D. inventory] results were examined. Within group and between group differences were analyzed using a paired samples t-test, while a grounded theory approach indicated emerging themes for the immediate and long-term impact upon W.I.L.D. program participants. The W.I.L.D. program was found to have both an immediate and long-term impact for program participants. Systematic comparative analysis was used to develop the emerging themes related to leadership skills, leadership knowledge/information, and other beneficial components. Significant differences were found related to participants\u27 perceived leadership skills. Implications based on the findings are discussed

The Value of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Collaboration: Living-Learning Communities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Too often Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) function and operate in silos when addressing the academic and social needs of students. Many departments within universities tend to stay in their own lanes and want others to do the same. Both groups realize that collaboration is vital to the success of the institution, but faculty are overwhelmed with the demands of teaching assignments and student affairs professionals are challenged to meet the many demands and needs of students, so the two groups never unite. Acknowledging that a great deal of time and energy is required for true collaboration; the units fail to allocate time to discuss how both groups can best support students’ success. In a time of diminishing resources and a move toward performance based funding, it is important for HBCUs to reconsider educational reform efforts that will positively impact retention and graduate rates. Each group (academic affairs and student affairs) has a unique approach to reaching these goals and when they work together, the results will ultimately promote graduation and increase retention

Inventing and Implementing LLCs at an HBCU in One Year: Lessons Learned

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) have proven to be a successful high impact practice at institutions across the nation. Norfolk State University (NSU), a Historically Black University, recently established a formal LLC program as a part of the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Through a strong partnership with Academic and Student Affairs, NSU implemented and invented LLCs all within one academic year. Similar to the collaborative nature of LLCs, this paper examines the lessons learned from various perspectives (LLC director, teaching dean, faculty liaison, faculty) during the rapid inventing and implementing of LLCs

How Food Secure are South Africa’s Cities?

Food insecurity in South Africa remains a persistent challenge. Traditionally, food insecurity has been seen as affecting rural areas only, and this perspective had previously informed, and is still informing, policy and food security responses. South Africa is over 60% urbanised and yet policies and mandates regarding food security do not reflect this shift. This chapter seeks to answer the question ‘how food secure are South Africa’s cities?’, describing the state of food insecurity in South Africa’s cities, but also highlighting the specific nature of urban food insecurity. The chapter argues that food insecurity is the result of poorly framed and mandated policies, that food insecurity is driven by changes in the food system, and that spatial and structural issues also drive food insecurity. These challenges are reinforced in cities where the food insecure rely on the market as a means to ensure food availability. South Africa’s cities are food insecure and will remain so within the current market and governance regimes