Sisters Leading Together: The Experience of Recruitment Counselors During Sorority Recruitment

The purpose of this constructivist, ethnographic case study was to describe the experience of sorority recruitment counselors during formal recruitment at a mid-size university in the western United States. The findings of this study include the recruitment counselors’ desire to give back to the fraternity/sorority community and their campus, challenges experienced during disaffiliation, their struggle between neutrality during the recruitment process and loyalty to their chapter, their perception of recruitment’s “Disney World effect” (popularity of chapters due to decorations, costumes, etc.), and the development of their leadership skills. Finally, implications for fraternity/sorority professionals and researchers are presented

Voices of well doctoral students: a case study exploration into the possibilities of academic and personal success

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of 12 self-identified well doctoral students at a mid-size, western university in the U.S. to develop an understanding of the positive approaches doctoral students take to their academic pursuits. With an attrition rate of up to 50 percent in doctoral education, exploring areas of success through the lens of wellness may contribute to retention efforts. Data were collected through two semi-structured individual interviews and two journal entries yielding descriptions of the participants\u27 personal and academic backgrounds, as well as their views of and experiences with wellness. The themes that emerged from the participants include: the negative narrative of doctoral studies, remaining well through non-academic and academic challenges, structural and interpersonal components of doctoral education and their influence on wellness, students\u27 conscious approach to wellness, and how participants will pursue wellness following graduation. Implications for future research and recommendations for student and academic affairs leadership, faculty, and current and future doctoral students are presented

The Importance of Transition Programs for Doctoral Student Wellness

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of 12 self-identified well doctoral students at a mid-sized university in the western U.S. Many of the participants' challenges to wellness occurred during the transition to their role as doctoral students as they learned new expectations, academic processes and procedures, and developed relationships with peers and faculty members. Data collection included two individual interviews and the submission of two journal entries. The findings revealed three main themes related to the transition process: (1) transitioning to the academic environment, (2) understanding academic requirements, and (3) stress. Implications for research and practice for administrators, doctoral faculty, and doctoral students are discussed

Student Veteran Experiences in a Transition Seminar Course: Exploring the Thriving Transition Cycle

This holistic single-case study explores the experiences of 54 student veterans who participated in a veterans transition seminar course at a regional, comprehensive institution in the Mountain West. Employing the Harris, Myhill, and Walker (2012) Thriving Transition Cycle as a framework for the inquiry, the study examines participants’ experiences separating from the military, encountering the college and classroom environment associated with the transition seminar course, adjusting to the college student role, and their newfound stability as college students. Implications for student affairs practitioners and faculty, as well as additional research areas, are discussed

Comparing Military-Connected and NonMilitary-Connected Students’ Orientation Experiences

The purpose of this study was to compare the orientation experiences of military-connected and non-military-connected students. Specifically, this study explored the influence of an enhanced early-intervention orientation strategy for military-connected students transitioning from active duty to college. Data were collected from all transfer students participating in a university orientation program. Findings indicated that military connected students rated the overall orientation experience significantly higher than their non-military-connected counterparts. However, they rated their connectedness to campus significantly lower. Recommendations for improving orientation practices for military connected students are discussed