Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'California, Pa. State College'

The problem of food insecurity among students in higher education, specifically students who belong to historically marginalized populations, is a serious national problem that is under researched. While data are not being collected universally, higher education institutions are beginning to report on this issue. Research reflects that 1 in 5 California State University students is experiencing chronic food insecurity and 1 in 10 is reporting experiences of homelessness. Higher education colleges are beginning to address this problem by casting a net of resources like food pantries, meal donations on student cards from other students, emergency funds through grants, CalFresh outreach and enrollment (federally funded program known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and other campus-unique programming to serve hard-to-reach, vulnerable students. This study explores such services at a public California State University-Hispanic Serving Institution with the goal of understanding students’ lived experiences related to accessibility of food programming and resources in higher education. By exploring the perceptions of four students that are female who were food insecure related to their utilization of food programs directed at ensuring student food security, this study intends: (1) to explore students’ satisfaction with campus food programming, (2) to describe the participants’ knowledge of campus food programs and healthy food options, and (3) to explore the relationship between food programming and policies and the lived experiences of students. This study is important because oftentimes research is missing the unheard voices of students. By embracing students’ stories, researchers can learn of their real-life experiences. This allows for a greater understanding of the significance of food insecurity and its impact on students using food programs in higher education settings.

The study examined California Community College president’s (CCCP) perspective on strategies for generating alternative revenue. The research revealed the CCCPs changing leadership roles, identified best practices in generating alternative revenue, and uncovered future strategies for California community college (CCC) leaders to be less dependent on state and local funding. The study advances the understanding of how community colleges are responding to declining state funding, rising operating costs, and the expanded mission of CCC to serve more students with less funding. A three round Delphi policy survey was conducted to determine what current and future revenue generating strategies are the most effective for community colleges. The research revealed that CCCPs have identified three thematic resource development strategies to develop effective approaches to generate alternative revenue. Thematic strategies for generating current and future revenue generation include (a) Expanding public/private partnerships with business and industry including increasing workforce contract education (b) Expanding the capacity of the colleges foundations and fundraising programs including cultivating diverse donors, and (c) Expanding and utilizing resource stewardship and entrepreneurship endeavors through the development of auxiliary services. Contrary to expectations, findings indicate that the majority of CCCPs are resource dependent on the state, and not fully aware or prepared for generating alternative revenue. The findings indicate that the community college culture is a primary barrier to develop innovated and entrepreneurial strategies to generate additional income. The research supports key arguments for CCC executives to be become more innovative and entrepreneurial in their approach to generating alternative revenue. CCCs will benefit from leadership that builds a responsive entrepreneurial culture and climate. The findings suggest that community college leaders would benefit from training in resource development planning, resource management and stewardship. Additional recommendations include the need to build capacity through professional development in order to expand partnering with business and industry and fundraising. The findings conclude that the community college president’s effective abilities to change the mind-set of stakeholders, be a visible leader in the community, and be a good steward of resources, will have the biggest impact on their competence to generate future alternative revenue and to sustain and vitalize CCCs.

Approximately 65,000 undocumented immigrants graduate from American high schools annually, among them valedictorians and salutatorians. Only about 6,500 of these prospective future leaders go on to college. There are 50 different state-level immigrant-tuition policies, most of which severely limit undocumented students’ college/university and financial aid options. This study is situated in the state of California, whose Master Plan for Higher Education aims to grant college access to all Californians and whose favorable immigrant-tuition policies work toward that end; it could serve as a model for U.S. states with restrictive or neutral immigrant-tuition policies. To date, there is limited discussion of undocumented student college choice in the higher education literature. To explore how undocumented students navigate college decision-making in the U.S., this study uses the conceptual constructs of Perna’s (2006) contextual college choice model, Hossler and Gallagher’s (1987) foundational choice model, and single-element models (chain enrollment and proximity). These frameworks and Dervin’s Sense-making Theory (1999-2014) helped me retrospectively explore the college choice of seven undocumented men and women attending a Bay Area Cal State University campus in 2013.

The study’s purpose warranted a qualitative research design and case study approach. I connected with interested students, shared my background, answered questions, and sent them my IRB-approved Study Information Sheet and demographic survey. We developed rapport over several months, engaging in a series of in-person interviews and other interactions. I kept field notes and journaled reflexively. I transcribed all 14 interview recordings via Dragon speech software, coded the transcripts and analyzed the data via MaxQDA data analysis software.

The findings revealed overarching themes related to: parental expectations and encouragement, habitus (e.g., gender & cultural traditions, birth order & responsibilities, home life), financial situation, K-14 context, higher education context, social context, and policy context. What distinguishes this study is the exploration of undocumented students’ college choice, inclusion of student voices, and implications for public policy and college enrollment professionals’ practice. It provides insight into how undocumented youth choose a college located in a state whose country values the common good and economic success yet is torn on its people’s higher education rights.

This qualitative, phenomenological case study was designed to illuminate the perceptions and experiences of eight undocumented community college students navigating the California public higher education systems with the aim of identifying factors associated with college persistence. These factors fall into three categories: financial, academic, and legal. The specific problem of interest is the lack of undocumented student persistence in California community colleges. Given that college students depend more on financial aid to reach their college goals; it is important to understand the relationship between California State funding and undocumented student persistence. A qualitative case study design enabled the exploration of undocumented students’ perceptions and experiences with financial assistance for college due to the new and changing federal and state immigration policies, and the academic and legal factors that contribute to their persistence. Emerging themes from interviews conducted with eight undocumented student participants were analyzed and coded. The financial factors contributing to persistence included understanding the financial aid process for undocumented students, information on grants and scholarships, and knowledge of AB540 for lower college fees. Academic factors contributing to persistence included support from: Faculty, Dream Club membership, Puente Project, EOPS, and Tutoring Centers. A welcoming campus environment was also a factor in having students feel safe to continue their education. Legal factors contributing to persistence included: knowledge of federal and state laws such as DACA, AB540, and the California DREAM act application for state aid.

One limitation of qualitative research is the reliance on small participant samples, which allows for in-depth explorations but limits generalization. The use of standardized instruments to capture the experiences of undocumented students would also facilitate comparison studies involving students at various institutions and in different states. Given the numerous variations in state and institutional policies this would help researchers, college administrators, and practitioners understand how different policies and practices affect the educational trajectories of undocumented students.