A broad consensus regarding the need for universities to cultivate academic success has emerged because many students do not achieve their goals or optimally benefit from their higher education (HE) experiences (Altbach, 2014; Davidson & Wilson, 2014; Ferrão & Almeida, 2019; Meggiolaro, Giraldo, & Clerici, 2017; Tinto & Pusser,…

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are completing high school with reasonable expectations for postsecondary success. College educators are likely ill prepared to provide appropriate support for these students. Based on personal interviews with a diverse group of students with autism, this study (a) amplifies these students' voices,…

To promote inclusivity in quantitative research about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) students, scholars must first understand how sexual orientation data are collected in higher education survey research (Garvey, 2014; Rankin & Garvey, 2015). There is one research question that guides this study: How is sexual orientation demographic…

This essay advances discussion of the evolution of student development theory as foundational knowledge for student affairs practice and the role theoretical consensus plays in the application of theory to student affairs practice. We located our discussion within the context of student affairs as a low-consensus field and address 2 related…

Through a year-long study of welfare-to-work students in the community college CalWORKs program, we investigated what self-authorship development looks like by examining developmental progress, and whether there are patterns in development along the three dimensions of self-authorship. Findings demonstrate progress toward self-authorship, but…

Provides an introduction to qualitative research methods. Describes principles of qualitative research and discusses appropriateness of qualitative methods for student affairs research. Explains qualitative methods, including design, data collection and analysis, and reporting of results. Identifies and addresses problems of trustworthiness of…

Provides a simplified presentation of a LISREL analysis, a causal analysis technique, including an elementary discussion of the technique itself, and suggestions for useful applications of LISREL for research on college students. Presents analysis of students' commitment to a university. (Author/ABL)

Describes nonreactive methodology as unobstrusive methods of collecting data that do not interfere with the response itself. Discusses examples of use of nonreactive methodology in student affairs and presents practical steps to help in beginning a program of nonreactive research. (Author/NB)

Investigated the multiple uses of national databanks and surveys among a large sample of college counseling centers who were members of AUCCCD (Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors). Results both confirm and expand upon anecdotal statements about usage of survey data. (Author)

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to provide an organizational framework for data collected from an entering class of students (N=1,912). Results from the EFA indicated that items on surveys could be grouped into dimensions that can be used to plan student services. Factors that emerged included: Religion/Spirituality, Help Seeking,…

Asserts that path analysis is an optimum data-analytic technique for the research, development, and evaluation of planned interventions to reduce college student attrition. Describes and illustrates technique of path analysis. (Author/NB)