Higher Education Administrators Research Articles

A sense of belonging and loyalty among Turkish undergraduate students: serial mediating role of college outcome expectation and engagement

ABSTRACT This study examines the serial mediating role of college outcome expectation and engagement in the relationship between a sense of belonging and loyalty. It goes further by exploring the serial mediating roles of college outcome expectation and student engagement, in contrast to previous research that primarily concentrated on the direct relationship between the sense of belonging and student loyalty. The data were collected from 677 full-time undergraduate students using the Student Loyalty Scale, the Sense of Belonging Scale, the College Outcome Expectation Questionnaire, and the University Student Engagement Inventory. The path analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro. The analysis shows that college outcome expectation and student engagement serially mediate the relationship between a sense of belonging and student loyalty. When students feel a strong sense of belonging and their college outcome expectations are satisfied, they are more likely to be engaged in their educational pursuits, which, in turn, impacts their loyalty towards the institution. The findings of this study have significant implications for higher education administrators and instructors, including the need to adopt a student-centered strategy, and offer inclusive guidance, support services for the benefit of students.

A retrospective analysis of the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on systemic barriers to success for university student parents

IntroductionStudent parents, both undergraduate and graduate, face the difficult task of balancing their studies and raising children, and they are a population often neglected or forgotten by higher education administration. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced already present issues student parents face through the implementation of virtual schooling, increased daycare costs and closings, staying home with sick children, and a lack of local support system, among others. Further, many student parents are graduate students who are performing research that requires physical campus space and equipment to fulfill their educational requirements, and their research progress come to a halt when the country locked down.MethodsThis study explored the struggles student parents faced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, what issues the pandemic exacerbated, and what new problems have since arisen. Participants completed surveys assessing the consequences of being a student parent during the pandemic, coping resources available to them, the effect of being a student parent during the pandemic on their mental health, and demographic information.ResultsPrevalent themes include substantial declines in mental health, feelings of inadequacy in regards to both their parenting and academic abilities compared to their non-student parent peers, and a striking lack of resources or acknowledgement from their institution.DiscussionThe survey results are framed within the social-ecological model to better understand the systemic implications of student parent conditions. Finally, we formulate a set of recommendations to higher education administrations to inform them about the unique struggles student parents face and suggest strategies for mitigation.

Review recent rulings involving racial discrimination

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.

Promoting fairness and equality in higher education administration: A mathematical perspective on service quality control

This paper examines the integration of fairness and equality into higher education administration through a mathematical perspective on service quality control. By employing the Fairness Index, statistical equity measures, and quality control algorithms, the research evaluates the distribution of resources and opportunities among students and faculty. Additionally, the usage of the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curves aids in assessing service delivery equality. Through comprehensive data analysis from various higher education institutions, the study identifies notable disparities in administrative service quality, highlighting the need for policy reforms. Actionable recommendations are provided for administrators to enhance service quality while fostering a fair and equal academic environment.

Identification and analysis of e-Learning development components and validation of e-LDC questionnaire based on four-lens model

The development of e-learning in recent decades is one of the main policies of higher education administrators, but it requires the identification of development requirements and infrastructure. The aim of this study was to achieve two objectives: identifying the components of e-learning development (e-LDC) and validation of the eLDC tools. The study was conducted in 2020 on 156 faculty members of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The research utilized random sampling through email and e-questionnaires. The research tool employed was a valid questionnaire based on a four-dimensional model . The research tool was a valid questionnaire based on the four-dimensional model (Bolman and Deal, 2003) with 32 items in four components: human resource (9), structural (8), political (6) and symbolic (9). The validity of the instrument was confirmed by CVI = 0.914, CVR = 0.83 and Cronbach’s-alpha of 0.969. 18 (11.5%) were instructors, 80 (51.3%) were assistant professors, 39 (25%) were associate professors, and 19 (12.2%) were professors. In the factor analysis test, KMO = 0.944 and the significance of Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity with ( p < 0.0001) confirmed the adequacy of the sample and the appropriateness of the test. According to the Scree Polt diagram and the variance explained, the four factors are cultural, structural, political, and manpower, respectively, influencing the development of e-learning. The explained common value of all items was more than 0.5 and the fit of the questionnaire at the special point was 67.12%. The development of e-learning in the universities requires a comprehensive view on the provision of infrastructure and e-learning requirements. But cultural development and modification of faculty members’ beliefs in e-learning is the most important factor and can be effective in the development of other factors.

Review recent rulings involving digital accessibility

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.

Theoretical and methodological basis of forming value attitudes to health in student youth

Relevance. An important pedagogical task is cultivating a careful attitude towards health among the younger generation. However, higher education students often lack this awareness, highlighting the need to study the theoretical and methodological aspects of fostering a value-based attitude towards health. Purpose. The research aims to identify effective methods for instilling a careful attitude towards health in students. Methodology. The study employed analysis and synthesis, comparison, and methods of induction and deduction. Results. The research highlights the role of health in students' lives and the impact of a healthy lifestyle on their physical and psychological well-being and academic performance. It outlines the main aspects of a healthy lifestyle and their implementation in higher education. The study also examines the decline in students' health, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and online learning, and compares mental health levels between online and classroom students. Effective methods to foster students' value-based attitudes towards health are provided. Conclusions. The study's findings can be utilized by higher education administrators and educators to promote healthy lifestyles among students and by students themselves to better understand the importance of health and make lifestyle changes. Keywords: lifestyle; educational environment; prevention; personal development

A study of postgraduate students’ research training environment and innovation capabilities: The mediating role of academic interest and aspiration

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of academic interest and academic aspirations in shaping postgraduate students’ innovation abilities. A sample of 847 postgraduate students from the regions of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai was utilised. Structural equation model, employing partial least squares, a second-generation statistical software package, was employed for data analysis. The study reveals three key findings. First of all, it affirms a significant and positive correlation between the research training environment and the innovation abilities of postgraduate students. Secondly, it identifies academic interests and aspirations as crucial mediators within the intricate network of relationships connecting the research training environment and research innovation capabilities among postgraduate students in China. Moreover, academic interest and academic aspirations sequentially mediate this process, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics involved. Using these insights, higher education administrators can improve postgraduate student development and research training procedures.

Liminality in academic middle management

Abstract This article explores the complex academic-administrative role of the associate dean in US higher education administration. Previous research in Australia, UK and USA indicates that these academic middle managers experience significant conflict and ambiguity due to their roles and responsibilities as faculty members and administrators. Victor Turner's concept of liminality provides insight into the challenges of academic middle management at this administrative level. Analysing qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with associate deans at US research-intensive universities, I find that associate deans experience changes in perspective and relationships that foreground contradictions of meaning and highlight their paradoxical social status. I argue that, as part of a process of transition from faculty to administrator, the associate deanship is essential to the social construction of the university.

The academic, social, and psychological experiences of Black men enrolled in STEM undergraduate degree programs

This qualitative manuscript examined N=20 Black male undergraduate students’ racialized interactions with non-Black higher education administrators, professors, and peers and how those select interactions either encourage or hinder their academic, social, and psychological well-being and success as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) majors. This manuscript utilized W.E.B. DuBois’ Condition of Double Consciousness to explore how Black men enrolled in college challenge the myth that Blacks are uneducated and other cultural stereotypes placed against them and how their intersectional identities are further impacted. Findings indicate that Black male STEM majors are affected by having to combat the myth of Black anti-intellectualism, remaining resilient while experiencing various forms of discrimination, and understanding how they view themselves versus how their non-Black higher education administrators, professors, and peers view them across their intersectional identities. To cope with the effects of discrimination and other stressors, Black male scientists believe it is crucial to heal from the racialized trauma they suffer and identify counseling services. However, many of the Black men in the study never sought out counseling services. Instead, they relied on their peers and mentors to provide advice on how they should navigate academia as Black men. Lastly, Black male scientists believe that counterspaces should be created to support the increase of Black men in STEM and that higher education institutions should provide more educational opportunities to amplify the different types of scientific careers that Black men can access.

The Effect of Organizational Culture and Communication Skills on Administrative Performance in Higher Education Institutions in East Java

This research investigates the impact of organizational culture and communication skills on administrative performance in higher education institutions in East Java. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a sample of 250 administrative staff, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to analyze the relationships among these key variables. The measurement model assessment confirms the reliability and validity of the constructs, while the structural model reveals significant and positive effects of both organizational culture and communication skills on administrative performance. The findings highlight the importance of fostering a positive organizational culture and enhancing communication skills to optimize administrative efficiency. The study contributes valuable insights to the field of higher education administration and offers practical recommendations for institutions seeking to improve their administrative practices.

The role of social networks in the formation of transnational higher education partnership: a case study of a British university and a Qatari education institute

ABSTRACT Transnational higher education (TNE) became the dominant higher education arrangement in the Middle East. This article reports on the role of individuals in setting up TNE partnerships between a Qatari educational institute (A) and a British university (B). It aims to understand ‘How do the individual relationship dynamics shape the establishment of a TNE partnership between (A and B)?’ we interviewed Six individuals who participated in the establishment of the partnership, and analysed the data thematically. The theories of ‘Social Capital’ and ‘the Strength of Weak Ties’ enabled us to understand the findings that revealed three main themes: Social Networks, Trusted Friendship, and Shared Benefits. The study could offer higher education administrators, policymakers, and practitioners valuable insights into the importance of social networks.

Review recent rulings involving Title IX

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.

Validity of student evaluation of teaching in higher education: a systematic review

IntroductionData obtained from students regarding the quality of teaching are used by higher education administrators to inform decisions concerning tenure, promotion, course development and instructional modifications, among others. This article provides a review regarding studies conducted to examine the validity of student evaluation of teaching, specifically focusing on the following objectives: (1) identify the context where studies have been conducted on student evaluation of teaching; (2) find out the methodologies usually employed for assessing the validity of student evaluation of teaching; and (3) establish the sources of measurement error in student evaluation of teaching.MethodsThe systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA checklist. The databases searched include Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, JSTOR, PsycLIT, EconLit, APA PsycINFO and EBSCO using some specific keywords. After applying the four eligibility criteria, 15 papers were left to be analyzed.ResultsIt was discovered that the generalizability theory approach was mostly used to understand the validity of student evaluation data. The review revealed that students were found at the centre of inconsistencies in the evaluation process.DiscussionThe general impression from the review is that the credibility and validity of teaching evaluation outcomes is questionable, considering the several sources of errors revealed. The study recommended closely studying these sources of errors (e.g., rating behaviours of students).

The Effects of Burnout in Female Higher Education Administrators

This research explored the phenomenon of femaleness and how it impacts the experiences of women in higher education administration, specifically in colleges of agriculture, and how these experiences contributed to burnout, compassion fatigue, and job satisfaction. Despite representing more than half of the college-educated workforce, women are not represented equally within leadership positions in higher education. In academia, women faculty numbers have improved over the past several decades, representing 52.9% of assistant professor positions (Women in Academia: Quick Take, 2020). Higher education was initially intended only for men (Bystydzienski & Bird, 2006) and therefore valued men in higher-level positions (Bird, 2011; Trower, 2012). This has led to the creation of a culture where women and minorities are underrepresented and face multiple barriers (Bird, 2011). Having an inequitable distribution of power not only in organizations but within society suggests that women will need to traverse a different, more challenging path than their male counterparts to arrive at the same tier of status. Keywords: burnout, compassion fatigue, higher education, women administrators, women leaders in agriculture, stress, gender roles, coping with stress

‘Hidden assets’ in higher education administration: the structures and lived experience of ‘organisational power’ among associate deans at US universities

ABSTRACT This study uses the concept of ‘organisational power’ – control over the environments in which others interact – to investigate the structures and lived experience of power among academic associate deans at public, research-intensive universities in the US. Previous research claims that the associate dean role lacks ‘legitimate power.’ Through in-depth analysis of semi-structured interview data, this study shows that the associate dean role requires a strategic mode of power that is not socially recognised in universities. Associate deans therefore must manage perceptions of power in order to be effective in an environment that does not acknowledge such power. It is argued that higher education’s failure to legitimise organisational power obscures the role and limits leadership capacities. Empowering academic and administrative staff with knowledge regarding power and power practices in academic middle management through continued research is essential to safeguarding collegial processes and ensuring the longevity and vitality of the university.

The ‘woeful’ state of administrative support for online programmes: A critical discourse analysis

AbstractThis study used critical discourse analysis to explore how higher education administrators in the United States talk about how they assess and support online programmes. Specifically, we hoped to analyse administrators' perceptions of their responsibilities over online programmes, faculty and students, to attain where they may need more training. Therefore, we explored the perspectives of 11 administrators at both the mid‐level administrative and campus senior administrative levels who oversee online programmes in U.S. higher education. Our findings suggest that mid‐level administrators hold pivotal roles in communicating needs, administrators are not viewing their online faculty holistically, current online programmes assessment is insufficient and concern for student engagement is often neglected. Implications for research and practice include additional investigation of the online faculty experience and the development of administrative training specifically focused on the needs of online programming and online faculty support.

Training and development impact on job satisfaction, loyalty and retention among academics

Orientation: Extreme competition among institutions of higher learning was one of the difficulties that universities of technology (UoTs) had to overcome in order to enter the higher education system. This study examined the influence of training and development on job satisfaction, loyalty and retention among academic staff at a selected university of technology.Research purpose: The study investigated how training and development impact job satisfaction, loyalty and retention among academics.Motivation for the study: The competitive nature of the academic sector inspired universities to strive to attract and retain talented faculty members. Training and development programmes are considered potential tools to enhance job satisfaction, loyalty and retention, but empirical evidence is needed to support this relationship.Research approach/design and method: This study used a quantitative research methodology with a non-probability convenience sample (n = 270) of academics within the selected university utilising self-administered structured questionnaires to collect data.Main findings: The regression analysis revealed positive significant predictive relationships between training and development programmes and job satisfaction, loyalty and retention among academic staff.Practical/managerial implications: Findings imply that universities should prioritise the development of tailored training initiatives that address the specific needs and aspirations of their academic staff. Training interventions can foster a positive work environment and enhance staff members’ commitment and long-term engagement, ultimately improving the overall quality and reputation of the institution.Contribution/value-add: The study provided evidence-based insights to inform policies related to training and development programmes for both academics and institutions of higher education administrators.

A scoping functionalist reflections on the implementation of affirmative action in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa

<p>The scoping review was carried out to investigate the functionalist perspective on affirmative action for women in the workplace in the Eastern Cape Province’s selected South African universities. Given that university-specific information is available on affirmative action for women in the workplace, this scoping review employed a systematic review to investigate the implementation of the legislative framework for affirmative action policy in African-selected universities and ways to make improvements. Purposive sampling was used to select four higher education institutions (HEIs), in which there were two historically black and two historically white institutions, for representativeness. Evidently, affirmative action is indeed an existing policy in the selected institutions to redress the exclusion of women in senior positions in the past. While this review revealed the heightened visibility of women in executive positions in the four universities, women tend to be represented more than men in some executive categories. This demonstrates that the implementation of affirmative action for women has largely been successful in the country. Although with some challenges, the inclusion of women, without gender discrimination and biases, is a necessary ingredient for the sustainability of higher education administration in the country from a functionalist perspective.</p>

Home visitor preparation in higher education

ABSTRACT Although home visiting is growing as a service for families with young children, the field does not adequately prepare the home visiting workforce, and higher education courses on home visiting are rare. Many home visitors are prepared through higher education as teachers, social workers, or nurses, which provides knowledge but few of the skills needed to collaborate with families to support their children’s development, revealing a need for focused pre-service preparation for home visiting. We conducted a qualitative study to (1) describe the present state of preparation in higher education and (2) propose recommendations for strengthening home visitor preparation via higher education. Focus groups (N = 43) were conducted at conferences that included some focus on early childhood home visiting. Individual interviews (N = 11) were conducted parallel to focus groups. Participants were faculty and administrators in higher education or home visiting related professionals. Using thematic analysis, three major themes surfaced: (1) learning, training, and awareness in higher education; (2) blending of a myriad of skills in home visiting; and (3) unification and support needs. Our findings emphasize the need for higher education to provide professional preparation for careers in home visiting. We offer recommendations to meet this need.