Campus Support Programs Research Articles

Helping former foster youth graduate from college through campus support programs

This exploratory study examines the implementation of campus support programs designed to provide financial, academic, and other types of supports to students who had aged out of foster care. Data were collected from program administrators and student participants in California and Washington State. Telephone interviews were conducted with 10 campus support program administrators that covered a variety of domains. Student participants from 8 of the 10 programs completed a web-based survey that asked about their perceptions of and experiences with the program. Recommendations for moving forward with a methodologically sound impact evaluation of campus support programs are discussed.

Special Education Faculty Involvement with College Students with Disabilities

It has been proposed that special education faculty may have a valuable role to play in providing support to college students with disabilities, but little information exists about how special education faculty are currently interpreting this role. A national survey of special education faculty was conducted to obtain information on the extent and nature of involvement, beliefs about this role, and the rewards and incentives available for participating in activities in support of college students with disabilities. Results indicated that special education faculty are involved in formal support programs and other activities on a widespread basis although time commitments are minimal. Findings suggest a need for improving communication with formal campus support programs and for realigning institutional reward systems to address faculty interests and campus needs.