University System Research Articles

Forced to Reimagine: Reflections on the Experience of Leicester Vaughan College Community Benefit Society

This article outlines the experiences of two tutors from an adult education department shut down by its higher education institution (HEI). It is a chronological reflective account of how members of the department responded to their exclusion by re-establishing their provision as a cooperative community benefit society (CBS), Leicester Vaughan College (LVC). This response was not only an expression of resistance, but it was an antidote to the neoliberal university system, which all too often undervalues adult education, marginalises adult learners or excludes their education altogether. As educators and students together, the aim was to use our understanding of the processes and practices of higher adult education to reconstruct this provision in a collaborative and cooperative way. Our experience before and after ‘expulsion’, and the reimagination of an alternative future in contrast to the dominant neoliberal model, shines a light on the wider difficulties and inequalities in the HE sector. As we searched (and continue to search) for a ‘happy ending’ with LVC, the multiple hurdles experienced exemplify the difficulties of trying to create a space for a new paradigm within hostile, shifting structures shaped by neoliberal regulatory and economic imperatives. This article finishes by setting out a context in which adult HE and institutions like LVC could flourish.

Sleep Preferences and Chronotype Traits Impact on Academic Performance Among University Students

Due to irregular daytime routines, chronotype changes, side jobs and exam periods after the COVID-19 pandemic, university students are trying to find new balances in their everyday life. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of daytime chronotype and hour preferences for the circadian rhythm on academic achievement among university students, considering their sleep habits and class frequencies in daytime and nighttime classes. Furthermore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in chronotype preferences with regard to age, sex, and academic schedule students are attending. A sample of 87 university second-year Psychology and Management students attending the academic year 2021/2022 after the governmental relief measures of the COVID-19 pandemic completed a 13-item questionnaire on sleep habits and preferences. Further variables encompassed sleep behaviors, such as age, sex, daytime and nighttime classes, as well as academic achievement. The results of the study showed that university students had a higher preference for the morningness type. Additionally, chronotype traits explained 30% (values from regression analysis) of academic achievement but did not directly impact academic results. The sleep-wake cycle diverged among age groups because the youngest participants (19–21 years old) and older participants (35–44 years old) reported higher academic scores during the first semester and the full academic year. No significant differences were identified with respect to sex. There is a lack of literature explaining the effect of sleep hours on academic achievement among students after stay-at-home rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is imperative to understand the difficulties students face with regard to their studying hours, working shifts, and daytime or nighttime classes to create a sustainable university system that attends to students’ needs and necessities.

Gen Z chooses trade schools over traditional colleges

During the past several months, there has been a lot in the news about students from Generation Z (1997–2012) choosing to attend trade schools over more traditional colleges. Those of us who work at trade schools don’t call them that. The Technical College System of Georgia is, I suppose, what others might call a trade school. The colleges in the system offer such programs as welding, automotive maintenance and repair, plumbing, construction, industrial systems maintenance, electrical lineman, and aviation maintenance, among many others.

Financial Literacy for Effective Financial Planning among Sri Lankan University Students

This study examines the impact of the financial literacy level on the effectiveness of financial planning. Survey among a sample of 100 undergraduates in Sri Lankan university system was used to gather data. Purpose of the study is to identify whether the financial literacy is playing a vital role in financial planning of university students. Financial literacy was measured by Knowledge level on financial concepts, financial risk, financial system components, investments, loans and saving products. Effectiveness of Financial planning was measured through the questions relevant to cash management, saving and investment planning and execution in debt management. Regression Analysis through E-Views has been used to major statistical analysis. Through the analysis, it was founded that financial knowledge about financial risk, financial concepts, savings, investments and loans are leading a person towards a better financial behavior and planning. However, the knowledge about financial system components is not having a significant impact on effectiveness of financial planning. Results of the research study would assist to understand the importance of financial knowledge and literacy on personal financial success which would lead towards a successful nation as well.

Examining Health and Social Support Among University Housekeepers: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study.

This pilot, exploratory project examined the relationship among the health, work, and social support of university housekeepers. The first objective was to examine the influence of social support on work-related outcomes among university housekeepers. The secondary objective was to examine the influence of social support on physical and psychological health among housekeepers. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assessed work-related outcomes and the influence of social support using least square regression models and multinomial logistic regression models. Qualitative data was obtained via one-on-one interviews. Participants (N = 46, 72% female; 87.2% Black) averaged 4.43 ± 0.72 for job satisfaction with stress levels occasionally high for most of the sample (75%). Support was moderate across all three types of support with the highest perceived support in tangible support (2.85 ± 0.52). Four major themes emerged from the interviews, including lack of support and trust from supervisors and administrators; lack of respect from other members of the university community; need for positive recognition; and impact of the job on health. Findings revealed that when housekeepers feel they belong and are appreciated at work, they feel more positive about their jobs and likely do better work. Housekeepers and their work are critical to students, faculty, and staff in the university system. Future research should examine existing health issues and assess for factors contributing to physical or mental health treatment, especially post-COVID. Universities should invest in wellness programming and policies supporting mental health leave to improve overall well-being and stress in this under-resourced population.

Las políticas educativas de la ingeniería civil en México. Una estratigrafía histórica

As a result of the social approach adopted in recent years by the Mexican Federal Government, a new strategy has emerged to promote higher education, focusing on the most marginalized individuals and communities, with the goal of fostering their inclusion in professional training at this level. This research presents the philosophical foundations of this initiative, based on the concept of “episteme”; it includes a review of the evolution of higher education in Mexico from the perspective of civil engineering, utilizing a stratigraphic model of knowledge. In particular, the creation of the Benito Juárez García System of Universities for Welfare and the Civil Engineering School in Texcoco, State of Mexico, is described. The latter serves as an alternative to address the consequences of educational policies implemented under the so-called neoliberal framework, representing a potential option for improved social participation in the development of specialized technical capacities. The results and conclusions demonstrate that the educational reforms implemented do not follow a continuous discursive line but rather emerge in response to the episteme or discursive stratum of the moment. As a case study, the current higher education model in civil engineering is presented. In the same way, the results of the new model of the University of Civil Engineering are presented.

Comparing MCDM Methods for Assessing the Lecturer Performance Index at Dipa Makassar University

Assessing or evaluating the Lecturer's Performance, presented through the Lecturer Performance Index, is a crucial element in the university system that impacts the quality of The University's Three Main Purposes, which include teaching, research, and community service. To ensure objective and accurate evaluations, methods that can accommodate various relevant criteria are needed. One increasingly popular approach is the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, which allows for evaluating and comparing alternatives based on multiple criteria. This research compares several MCDM methods, namely Weighted Product (WP), Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), and Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA), used to assess the lecturer's performance at Dipa University Makassar. The WP method can handle criteria with different units, SAW is simpler and easier to apply, while MOORA offers a more comprehensive analysis. This study also identifies challenges in assessing the lecturer's performance, such as the influence of students' subjective evaluations that may lead to bias, as well as the addition of several of the lecturer's performance evaluation criteria such as teaching innovation, student mentoring, international and national journal publications, internal publications, and book publications. Additionally, self-development criteria based on academic fields are considered. The findings of this research are expected to provide insights into effective MCDM methods for the lecturer's performance evaluation and offer recommendations for educational institutions to choose the appropriate and transparent evaluation method. By using MCDM, the objectivity and accuracy of the lecturer's performance evaluations can be improved, biases can be reduced, and contributions can be made toward developing more fair and systematic evaluation standards.

Choosing to Study Human Development and Family Science

Previous research reports that undergraduate students in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) programs are motivated more by an interest in the content area and a general desire to be helpful than by specific career goals. Some have speculated that HDFS is a “discovery major”: one that students stumble upon accidentally while in college rather than being motivated to attend college specifically to pursue that course of study. The two studies reported here were designed to explore these possibilities. Study 1 surveys current students (n = 129) in HDFS programs in the California State University (CSU) system, and interviews a subset (n = 17) of that sample. Study 2 surveys current HDFS students (n = 47) along with students in other social science programs (n = 226) at one CSU campus. Results indicate that students select HDFS because they recognize its applicability to everyday life, its importance in society, and its personal relevance to their own lives; HDFS students are not generally driven by specific career goals. In addition, about 45% of HDFS students discovered the major after starting college – this is similar to the rate of “discovery majors” in other social sciences. Discovery majors are less likely to pursue work as preschool or elementary school teachers, and more likely to be transfers from community college, but this history of “discovery” is unrelated to their sense of belongingness, their satisfaction, and their success in the program.

User Acceptance and Sustainable Adoption of University Management Information Systems: a Cross-cultural Study

Objective: This study aims to enhance the quality of management information systems (MIS) in universities by investigating user acceptance and sustainable adoption across different cultural contexts.Method: A cross-cultural study was conducted utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. Key research variables were identified, including system performance, management information quality, system interactivity, social impact, educational culture, usage habits, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user acceptance, sustained use intention, and sustained use behavior. A series of hypotheses were established and validated through experimental analysis.Results: The analysis revealed that system performance, management information quality, educational culture, and perceived usefulness significantly positively influenced user acceptance, with path coefficients of 0.256, 0.752, 0.607, and 0.368, respectively. Additionally, social influence, usage habits, perceived usefulness, and user acceptance positively impacted users' willingness to continue using the MIS, with path coefficients of 0.533, 0.532, 0.441, and 0.602, respectively.Conclusions: The findings indicate that cross-cultural research on user acceptance and sustainable adoption of MIS in universities is vital for understanding diverse user needs. The insights gained can serve as objective guidance for enhancing the management capabilities of universities globally.

Developing a Psychiatry Residency Program in a Low- and Middle-Income Country: Botswana's Experience.

Like many other low- and middle-income countries, Botswana has struggled to address the shortage of doctors, particularly specialists. In 2009, the country's first medical school offering an undergraduate medical program was established. A needs and feasibility assessment was conducted with relevant stakeholders to explore the need for specialty training programs in all medical school departments. As a result, three residency programs were established a year after the undergraduate program, but psychiatry was not included in this first crop of residency programs. Existing strengths in the university and healthcare systems were leveraged to successfully establish a four-year Master of Medicine residency program in psychiatry, which began in January 2020. The program aims to produce psychiatrists who are familiar with the local mental health needs. The first batch of students completed their training in December 2023. This paper reflects on and describes the development of a psychiatry residency program in Botswana and contributes a process grounded in educational program development models and educational theories that others can utilize. Botswana's experience may be helpful to other low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, that want to establish and run a locally developed residency program in psychiatry.

COMMUNITY PREVALENCE OF HEARING LOSS AMONG OLDER ADULTA IN MA, RI, CT, AND NH: COMPARING MEASURES

Abstract Background Hearing impairment and hearing loss may negatively impact social engagement and social relationships. Understanding community rates of hearing loss would identify disparities and may inform service delivery and potentially improve quality of life for adults with hearing loss. The aim of this study is to describe community prevalence of hearing loss and to compare two measurement approaches: self-report and clinically derived from Medicare claims. Methods Data were from the Healthy Aging Data Report (healthyagingdatareports.org) for the New England states (MA, NH, CT, and RI) with indicators calculated from the American Community Surveys (MA: 2012-2016; RI:2016-2018; CT: 2014-2018 and NH: 2012-2016), and the Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary Files (MA: 2014-2015; RI: 2016-2017; CT: 2016-2017 and NH: 2014-2015). Results rates derived from CMS clinical diagnosis were higher (MA: 16.1%; RI: 16.4%; CT: 15.7%, and NH: 14.4%) compared to the self-reported ACS rates (MA: 14.2%; RI: 13.9%: CT: 12.4% and NH: 15.0%). The highest community prevalence rate of self-reported hearing loss (36.36%) was in Monroe MA. For clinically diagnosed hearing loss, Hanover NH (home to Dartmouth College and health system) reported the highest rate (26.12%). Having excellent access to health care is associated with higher community rates of clinically diagnosed hearing loss. Results showed that the community prevalence of hearing impairment was variable by community. The potential impact of hearing loss on social, emotional, and physical well-being indicates a need for interventions to diagnose and treat it.

A Study of Joint Liberal Arts Curriculum Operation for College Students in the Shared University System

This study aims to present the development and implementation case of a joint liberal arts curriculum for college students through the Shared University system, and to derive implications for operating shared liberal arts curricula among regional universities. The research procedure was as follows: First, Focus Group Interviews (FGI) were conducted with 16 college students and 3 faculty members to understand the difficulties faced by college students in regional universities. Next, the core competencies and curricula of universities in the Gangwon region were investigated and analyzed to develop a joint liberal arts curriculum. Finally, a survey was conducted and analyzed with 130 college students who completed the joint liberal arts curriculum developed by the shared university system. The common liberal arts courses of Shared University were positively evaluated in terms of diversity and convenience of classes. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between satisfaction with the curriculum and the desire to remain and form lasting ties in the region. The findings highlight how shared universities, as unified educational platforms, can facilitate the exchange of liberal arts education, enhance inter-university collaboration, and generate educational outcomes challenging to achieve by individual institutions alone. This suggests shared universities can significantly enhance regional education capabilities and act as a pivotal hub connecting various regional universities.

Judge rules in favor of former professor

Case name: Zhang v. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, et al., No. 3:23‐CV‐149 (M.D. Ga. 08/26/24).

Application of biomechanical insights in the “Second Classroom Report Card” in mental health education for college students in the big data era

The construction of a comprehensive, reasonable, and scientific evaluation system for the mental health level of college students is a prerequisite for a high-quality mental health education. With the arrival of the big data era and the promotion and implementation of the “Second Classroom Report Card” system in colleges and universities nationwide, a new approach has been provided for the evaluation of college students’ mental health level. The article deeply analyzes the main problems in traditional evaluation of college students’ mental health level and explores how big data can enhance these evaluations. Furthermore, we introduce the biomechanical aspects that influence mental health, such as the impact of physical activity on psychological well-being and the role of movement patterns in stress reduction. Empirical analysis, it is proved that there is a strong correlation between the scores of college students’ second classroom course projects—often involving physical activities—and their mental health level. By integrating biomechanical principles, we can better understand the physical factors that contribute to mental health, thereby enriching the evaluation framework. The establishment of “big data + biomechanical insights + mental health level” evaluation system based on the “Second Classroom Report Card” has improved the timeliness, pertinence, and scientificity of mental health education work in colleges and universities. This approach not only facilitates a more holistic understanding of student well-being but also promotes the importance of physical health in maintaining mental wellness.

Integrated Boarding Systems University: An Effective Formula for Creating a Good Man

This article aims to explain the educational structure at UNIDA Gontor as a Boarding system University. This system is considered both appropriate and effective as a solution to the problem of the Westernization of Islamic education and as an effort to realize the Islamization of knowledge. This study employs a qualitative research design. To address the subject matter, the researcher uses a philosophical approach and an analytical descriptive method. The study concludes that the integration of the university and pesantren educational systems expands the essence and scope of the curriculum. The essence of the curriculum encompasses not only academic education with a range of courses but also non-academic education shaped by the pesantren system, designed beyond classroom activities. Furthermore, the integration of these two curricula in practice involves various activities, including formal, informal, and non-formal education, all of which are structured to instill an Islamic worldview. This holistic system is envisioned as a means of revivalism and the reformulation of a unique new system for the resurgence of Islamic universities, serving as a medium for the emergence of the insān al-kāmil (the complete human), in alignment with the true objectives of Islamic education.

INTERESTED PARTIES AND SELECTION OF VICE CHANCELLOR IN SELECTED SOUTH WEST UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA

Selection of leadership roles in university system has to do with the ability to get things done with the support and cooperation of other people within the institution. Leadership in the universities in Nigeria is handled by Vice-Chancellors and they are regarded as critical academic leaders because of the executive powers and roles attached to their offices. In choosing Vice-Chancellors of these higher institutions of learning, various actors are at play, both internal i.e. the Visitor, governing council and the university senate, as well as external interest parties such as politicians, businessmen, religious leaders, among others. This study examined the roles and influences of these various interest parties in the selection of Vice-chancellors in selected public universities in Southwest Nigeria. The theory adopted for the research is stakeholder theory. Primary and secondary sources of data served as the sources of information gathering. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in the university environments. The study found out that the major stakeholders (the Visitor, governing council and university senate) are backed up by law to appoint vice-chancellors based on laid down principles and merits. However, especially in the contemporary times, external interest parties (politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, etc.) have been influencing the process. Also, the interference of these stakeholders has caused many crises that resulted in loss of merit and quality in the governance of these institutions. Some of the interest parties have descend so low as to engage in dubious activities due to the interference. The research recommends harmonization of genuine concerns of interested parties in ways that meritocracy and integrity can be prioritized to ensure the appointment of competent and qualified individuals. Keywords: Interest Parties, Selection, Southwest University, Stakeholder, Vice-chancellor

Chief student affairs officer reflects on his experience founding a college

Just as the morning fog lifted from large patches of kudzu, 30 minutes from both the flagship of the University System of Georgia and downtown Atlanta, I arrived in front of a former Kohler facility. It stood in the shadow of the most photographed office building in Gwinnett County behind a car dealership, near one of the busiest intersections in the area. The “new” school didn’t yet embody the name on the sign: Georgia Gwinnett College.

Nursing Wellness in Academic and Clinical Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing: AScientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Nursing is an essential part of our health care system workforce. Cardiovascular and stroke nursing represents one of the largest specialty areas requiring expert knowledge and clinical proficiency to ensure safety and quality patient outcomes. To support the growth and sustainability of the various nursing roles in clinical practice, academia, and research, it is vital to attract, engage, mentor, and retain nurses. However, as the health care needs of the nation rise, staff nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, nursing educators, and nurse scientists are experiencing unprecedented demands, and individual wellness and burnout are being more closely examined at both the university and health care system levels. The goal of this scientific statement is to outline the drivers of burnout or intent to leave the profession that impact wellness specific to academic and clinical cardiovascular and stroke nursing and propose system-level interventions to mitigate and support future and current nurse clinicians, nurse educators, and nurse scientists.

Identifying Strategies for Strengthening Behavioral and Social Science Research Study Conduct.

Behavioral and social science research (BSSR) studies are less stringently regulated compared to drug and device studies. At our university, internal quality assurance activities revealed BSSR studies have more, but similar, issues compared to other studies. However, most institutional resources are tailored to support drug and device research, leaving an evidence gap regarding effective strategies for fostering rigorous BSSR study conduct. Two campus units partnered to undertake a two-phase study. First, we characterized compliance issues based on BSSR study audit data. Second, we conducted interviews with behavioral researchers and others to discuss contributors to compliance issues and potential mitigating strategies. Through thematic analysis, we identified problems at that can be addressed at individual, study team, and university systems levels. Study results outline potential strategies to reduce compliance issues.

Digital technologies as enablers of universal design for learning: higher education students' perceptions in the context of SDG4

Digital technologies are essential for transforming educational environments, particularly in higher education. These tools have revolutionized information access and enable flexible approaches within Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This educational model integrates findings from educational practice, research, learning theories, technological advances, and neuroscience to provide concrete proposals for implementing diverse teaching practice that accommodates different learning needs. Building on universal design concepts, UDL is structured around three neurological learning systems (affective, recognition, and strategic) and advocates three corresponding principles: multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. Aligning with current parameters of quality education for all, UDL incorporates diversity as a fundamental premise in instructional planning to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students. This framework enables teachers to create flexible curriculum designs that enrich learning, reduce barriers, and provide accessible educational opportunities. This research examined how digital technologies can enable UDL implementation by analyzing higher education students' perceptions. Using a quantitative methodology with a descriptive scope, data was collected through a specially designed Likert-scale questionnaire. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbachʹs α = 0.97). The sample included students from the Mexican public university system (n = 235) studying pedagogy and education. Results showed favorable perceptions of technology use in UDL across all three principles: representation (what to learn), action and expression (how to learn), and engagement (why to learn). They suggest that digital technologies can expand learning capacity and enhance skill development among university students in the UDL context. However, it should be noted that they need to be carefully integrated into educational frameworks designed and tested for their effectiveness; without such integration, their application may be ineffective or even counterproductive to learning processes. The findings demonstrate the potential of this design as a practical and theoretical model to, in line with current trends, contribute to the achievement of SDG4, promoting quality in education and learning opportunities for all. This will be helpful for institutions seeking to implement technology-enhanced UDL strategies while having broader implications for the body of research for improving higher education.