Community College Research Articles

From the classroom to the kitchen: Embodying identity in NYC

AbstractAttending college, for many immigrant families, is a critical step in achieving the American Dream. This essay, written as a reflection and response between professor and student, explores the conflicting messages young community college students negotiate and process as they move through the City, revealing how knowledge learned in the college classroom is imbued with value beyond that knowledge that they have learned in their homes and neighborhoods. It shares how a research interest from their professor in the knowledge and practices their families have to teach was a point of processing and potential reconciliation of these conflicts related shifting identities, and notes the potential therapeutic value of the embodiment of heritage practices as part of ethnographic research and beyond.

Sustainable integrated solid waste management for a university campus − A case study of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria

This study provides valuable insights into the waste composition, generation rates, and opportunities for improving the current solid management practices of a university campus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Representative points were selected within the campus to collect solid waste (SW). The SW were sampled following ASTM D5231-92. The quadrant method prescribed by ASTM D 6323 was used to reduce about 150 kg of collected waste to 50 kg. The SW samples were collected in triplicates and sorted manually to determine their composition. QGIS, a geographic information system was utilized to optimize waste collection efficiency, optimal collection points, and the number of waste bins. The average daily solid waste generation at FUTA was 952.3 kg, with polythene and paper waste constituting the largest proportions at 26 % and 24 %, respectively. The waste generation rate per capita was estimated at 0.046 kg per day. Remarkably, 81 % of the waste generated at FUTA has the potential for recycling. This offers a viable potential for promoting sustainable integrated solid waste management (SISWM). The study proposes optimising waste collection points from the initial 42 to 97, considering the proximity to buildings and transportation routes. The study did not consider fluctuations in waste generation rates and composition throughout the seasons, yet the data gathered is considered adequate for this initial survey. Lack of collaboration, adequate policies, funds, infrastructure, and political will are among the impediments to SISWM in FUTA. The introduction of colour-coded waste separation bins, and assigning different colours to specific waste types, can promote proper waste disposal and facilitate recycling. Also, engaging the university community through workshops and seminars can foster such behavioural change. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs and recycling centres is another essential aspect of this paradigm shift. Such partnerships can explore innovative solutions for upcycling polythene waste and create waste-to-wealth pathways. Initial challenges of an insufficient policy framework for university- small scale enterprises (SME) engagement and the lack of business growth models could be addressed by promoting relevant skill development and motivational tasking of the existing entrepreneurship faculty. By implementing the proposed strategies and embracing circular economy (CE) principles, FUTA can reduce its environmental impact, promote recycling, and foster a culture of sustainability and entrepreneurial value creation on campus and beyond.

The possibility of a theory of change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the practical dilemmas of institutional change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university, identifying key assumptions and issues that block meaningful change. The research was part of an initiative to define a theory of change (ToC) to meet the university’s institutional climate commitments. Design/methodology/approach The findings are based on interviews with members of an inter-disciplinary ToC working group, a staff–student climate coalition and student representatives at the university. Interviewees were purposively selected to gain insights into assumptions about the nature of the university and its role in tackling the climate crisis, which must be addressed for the university to effectively implement its climate plan. Findings This paper identified tensions between the university’s role as a public and commercial institution, a lack of clarity over decision-making processes and the difficulties in balancing (and being transparent about) actions with commitments to tackle the climate crisis. A democratic and flexible approach to change is essential to mitigate these issues, providing an opportunity to reflect on the diversity of the university community and openly debate goals and commitments. Originality/value In setting out the initial steps of a ToC in a UK university, this paper offers practical insights for higher education institutions looking to change practices. By highlighting assumptions at a particular institution, this paper also contributes a level of granularity to a growing field of research on efforts in higher education institutions to tackle the climate crisis.

IDENTIFYING ILLUMINATION COVERAGE IN UP DILIMAN CAMPUS USING GIS

Abstract. The University of the Philippines Diliman faces challenges for pedestrians, particularly at night. Hence, this study proposed the creation of a detailed map using QGIS to showcase the illumination coverage of street lights around the UP Academic Oval. The project aims to establish a safer and more secure environment within the university community, ensuring optimal visibility and reducing the risk of accidents through a map that provides crucial insights into the spatial distribution of street lights, highlighting areas with sufficient lighting and areas in need of improvement. It considered significant factors that affect illumination quality across the campus such as terrain, lamp height, and bulb specifications. Based on the gathered data, increasing the lamp post height by a meter expands the illumination coverage around Roces Street and along paths towards University Avenue, but decreases light intensity. Changing the beam angles of the lamp posts from 112 to 140 degrees causes clustering of illumination areas along the left side of the Academic Oval, enhances those along Beta Way, and weakens light intensity of the lamp posts though not as much as in the first case. Lastly, increasing both the height of the lamp posts and their beam angles by a meter and at 140 degrees results in the significant increase of illumination coverage along the Academic Oval. However, increasing the heights of the posts may be costly. Therefore, to economically provide better coverage and maintain safety around the area, beam angles of the lamp posts should be increased to 140 degrees.

Ensuring Student Mental Wellbeing whilst introducing Block Mode Intensive Learning and Teaching

As De Montfort University, a UK-based University, introduced block delivery across the undergraduate portfolio the University sought to maintain a continued focus on, and commitment to, an institution-wide approach to embedding mental wellbeing. With mental wellbeing relevant to the whole university community and recognising the power of transformational change to impact wellbeing, the university cross-examined student feedback to understand and ensure mental wellbeing. An intensive block model was introduced at De Montfort University (DMU) from the start of the academic session 2022-23. Undergraduate student experiences and learning from the initial months, focused on those in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media, are presented alongside an examination of the methods and impact of embedding mental wellbeing in this new intensive mode; ensuring the continued institutional approach to embedding mental wellbeing in the curriculum, providing inclusive support for all learners. The learning and impact identified from initial experiences indicate areas of strength and areas for development, enhancement and growth. This article presents educational practice implications for other providers exploring and implementing block delivery in intensive learning and teaching modes. The University’s HealthyDMU philosophy recognises mental wellbeing is relevant to all, informed by a social model of wellbeing, in which a student’s experience of mental wellbeing is directly related to their environment and experiences, based on the five ways to wellbeing (Aked, Marks, Cordon & Thompson, 2008). Embedding this throughout the curriculum reduces wellbeing barriers to facilitate student success, establishing pro-active approaches to mental wellbeing and a health promoting environment. This article provides a unique focus on student experience from the position of mental wellbeing embedded in curriculum design and delivery. This paper presents an exploration of student responses to the introduction of intensive delivery at undergraduate level within a UK university, positioned around support for mental wellbeing.

Recruitment strategies used to enrol healthy volunteers in the first pneumococcal human infection study in Africa: Lessons from Blantyre, Malawi

Background Human infection studies (HIS) also known as Controlled Human Infection Models (CHIM) are a relatively new concept in African countries to clinicians, scientists, and communities alike. We have introduced HIS/CHIM studies to Malawi during the last four years by developing an experimental human pneumococcal carriage model. This CHIM was used to test the efficacy of a licensed 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) against experimental nasal pneumococcal carriage. Traditional and digital recruitment strategies into this novel trial were explored. Objectives To describe various methods of recruitment in this first CHIM study in Malawi. Methods The clinical trial within the context of which these data were recorded was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (REF: PACTR202008503507113) on 03 August 2020. The project was conducted at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) in Blantyre, Malawi between April 2021, and September 2022. Source populations were college students and community members within Blantyre. Recruitment strategies included sharing study information in written or visual form, community sensitization meetings, snowball contacts (word of mouth from previous volunteers), branded clothing and participating in radio and television programs. Results 299 volunteers attended screening clinic, of whom 278 were recruited. Sixty-six recruited volunteers (23.7%) were college students and 212 (76.3%) were from the community. Snowball word-of-mouth contacting was the most successful recruitment strategy, with 201 (72.3%) participants recruited using this method. 195 (70.1%) were men of whom 149 (76.4%) joined the study through snowballing. Conclusion or recommendation Using a variety of recruitment strategies led to successful recruitment in this novel controlled human infection study. Most participants were recruited through snowballing.

Judge rules against former professor

Case name: Handler v. Dutchess County Community College, No. 21‐CV‐02637 (S.D. N.Y. 01/30/24).

The Relationship Between Employment Status and Prior Education to Academic and Clinical Success for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Radiography Students

Objective: It has been reported that employment during student enrollment, in rigorous health care programs, impedes college success and may be a barrier to successful graduation. Furthermore, student’s prior education is typically viewed as a positive predictor of success in college. The aim of this study was to examine whether a relationship exists between employment status and prior education, compared with academic and clinical success for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) or Radiography (RT) students, in a large community college. Materials and Methods: There were 26 imaging student participants consented to this study. This convenient sample included 10 DMS and 16 RT students, enrolled in an associate degree in applied sciences program. A survey was administered that collected demographic data on the students in both programs. Data collection began at the start of each respective program and again one year later. Student academic and clinical grades were examined over a period of three college semesters. Results: The analysis of the findings did not show a significant relationship between employment status, prior education, student academics, and clinical success among the participating DMS or RT students. Conclusion: The results of this study provide limited evidence that there was no significant relationship between employment status, prior education, and academic and clinical success among this cohort of DMS or RT students. These findings also suggest that students’ employment did not impede success for these DMS and RT students. In addition, this research shows that students’ prior education had no effect on their success in their DMS and RT programs. Further research should be conducted to investigate whether these findings are similar in other imaging programs.

Use and Effectiveness of Academic Supports After Developmental Education Reform in California’s Community Colleges

AB705 is a landmark higher education policy that has changed approaches to developmental/remedial education in the California Community College system. We study one district that implemented reforms by placing most students in transfer-level math/English courses and encouraging enrollment in support courses based on multiple measures of academic preparation (e.g., grade point average [GPA]). We use regression discontinuity designs to examine the impact of these new placement recommendations, finding some benefits to English support course recommendations for low GPA students and increased math support course enrollment. We use matching methods to explore the relationship between support course enrollment and subsequent outcomes; finding enrollment in concurrent math and English support courses was associated with increased likelihood of completing transfer-level math and English.

Tutoria invertida no ensino superior: Satisfação dos alunos em experiência de inovação educacional

Introduction. University tutoring rarely includes innovative contributions that lead to new procedures to generate interest and have an impact on the university community. Objective. This paper analyzes student satisfaction with the experience of educational innovation based on flipped tutoring, focusing on the difference between initial expectations and final perception. Method. The research was based on a quantitative methodological approach and a non-experimental, descriptive, and longitudinal design. The participants in the study, 164 students from an Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Pedagogy degree, answered a valid and reliable questionnaire designed ad hoc. Results. The results showed student satisfaction with the employ of the tutoring method and the Kahoot platform. On the contrary, the students expressed dissatisfaction with the use of virtual forums. Conclusions. These digital tools offer pedagogical alternatives that facilitate the work of the tutor. Kahoot is perceived as a success in detecting training needs, while virtual forums require teacher reflection for their incorporation into flipped tutoring processes.

Navigating Threats of Wildfires and Individual Rights to Adopt 100% Tobacco-Free Policy in Rural California Community Colleges.

In California, all four-year public colleges have adopted 100% smoke-/tobacco-free policies (TFP) whereas community colleges (CCs), particularly rural CCs, are less likely to have tobacco-free environments. This raises concerns about health equity, particularly because smoking prevalence is higher in rural areas compared to urban. We examined policy adoption barriers and facilitators for rural California CCs with the aim of providing lessons learned to support TFP adoption by rural CCs and improve conditions for student health and well-being. A multiple case study of four CCs in California with (n = 2) and without (n = 2) TFPs was conducted. Semi-structured interviews with 12 campus and community stakeholders, school administrative data, and policy-relevant documents were analyzed at the case level with comparison across cases to identify key barriers, facilitators and campus-specific experiences. All four CCs shared similar barriers to policy adoption including concerns about wildfires, individual rights, and fear of marginalizing people who smoke on campus. These CCs have experienced serious wildfires in the last ten years, have high community smoking prevalence, and fewer school resources for student health. For the two tobacco-free CCs, long-term wildfire mitigation efforts along with leadership support, campus/community partnerships and a collective approach involving diverse campus sectors were essential facilitators in successful TFP adoption. Study results underscore contextual pressures and campus dynamics that impact tobacco control efforts at colleges in rural communities. Strategies to advance college TFP adoption and implementation should recognize rural cultural and community priorities.

Проблемы шариата в интеллектуальном дискурсе современного индонезийского общества

The purpose of the article is to analyse the problems of Sharia law and Shariatization of law in modern Indonesian society. The novelty of the study lies in the analysis of the problems of Shariatization of Indonesian society, which remain understudied in modern Russian historiography. Methodologically, the article is based on the principles proposed in the new social history, which allows to investigate the phenomenon of Shariatization through the prism of societal reaction to forced modernization, stimulat-ing the growth of contradictions between Sharia as part of the traditional political and legal culture and the norms transplanted from the West into the secular development model. The article analyses 1) the issue of correlation between secular and religious law in Indonesia, 2) the development of the phenom-enon of legal parallelism in Indonesia, which emerged as a consequence of the limited implementation of Sharia norms in legal and political practices, 3) identifying the role of universities as the main intel-lectual centres that actualise and accumulate public demand for Sharia law in Indonesian society. It is assumed that, in Indonesia, legal parallelism based on the simultaneous and parallel co-development of secular law and Sharia law emerged and developed. The article shows that 1) political modernisation and the construction of Indonesia as a secular state did not lead to a significant weakening of Muslim legal traditions, 2) the limited application of Sharia is recognised by Muslim intellectuals and devel-oped as the ijtihad, focused on the academic study of Sharia, 3) discussions about Sharia and its place in legal practices are localised at the level of the university community, which determines the moderate nature of public perception of the problems and prospects of Shariatization.

Nutritional status of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary-level hospital in northern Bangladesh

BackgroundMalnutrition in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is a significant global public health issue. Nutritional assessment combined with management or advice are essential to produce optimal outcomes.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess nutritional status and the sociodemographic profile of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December to April 2020 among the population of children with NDDs who presented to the pediatric department of the TMSS Medical College and Rafatullah Community Hospital in Bogura during this period. Socio-demographic data along with anthropometric measurements of the children were taken. Assessment of nutritional status were made using metrics such as z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ). Descriptive statistics (number and percentage) and analytical statistics (chi-square and logistic regression) were included.Results58.6% of children displayed malnutrition, with 47.8% showing undernutrition (WHZ / BAZ − 1 SD-≤-3 SD), and 10.8% overnutrition (BAZ > 2SD). Significant negative associations were found between malnutrition and parental education level, urban residency, and monthly family income. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy exhibited twice the likelihood to be malnourished (AOR 2.39, 95% CI 0.83–6.87). Furthermore, residing in rural regions was associated with an increased risk of experiencing malnutrition, as indicated by an adjusted odds ratio of 1.60 (95% CI 0.12–3.09).ConclusionsWhile the results are cross-sectional, over half of children with NDDs were found to be malnourished, suggesting that children with NDD in Bangladesh are vulnerable to developing any form of malnutrition. Therefore, regular assessments and timely nutritional support may improve their situation.

Entrepreneurial Mindset among Students of Southern Zone Community Colleges: Gender, Age, and Study Program

Entrepreneurial Mindset among Students of Southern Zone Community Colleges: Gender, Age, and Study Program

Perceived Stress Mediates Associations Between Grit and Health-Related Quality of Life.

Grit, characterized by passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals, may be associated with enhanced quality of life and reduced levels of perceived chronic stress. We hypothesized that reduced levels of perceived stress may mediate the association between facets of grit (i.e., Perseverance and Consistency) and healthy functioning. We conducted two studies, one with college students and one with community adults, to test this hypothesis (cumulative N = 600). In both studies, facets of grit were assessed using the Short Grit Scale, levels of perceived chronic stress were assessed via the Perceived Stress Scale, and health-related quality of life was measured using selected questions from the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36. Consistent with our hypothesis, perceived stress levels significantly mediated the relation between Grit-Perseverance and health-related quality of life in both college students and community adults. Our data suggest that individuals with high Grit-Perseverance experience lower perceived stress, which may result in improved health-related quality of life. Additionally, perceived stress partially mediated the relation between Grit-Consistency and health-related quality of life, but only in community adults. These novel findings suggest that the association between Grit-Perseverance and perceived chronic stress may differ for college students and community adults. Overall, our work indicates that perceived stress may be a key mediator through which facets of grit are related to healthy functioning in college students and community adults.

Individuals' attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey.

The literature is consensual regarding the academic community exhibiting higher levels of mental disorder prevalence than the general population. The potential of digital mental health apps for improving access to resources to cope with these issues is ample. However, studies have yet to be performed in Portugal on individuals' attitudes and perceptions toward digital mental health applications or their preferences and decision drivers on obtaining mental health care, self-assessment, or treatment. This study aims to understand the determinants of digital mental health applications use in the Portuguese academic community of Porto, along with potential adoption barriers and enablers. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was delivered via dynamic email to the University of Porto's academic community. Data collection occurred between September 20 and October 20, 2022. We used structural equation modeling to build three models, replicating a peer-reviewed and published study and producing a newly full mediation model shaped by the collected data. We tested the relationships between use of digital mental health apps and perceived stress, perceived need to seek help for mental health, perceived stigma, past use of mental health services, privacy concerns, and social influence. Of the 539 participants, 169 (31.4%) reported having used digital mental health apps. Perceived stress and a latent variable, comprising perceptions of mental health problems and coping strategies, were positively associated with mental health app use, while privacy concerns regarding one's information being accessible to others were negatively associated. Perceived stigma, need to seek help, and close relationships did not have a statistically significant direct effect. These findings can inform product and policy development of new, better-targeted digital mental health app interventions, with implications for researchers and academia, industry, and policymakers. Our study concludes that, to maximize adherence to these apps, they should have low to no financial charges, demonstrate evidence of their helpfulness and focus on the timely delivery of care. We also conclude that to foster digital mental health app use, there is a need to improve mental health literacy, namely regarding self-awareness of one's conditions, acceptable stress levels, and overall behavior towards mental health. RR2-10.2196/41040.

Enhancing STEM Enrollment, Retention, and Graduation

JOHNNA SMITH, Dept of Mathematics, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, RAINA BURTON, Dept of Mathematics, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, QING WANG and KAREN ADAMS, Dept of Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443. Enhancing STEM enrollment, retention, and graduation: insights and strategies for student success. The objective of this study is to synthesize over 20 findings related to STEM success and its measurement to enhance student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates. Surveys were analyzed focusing on various student categories, including underrepresented minorities (URMs), high-achievers, low-income individuals, first-generation students, community college transfers, and gender diversity, among others. Our findings demonstrate that improving students’ self-efficacy and fostering a sense of belonging significantly contribute to their success and persistence in STEM. Consequently, programs such as undergraduate research opportunities, networking, seminars, summer bridge programs, field trips, and workshops are identified as crucial for enhancing students’ confidence and sense of belonging, thereby facilitating their success and perseverance in STEM fields. The project was supported by the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Grant (SOARS) from West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research and the NSF S-STEM Grant (award No. DUE-2130267).

Using Open Access AI to improve the Academic Lifecycle for Eduardo Mondlane University Community

Using Open Access AI to improve the Academic Lifecycle for Eduardo Mondlane University Community

Anticipating students' preferences: Investigating factors influencing the choice between block-code and source-code programming

This study explores behavioral factors influencing students' choice between block-code programming (BCP) and source-code programming (SCP) among Community College students in Malaysia. Two hundred and twenty-six IT certificate students participated, answering questions based on the Technology Acceptance Model and Theory of Planned Behavior using a Likert scale survey. Analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that attitudes towards technology and behavior strongly influenced students' preference for BCP over SCP. However, further investigation into how these behaviors impact programming learning is needed. The study's findings emphasize the importance of perceived usefulness, ease of use, and subjective norms in students' preference for BCP. With substantial R2 effect sizes (0.864), the study underscores the significant influence of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), and subjective norms (SN) on BCP adoption behavior. The implications of these findings extend to policymakers and educators, providing valuable insights for refining computing education standards. Moreover, the study lays the groundwork for future research, offering a deeper understanding of block-code programming's role in the digital education transition.

College Automation System Using Java Methodology (Academix Portal)

The College Automation System Project is designed to operate within the college's local area network and cater to all four departments. Its features encompass an admission system, class attendance monitoring, online notes and notice boards, and a placement system, all accessible to students using their valid registration ID and password. The project aims to support college administrators by providing comprehensive information about faculty members' schedules and allowing them to manage user accounts through the admin panel. Administrators can add or delete users, grant special permissions, and schedule classes as needed. Teachers benefit from the system by gaining access to student data tailored to their preferences. They can query information based on grades and percentages, identify students with attendance issues, and utilize other features available within the system. For students, the system offers access to various resources, including teachers' notes, placement session details, upcoming company information, and a dedicated learning section for exam preparation. Overall, the College Automation System Project serves as a centralized platform for streamlining administrative and academic processes, enhancing communication, and facilitating access to essential information within the college community. Key Words: Training and placement, Similarity, Student Data, grade, percentage