The researcher demonstrates how qualitative grounded theory methodology was used to review whether higher education institutions (HEIs) incorporate risk into their strategic plans. The researcher defines and provides a history of strategic planning within higher education. He also utilizes a framework to identify the best incorporations of risk and risk management within HEIs. Then he employs literature and conducts 18 interviews with higher education professionals were in order to develop theory within the framework.
The results of the study fulfill the dissertation’s purpose. It illustrates that it is important for HEIs to incorporate risk and risk management into their strategic planning processes. Likewise, the research shows that doing so will encourage HEIs to create contingency plans and help them be better able to pivot when unforeseen circumstances arise. Furthermore, the data point out that while schools can create and implement a successful strategic plan without incorporating risk and risk management, it is evident there will be roadblocks and disruptions along the way.
I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my wife who has supported and believed in me for the past 16 years. I am grateful for your encouragement and patience throughout this process. I would not be who or where I am without your love and support.
I also dedicate this dissertation to my children. I hope it inspires them to become lifelong learners, pursue their passions and know they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
Over the last two decades, there has been a high prevalence of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) among college students in the United States. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the social and psychological factors that impact academic and recovery outcomes of students enrolled in an on-campus recovery program. The summary data were collected over 10 years by a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)/Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) in the southern region of the United States. Key findings of the study include that among students enrolled in a CRP/CRC: a) a significant relationship exists between relapse rates and mental health disorders; b) having an additional mental health disorder is associated with lower graduation rates; c) females students relapsed more than male students; d) female students had higher graduation rates than male students. It is recommended that higher education institutions integrate mental and behavioral health programs such as CRPs/CRCs to help increase student outcomes such as retention rates, graduation rates, and decrease depression, substance abuse use rates on campus.
Teachers are required to be computer literate in order to equip their students with the technology tools to compete in the 21st century global environment. It is important that their students are college and career ready upon completion of high school. Some teachers encounter difficulty in integrating technology because they are not comfortable using it to deliver instruction and may not want to take the risk of appearing inept in front of students. The purpose of this study is to determine whether professional development training in technology will increase teachers' comfort level with classroom integration. This paper will present reasons for some teachers' hesitancy, such as conceptions or perceived beliefs regarding technology, and the types of professional workshops offered by the district to address and remedy the situation. When limitations are recognized and professional training development is provided, teachers’ beliefs about the value of technology integration will change.
In order to ease the transition to 21st century technology usage in classrooms, states, stakeholders, and districts must find a way to incorporate and promote effective professional development training.