Laura A. Dean

Students' Technology Use and Its Effects on Peer Relationships, Academic Involvement, and Healthy Lifestyles

The purpose of this study was to explore students’ technology use and its relationship with their psychosocial development. Previous research explored students’ computer use in conjunction with their cognitive development. This study examined the effects of computer use and other technologies, such as instant messaging, handheld gaming devices, and MP3 players, and the impact they have on students’ peer relationships, academic involvement, and healthy lifestyles. Results show both positive and negative effects on all three constructs of psychosocial development, including differences based on gender and race.

Conditions Supporting a Culture of Assessment in Student Affairs Divisions at Small Colleges and Universities.

This qualitative study explored the conditions that support assessment practice and the impact of the accreditation process on assessment practice in student affairs divisions at three small colleges and universities in the southeastern U.S. Findings indicate that the role of the senior student affairs officer directly impacts staff perceptions of and attitudes toward assessment. Specific characteristics of small colleges also influence how student affairs professionals conduct assessment on their campuses. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Making meaning: Identity development of black undergraduate women

The purpose of this preliminary, phenomenological study was to identify factors that influence identity development and meaning-making of Black undergraduate women at a predominately White institution. The goal of this research was two-fold: to share diverse experiences of Black undergraduate women in order to understand the essence of their lived experience and to identify contemporary perspectives of the duality of being both Black and a woman at a predominately White institution. Findings were clustered into themes pertaining to support systems, maternal and familial influences, articulation of Black identity, and interactions with other Black undergraduate women.

An Assessment Model as Best Practice in Student Affairs

The phrase “best practice” is often used in student affairs, but the term lacks a common and accepted definition. This results in the implementation of programs and services that are neither grounded nor assessed. A model is proposed here that suggests a best practice process that integrates foundational student affairs documents and applies the principles of comprehensive assessment. Using this model, student affairs professionals can develop, implement, and improve programs and services to impact students and the profession.