Pamela A. Havice

Coming Home: Student Veterans' Articulation of College Re-enrollment

This study described student veterans’ navigation of college re-enrollment. Fifteen participants interviewed at one institution were less likely to seek academic support and more inclined to pursue social support in the form of associating with fellow veterans with whom they felt more comfortable. They downplayed or hid their veteran status from campus community members. Recommendations for acknowledging and supporting student veterans are discussed.

Exploring Characteristics of Retained First-Year Students Enrolled in Non-Proximal Distance Learning Programs

This study explored pre- and post-admission characteristics of retained first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs within public, 2-year colleges. Five pre-admission and six post-admission characteristics were explored. The sample for this study consisted of 197 first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs from among five, public, 2-year colleges in Virginia. A quantitative data collection method was used in this exploratory study. Data analysis revealed that a majority of participants: (1) were non-traditional-aged White females, with a high GPA and experience with technology; (2) were employed on a full-time basis and had dependent children; (3) had a high school and college GPA of above 3.0; (4) believed the institutional academic advising system was more than adequate; (5) noted that commitment to the institution and graduation were important; and (6) had access to technology.

Trainees versus Staff: Exploring Counseling Outcomes in a College Counseling Center.

Investigators compared counseling outcomes among nonpaid graduate-level trainees and professional staff at a college counseling center. Counseling outcomes for 331 college student participants were measured using the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2 (OQ45.2), employing a pretest–posttest design. The two groups of service providers did not differ significantly (p = .179; α > .05). A unique aspect of this study was the statistical control for the clients’ readiness to change. The implications for practice in college counseling centers suggest the use of graduate-level trainees as effective counseling providers and a method to cope with high demand for services.