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Learning Practices Between Peer Writing Center Consultants
No full textIn “Collaborative Learning and the ‘Conversation of Mankind,’” Kenneth Bruffee (1984) outlines how the topic of collaborative learning has been around since the 1950s but is just beginning to be discussed in writing studies and how peer tutoring is just one of many forms of collaborative learning. Bruffee specifically argues that one of the goals of collaborative learning is to “to provide a context in which students can practice and master the normal discourse exercised in established knowledge communities in the academic world and in business, government, and the professions” (644). While Bruffee specifically applies collaborative learning to the relationship between consultants and their clients, I believe his argument can be extended to the relationship peer consultants have with each other, particularly when he states “that people have always learned from their peers and doggedly persist in doing so whether we professional teachers and educators take a hand in it or not” (647).
While writing center work is inherently collaborative, much of the research focusing on collaboration in the writing center focuses on the relationship and work done between clients and consultants. Ultimately, this has led to a gap in the literature regarding how consultants collaborate with one another. In order to further understand this under-appreciated phenomenon that is often witnessed in writing centers, this research explores questions surrounding how undergraduate consultants collaborate with one another, how they influence each other’s consulting, how they learn from each other, how they describe their interactions with each other, and whether or not they find the structured or unstructured interactions they have with each other more meaningful. This research explores this topic through a combination of methods including a survey, focus groups, and reflective writing on various collaborative learning methods that consultants may have participated in. While the data is still being analyzed, preliminary analysis is showing that undergraduate consultants feel they become more well-rounded and confident consultants as a result of the interactions they have with their peers. Additionally, preliminary analysis is showing that consultants feel they benefit the most from both the formal mentorship they participate in as part of consultant training and through both formal and informal observations of sessions that other consultants are having with clients. The goal of this research is to provide insight into the ways undergraduate consultants interact and its effects on their consulting, which will allow writing center administrators to create better programming for undergraduate consultants that encourages learning and collaboration from one another
Women During and After the Kosovo War: Survivors, Fighters, and the Struggle for Justice
No full textThis project explores the multifaceted roles of women during and after the Kosovo War (1998–1999), highlighting their experiences as survivors, fighters, and key advocates for justice and reconciliation. The Kosovo War was marked by significant human rights violations, including sexual violence, displacement, and mass killings, which disproportionately affected women. Women were not only victims but also played critical roles as combatants, caretakers, and political activists. Through a combination of historical analysis, survivor testimonies, and sociological research, this project examines how women navigated the immediate impacts of war, including trauma and displacement, while also contributing to post-war recovery and peacebuilding.
The project addresses three key dimensions: Survivors: The widespread use of sexual violence as a weapon of war left lasting physical and psychological scars. Women’s resilience and coping mechanisms, as well as the long-term social and cultural consequences, are examined. Fighters: Many women actively participated in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), challenging traditional gender roles. Their involvement in armed resistance and the challenges they faced during and after the war are analyzed. The Struggle for Justice: Post-war Kosovo saw women at the forefront of demanding justice for war crimes and advocating for the recognition of survivors\u27 rights. The project explores how women-led organizations have shaped transitional justice efforts and policy reforms
This research contributes to the fields of gender studies, conflict resolution, and Balkan history by filling gaps in the historical narrative of the Kosovo War and highlighting the gendered dimensions of conflict and post-conflict recovery. It underscores the importance of incorporating women’s voices in peacebuilding and transitional justice processes
Pressing The Reset Button: Stem Cell Transplant For Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
No full textAbstract:
Objective: To perform an analysis of studies that assessed if autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is more efficacious than monoclonal antibody (mAb) disease modifying treatment (DMT) in reducing Expanded Disability Score Status (EDSS) and thereby slowing disease progression in individuals diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: Initial systematic database searches were performed through PubMed. Secondary searches were performed via hand-searching techniques of multiple sources, such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ), and the Neurology Journal. Access was provided through the Library at James Madison University. Inclusion criteria were: original research performed within the last five years, and treatment regimens of aHSCT and monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in patients with RRMS. Results: The Burt et al. study found that aHSCT prolonged progression of RRMS compared to DMT treatment. Zhukovsky et al. determined aHSCT treatment promoted no evidence of disease activity compared to DMTs. Kalincik et al. noted aHSCT therapy was superior in decreasing the severity and frequency of relapses compared to moderate-efficacy DMTs and one high-efficacy DMT; however, aHSCT was found to be non-inferior to a newer high-efficacy DMT. Conclusion: all three studies demonstrated the efficacious benefits of aHSCT therapy for patients with highly active RRMS, though further research is required for more direct comparisons to mAbs more recently approved for RRMS
Diversification of Revenue Streams to Enhance Financial Sustainability in Non-Profit Organizations
No full textAbstract
Nonprofit organizations face financial sustainability challenges due to dependence on donor funding and limited revenue diversification. Smaller nonprofits struggle with unstable income sources, intensifying financial pressures. The shift toward fee-for-service revenue offers an alternative but risks inefficiencies when over-relied upon. Diversifying revenue streams is essential to reduce instability and enhance sustainability. The literature indicates diversification provides a hedge against risk, while concentrated revenue streams enhance efficiency and growth. A third dimension is derived from government grants showing stability of funds.
The research question investigates the relationship between the proportion of income obtained from multiple revenue streams and the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Virginia. It seeks to understand how diversifying income sources impacts the financial stability and long-term viability of these organizations.
This paper adopts a quantitative methodology that integrates secondary data with the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to analyze market concentration. This technique leverages existing datasets to quantitatively evaluate concentration and diversification levels. Employing longitudinal secondary data analysis, the study examines consistent variables over time to identify trends, patterns, and changes.
This paper uses Resource Dependency Theory, emphasizing strategic management of resource dependencies through partnerships and funding diversification. A study on Virginia nonprofits (2013–2022) is proposed, using data from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Metrics like revenue stability, operating margin, and liquidity ratios is analyzed through the Hirschman-Herfindahl Index and regression analysis. Positive coefficients indicate improved financial health, while negative ones suggest risks.
This research presentation will utilize an approach that combines quantitative analysis with in-depth qualitative insights. Data will be based on the financial records of nonprofit organizations in Virginia, especially regarding the percent of income that comes from multiple streams versus one single source. A survey will also be administered to nonprofit leaders regarding their qualitative data on what their strategies for revenue diversification are and how they perceive those strategies.
The quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify the correlation between revenue diversification and financial sustainability, while qualitative data will be coded for thematic analysis in order to identify common challenges and successful strategies among nonprofit leaders.
The presentation will clearly outline how revenue diversification strategies create a direct link to the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations. Therefore, the value of this present study extends beyond nonprofit management in a manner that addresses major questions from public administration and social entrepreneurship studies; thus, it will also become meaningful to organizational studies in an interdisciplinary manner. Highlighting critical contributions to leadership for managing fiscal hardship positions this research as able not only to potentially undergird more general resource management, strategic, and adaptive leadership in general but also to inspire debate among academics and practitioners within such disparate fields
Diversification of Revenue Streams to Enhance Financial Sustainability in Non-Profit Organizations
No full textAbstract
Nonprofit organizations face financial sustainability challenges due to dependence on donor funding and limited revenue diversification. Smaller nonprofits struggle with unstable income sources, intensifying financial pressures. The shift toward fee-for-service revenue offers an alternative but risks inefficiencies when over-relied upon. Diversifying revenue streams is essential to reduce instability and enhance sustainability. The literature indicates diversification provides a hedge against risk, while concentrated revenue streams enhance efficiency and growth. A third dimension is derived from government grants showing stability of funds.
The research question investigates the relationship between the proportion of income obtained from multiple revenue streams and the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Virginia. It seeks to understand how diversifying income sources impacts the financial stability and long-term viability of these organizations.
This paper adopts a quantitative methodology that integrates secondary data with the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to analyze market concentration. This technique leverages existing datasets to quantitatively evaluate concentration and diversification levels. Employing longitudinal secondary data analysis, the study examines consistent variables over time to identify trends, patterns, and changes.
This paper uses Resource Dependency Theory, emphasizing strategic management of resource dependencies through partnerships and funding diversification. A study on Virginia nonprofits (2013–2022) is proposed, using data from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Metrics like revenue stability, operating margin, and liquidity ratios is analyzed through the Hirschman-Herfindahl Index and regression analysis. Positive coefficients indicate improved financial health, while negative ones suggest risks.
This research presentation will utilize an approach that combines quantitative analysis with in-depth qualitative insights. Data will be based on the financial records of nonprofit organizations in Virginia, especially regarding the percent of income that comes from multiple streams versus one single source. A survey will also be administered to nonprofit leaders regarding their qualitative data on what their strategies for revenue diversification are and how they perceive those strategies.
The quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify the correlation between revenue diversification and financial sustainability, while qualitative data will be coded for thematic analysis in order to identify common challenges and successful strategies among nonprofit leaders.
The presentation will clearly outline how revenue diversification strategies create a direct link to the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations. Therefore, the value of this present study extends beyond nonprofit management in a manner that addresses major questions from public administration and social entrepreneurship studies; thus, it will also become meaningful to organizational studies in an interdisciplinary manner. Highlighting critical contributions to leadership for managing fiscal hardship positions this research as able not only to potentially undergird more general resource management, strategic, and adaptive leadership in general but also to inspire debate among academics and practitioners within such disparate fields
A Multi-Year Wellness Survey of University Employees Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textA Multi-Year Wellness Survey of University Employees Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic
University employees face numerous workplace stressors that make adherence challenging to healthy lifestyle behaviors, including adequate nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. The COVID-19 pandemic has added further complexities, interrupting habitual routines through remote working, closure of fitness centers, and increased stress levels. This project examines trends in university employees\u27 wellness outcomes over three surveys, distributed in 2019 (n=614, female=466/male=148, faculty=291/staff=323, age 46.2±11.8 years, BMI 27.8±6.2 kg/m2), 2021(n=375,female=283/male=92, faculty=178/staff=197, age 47.6±12.5 years, BMI 27.9±6.7 kg/m2), and 2022(n=419, female=302/male=117, faculty=183/staff=236, age 45.6± 12.5 years, BMI 27.5±6.7 kg/m2), to understand how the time frame surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic impacted body weight, various health conditions/states, daily sitting time, sleep habits, and stages of change for various health behaviors. Surveys were distributed via university email to all full-time and part-time employees. Descriptive statistics are presented as means±SD and frequencies, one-way ANOVAs were used for comparisons across the survey years, and bivariate correlations examined relationships among outcomes. Participants\u27 average BMI remained relatively consistent (~27.5–27.9 kg/m2); however, there was a modest but significant weight gain in 2022 compared to the prior survey years (p\u3c0.05 for both years). Average sitting time in 2022 (8.31±3.11 hours/day) was significantly lower than in 2019 (9.35±3.03 hours/day) and 2021 (9.06±3.22 hours/day, p\u3c0.001). Total daily hours of sitting were correlated with current weight (r=0.164), and with changes in weight (r=0.104) (both p\u3c0.001). Depressive disorders (22.6%), high cholesterol (18.1%), hypertension (12.2%), and asthma (12.2%) were the most frequently reported health conditions in 2019, though by 2022 the prevalence of these conditions decreased (depressive disorders=14.3%, high cholesterol=13.1%, hypertension=7.9%, and asthma=9.5%), while arthritis slightly increased. Correlations between stages of change (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) for health behaviors revealed a positive relationship between readiness to obtain a work-life balance and readiness for physical activity (r=0.407), and with readiness for eating healthy (r=0.320) (both p\u3c0.001). Readiness to eat healthy was also correlated with readiness for physical activity (r=0.501), and with readiness to lose weight (r=0.578, (both p\u3c0.001). Additionally, respondents noted a positive relationship between readiness to reduce alcohol use and readiness to reduce tobacco use (r=0.593, p\u3c0.001). Further analyses pertaining to the stages of change for health-related behaviors across the survey years are upcoming. Findings from this multi-year study will be informative to creating targeted worksite wellness programs that support university employees to adopt and maintain health behaviors amid stressors related to work and/or global events
Redefining Independence: An Autoethnographic Journey of Visual Impairment and Advocacy
No full textThis autoethnographic narrative explores the life and experiences of a visually impaired author, reflecting on the impact of disability on personal, educational, and professional development. Autoethnography is a qualitative research method that combines personal experiences with cultural analysis, using self-reflection and storytelling to examine broader social and systemic issues. As a research method, a personal narrative provides lived experience as evidence and perspective into the intersections of disability, identity, and institutional support. By centering my journey, the project highlights the role of advocacy services in promoting disability awareness.
The project focuses on my journey as a client of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). It explores how the agency\u27s support has shaped my identity, sense of independence, and self-advocacy. Through personal reflections, storytelling, and analysis of key experiences, this narrative illustrates the challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a visually impaired individual.
A central theme is the intersection of disability and independence, where I reflect on the empowering shift from seeing my disability as a limitation to embracing it as part of my identity. I also explore how self-advocacy has been a key factor in reclaiming my autonomy, allowing me to navigate challenges more confidently and actively seek the resources and opportunities I need to succeed. Doing so allowed me to advocate for myself in ways that helped me thrive academically and professionally. Self-advocacy became essential in reclaiming my independence and empowering me to take charge of my journey and pursue success on my terms.
The project begins with my introduction to DBVI in high school, detailing the challenges I faced as a young person with a visual impairment and how DBVI\u27s assistance began to shape my life. This includes early exposure to assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, and educational support. It continues to track my journey through undergraduate and graduate school, exploring the evolving role of DBVI as I transitioned into adulthood. By examining case manager interactions, emails, and records, I reflect on how my understanding of disability shifted over time—from seeing it as something to hide or overcome to embracing it as part of my identity.
Ultimately, this autoethnography seeks to provide a meaningful and authentic account of my life as a visually impaired individual, shedding light on how support services like DBVI foster independence, self-advocacy, and personal growth. By reflecting on my experiences, I hope to contribute to a more extensive dialogue about the importance of inclusive practices, disability awareness, and the potential for individuals with disabilities to thrive when provided with the right resources and support. My experiences underscore that disability should not be seen as a limitation to achievement but rather as an aspect of human diversity that, when adequately supported, allows individuals with disabilities to flourish
Multiorganizational Networks and the Role of Goal Fidelity
No full textIntroduction
Multiorganizational governance networks serve a vital function in addressing complex, multifaceted issues, often termed wicked problems (Huxham, 2003; Kapucu et al., 2017; Koliba et al., 2011; Thomson & Perry, 2006). These networks facilitate collaboration among diverse organizations, allowing for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, which are critical in generating innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges (Agranoff, 1991; O\u27Tool, 1997; Provan & Milward, 2001). Despite their potential, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the strategic planning and goal alignment within these collaborative frameworks. Prior research highlights the significance of strategic alignment in achieving network objectives (Bryson et al., 2009; Guo & Acar, 2005). This study aims to deepen the understanding of network dynamics by focusing on the concept of goal fidelity. Goal fidelity refers to the degree of agreement and alignment of goals among network members and is crucial for effective collaboration (Thomson & Perry, 2006).
The proposed Goal Fidelity Theory categorizes different types of goal agreement within collaborative networks and examines their impact on overall network performance. Building of areas of goal alignment and goal congruence (AbouAssi et al., 2023; Bryson, 2022; Vangen & Huxham, 2012). This theoretical framework offers actionable insights for leaders and managers of governance networks, empowering them to cultivate deeper alignments across varying organizational cultures and operational contexts. The connection between goal alignment and network performance can significantly enhance the effectiveness of interventions in addressing societal issues.
Implications for Practice
Understanding goal fidelity can have far-reaching implications for practitioners, including leaders and funders of governance networks. By leveraging this framework, stakeholders can better support network performance and improve collaborative outcomes. The research advocates for a recalibration of how multiorganizational networks are structured concerning the goals of their members. Fostering goal alignment is posited to lead to more effective resolutions in networks, such as those focusing on leader support and community-based challenges.
Future Research Directions
Future research will concentrate on operationalizing the constructs of Goal Fidelity and connecting them to performance measures within varying multiorganizational networks. Notably, an existing proposal anticipates exploring the application of Goal Fidelity in specific contexts, including state-based and regional domestic violence collaboratives, governance networks addressing mental health and justice issues, and community-university collaborations. By examining these frameworks, this research aims to contribute to the fields of public administration, nonprofit management, and strategic governance, ultimately enhancing collaborative efforts to tackle contemporary challenges effectively. By building our understanding and exploring proposed outcomes and potential connection of goal fidelity typologies to collaborative governance networks, the research is position to further help build upon our ability to better support and enhance the probability of success of collaborative multiorganizational network
“The Support Provided isn’t the Support I Need”: Exploring International Graduate Students Academic and Socio-Cultural Experiences
No full textAbstract
International graduate students represent a growing and increasingly significant demographic within U.S. universities, with numbers reaching over half a million in the 2023-2024 academic year, marking an 8% increase from the previous year (IIE, 2024). This demographic brings unique academic, cultural, and professional perspectives that enrich U.S. graduate programs, providing domestic students with global perspectives and enhancing the educational environment. However, international graduate students often face numerous challenges related to academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and socio-emotional well-being (Olagunju et al., 2024). Despite the increasing enrollment of international graduate students, there is a limited body of research focused on understanding their experiences and identifying best practices to improve academic and socio-emotional outcomes. This mixed method study explores the academic and socio-emotional experiences of international graduate students at a predominantly white university in the southern United States, with the aim of offering evidence-based recommendations for improving their overall academic success and well-being.
Through surveys and in-depth interviews with international graduate students enrolled in various programs at the university, this study poses four research questions: (1) What are international graduate students\u27 academic experiences at a large research university? (2) What are international graduate students\u27 socio-emotional experiences at a large research university? (3) What programs and resources do international graduate students report as most important to their academic success? (4) What programs and resources do international graduate students report as most important to their socio-emotional well-being? Previous literature highlights the importance of tailored academic support such as advising, writing centers, and tutoring services in promoting international graduate student success (Weerakkody & Jerez, 2018; Hambrick & Giaimo, 2022). Additionally, socio-emotional well-being is closely linked to the presence of robust social and mental health support systems that address the unique challenges faced by international students, including language barriers, isolation, and cultural adjustment (Minutillo et al., 2020; Lee, 2021). We hope the results of this study help understand the specific academic and socio-emotional barriers faced by international graduate students, such as difficulties with language proficiency, cultural differences, and adjustment to the U.S. academic system (Weerakkody & Jerez, 2018; Olagunju et al., 2024), highlighting the importance of personalized academic advising, peer advising programs, writing centers, and tutoring services as essential for academic success. Further, understanding the challenges related to isolation, discrimination, and stress, which hinder their overall well-being and academic performance (Hyun et al., 2010; Maleku et al., 2021) emphasize the importance of culturally responsive counseling services and mentorship networks in alleviating mental health concerns and facilitating social integration (Wei & Bunjun, 2021; Razgulin et al., 2023). Ultimately, this study aims to provide actionable insights into how U.S. universities can enhance their support structures for international graduate students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures their academic and emotional growth.
This study\u27s findings will contribute to the body of literature on international graduate student experiences and provide practical recommendations for higher education institutions seeking to improve their support systems
Using a User Experience Framework to Improve a Learning Management System Informing the Implementation of Healthy Pantry Practice Initiatives at Food Pantries Within the Virginia Federation of Food Banks
No full textFood pantries are transforming and want to adopt health-focused initiatives that center the needs of increasingly diverse pantry guests. Training opportunities and resources are necessary to support these goals. To introduce Virginia\u27s Healthy Pantry Initiative (HPI)1, a movement guiding pantry to implement more health-focused and neighbor-centered practices, the Federation of VA Food Banks (the Federation) created a Learning Center (LC) to share courses, tools and resources with the state’s food pantries. To inform future development of high-quality courses and resources offered through the LC, a qualitative study assessing user experience within pilot courses across four user-centered design constructs: value, satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness was evaluated.1 A convenience sample of five pantry directors were interviewed with a structured interview informed by a User Experience Framework2 describing their experience with one of three pilot courses. A recruitment email was sent to a select group of pantry directors from the Federation. Pantry directors contacted JMU faculty to enroll in the study and upon enrollment, received a link for a 30-minute Zoom interview and were randomly enrolled in 1 of 3 pilot courses. Participants were asked to review all materials within their assigned pilot course before participating in the Zoom interview. Verbal consent was obtained prior to the participation in this research study. The interview was recorded for the purpose of documenting interactions in real-time. Recording did not begin until each participant granted the researcher permission to be recorded. A script that outlined a structured interview using the User Experience Framework was used to gather participant responses. These interview questions evaluated different constructs within a user-centered design approach, including those that pertain to value, satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness. At the discretion of the researcher, non-structured probing questions were used as a follow-up to relevant phenomena or to encourage the participant to more deeply share their experience. The data was collected and analyzed using a grounded theory approach3 in combination with coding to organize the qualitative data into themes using constant comparative analysis. Pantry directors reported the LC courses provided them with HPI implementation experiences from other pantries, focused on a client-centered approach, was easily navigable and provided a strong framework for pantries beginning their implementation processes. Areas for improvement included the need to reinforce learning with visual components and to improve the editing quality of videos. These data provide an understanding of how to position content and improve the quality of future courses within the LC to support pantry implementation of Healthy Pantry Practices.
References:
VA Food Banks. Food Is Medicine - Federation of Virginia Food Banks. vafoodbanks.org. Published February 1, 2023. Accessed March 27, 2024. https://vafoodbanks.org/programs/food-is-medicine/#:~:text=The%20Healthy%20Pantry%20Initiative%20is
Zarour M, Alharbi M. User experience framework that combines aspects, dimensions, and measurement methods. Park E, ed. Cogent Engineering. 2017;4(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2017.1421006
Chun Tie Y, Birks M, Francis K. Grounded theory research: A design framework for novice researchers. SAGE Open Med. 2019;7:2050312118822927. Published 2019 Jan 2. doi:10.1177/205031211882292