The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze perceptions of Ball State University students, faculty, administrators, and trustees relative to student participation in university governance. The study was designed to: identify perceptions of each group; determine differences in stated perceptions among components within groups; ascertain the extent and nature of the differences identified; and make recommendations regarding student participation in university governance.A questionnaire, originally developed by Rowe, to examine general principles and specific procedures relating to student participation in university governance was modified and submitted to 723 individuals of the study croup. Useable responses were received from 496 individuals.The data were analyzed by applying a 3 x 2 analysis of variance with both factors considered to be fixed, for questionnaire items one through 16. Simple effects analyses and the Scheffe procedure were used on items one through 16 where appropriate. The chi-square test of independence was applied to questionnaire items 17 through 21. No inferential statistics were used to treat the trustee response data. Only the frequencies of trustee responses to the questionnaire items were reported.Major findings obtained from the study included:1. Students, faculty, administrators, and trustees agreed that:a. student participation in university governance is desirable.b. the present climate which provides opportunities for students to work within the system represents a positive development in higher education.c. the most valid reason for involving students in university governance was that it provides opportunity for students, as citizens of the campus community, to have input into the governance of the university.2. Students, faculty, and administrators agreed that:a. student participation in university governance will result in the emergence of a sense of academic community.b. student membership on the university board of trustees has been favorably received by students.d. the least valid reason for involving students in university governance was that it lessens the probability of student-administrative confrontation.Students, faculty, and administrators were undecided as to whether:a. it is more desirable to err in the direction of over-delegation of responsibility to students than in the direction of under-delegation.b. most of the student participation to date has been granted in response to student pressure.c. currently, students participation in the University Senate is adequate to elicit student input.4. Student, faculty, and administrator participants and non-participants in university governance were undecided as to whether most of the present student participation is little more than token indulgence.5. Student, faculty, and administrator participants in university governance were undecided as to whether collective bargaining would severely hinder the student influence in future academic governance.6. Student, faculty, and administrator non-participants in university governance tended to disagree with the statement that students are recognized as a significant force in influencing the governance of Ball State University.Major conclusions obtained from the study included:1. The extent of student participation in university governance supported by students, faculty, administrators, and trustees is related to the degree of decision-making power each group possesses.2. Persons holding power and decision-making positions are inclined to outwardly support expanding participation by students and faculty in governance while in reality controls and restraints on full participation are exercised through the number of participants involved, the selective withholding or providing of essential information, and strategic timing of issues presented for action.3. Students do not exert a significant force in influencing the governance of an institution.4. Open communication and cooperation among students, faculty, administrators, and trustees is essential for effective student participation in university governance.5. Students must be interested and willing to accept responsibility if student participation in university governance is to be effective.

This study presents the perceptions of media outlets and news consumption habits of a specific audience, the undergraduate student population of Ball State. The perception of credibility, accuracy, and trustworthiness all played important roles in media consumption. This study found little support for the hostile media effect among college students. Many respondents indicated they preferred to get their news in multiple perspectives, rather than just one. Consequently, this study supported the opposing views on hostile media effect in the academic research community. / Department of Journalism

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed betweenhomophobic beliefs and rape myth acceptance in undergraduate students who attendedBall State University. In addition, the effect that gender, organizational affiliation, andClass anding had on these beliefs was measured.The project consisted of 242 undergraduate students who lived in Woody/Shalesand Howick/Williams Halls. The project took place during the spring semester of 2004.The findings indicated that rape myth acceptance (RMA) did correlate with homophobia, and that this correlation was significantly higher in males than in females. The findings also indicated that neither class standing nor group affiliation had a significant effect on either RMA or homophobia. / Department of Educational Studies

This thesis explored the differences between 1981 Ball State University undeclared and declared major matriculates freshmen on selected variables related to persistence. This study did not attempt to make forecasts regarding persistence by the study participants, but rather to serve as a base population from which longitudinal studies examining the relationship between declaration of a major and persistence could be based.Responses to a 60-item questionnaire were tabulated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A cross tabulation program was used in generating frequency and percentage data. In addition, chi square and T-test programs were used in reviewing the statistical significance of the differences.The undeclared and declared students were found to differ significantly in thier responses to the following variables: 1) college attendance by others; 2) influence to attend college; 3) Ball State University attendance; 4) major/occupation selection priority; and 5) vocational and academic expectations and experiences.

The study determined if the hip hop culture influenced the collegiate experience, specifically attitude, socialization, and personal goals. Qualitative research methodology resulted in the use of semi-structured interviews. Participants were traditional undergraduate students who self-identified as listening to hip hop music at Ball State University. Data were collected in January and February of 2006.The hip hop culture influenced the socialization of the student participants. Participant attitude was seldom influenced by the hip hop culture. Mainstream hip hop had minimal influence on the personal goals of students. The hip hop culture was more than music to the undergraduate students; it was a way of life and provided the motivation to pursue an education. / Department of Educational Leadership

This study was designed to collect data that would provide evidence as to what students' expectations of the environment were along with whether these expectations were actually being experienced by students living in the substance-free environment. A systematic sample of 139 students were surveyed who lived in the Students Uniting to Remain Free (SURF) substance-free living environment at Ball State University during the Fall semester of 2001 academic year. Data collection consisted of a survey instrument that had eight three-part questions, 10 demographic characteristic questions, and six student involvement questions.The data revealed that new and returning students living in the SURF hall were very satisfied with their residential experience. The majority of their expectations matched the majority of their experiences. Statistically significant differences between the expectations of new and returning students existed with the following variables: drinking and using drugs outside of the SURF hall, expecting that they would not have to deal with noise and disruptions caused by alcohol usage, living with students who had similar religious ideals and values, expecting the SURF hall to be a quiet study area and expecting and experiencing wellness and healthy lifestyle programs.The growing interest in substance-free housing environments is an area that many Chief Housing Officers and Student Affairs Administrators may want to consider investing more time researching in addition to allocating additional institutional resources in the creation of increased levels of this living environment option. Current expansion of this lifestyle option on campuses across the nation may dictate that for institutions to stay competitive and to meet the needs of the various populations living on their campuses the offering of this lifestyle option may need to increase. Additional research into the academic benefits and long-term retention benefits may be necessary for the development of new programs. / Department of Educational Leadership

There is no abstract available for this dissertation.

The purpose of the study was to examine the status of and perceived barriers to physical activity of Ball State University students. Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants (N = 858) completed a self-report, 27-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses.The results indicated that the participants of this study have exceeded the Healthy People 2010 physical activity objectives for leisure-time physical activity and vigorous physical activity as well as the Health Campus 2010 objective for moderate and vigorous physical activity combined. Commonly reported barriers to physical activity were other priorities, lack of time, too tired, the weather, and other barriers. Being male, living in university housing, being an athlete, and being enrolled in a health-related academic major were all positively associated with participants' vigorous physical activity. Being female, living in university housing, commuting to Muncie, and being a full-time student were all positively associated with participants' increased barriers to physical activity. / Department of Physiology and Health Science

The research was designed to determine the outdoor recreation: activities of 73311 State University students and the reasons influencing their selection. Differences in outdoor recreation activities and the reasons for their selection between male and female students, among freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate students, and according to sex and year of attendance in college were investigated.The sample for the study consisted of 625 Ball State University students living in on-campus housing during the Winter Quarter 1976-77. These students were selected using a proportional random sampling design method. An. outdoor recreation activities questionnaire was mailed to each of the students selected and 69% were returned.The findings of the survey revealed that swimming was the favorite outdoor recreation activity for 85% of Ball State University students. The reason for selecting outdoor recreation activities having the most influence for 87% of Ball State University students was "for satisfaction and enjoyment."Data from the study revealed that outdoor recreation activities selected by Ball State University students are those that require a minimum amount of money, require few special skills, require little time, and require few special facilities for participation. / Department of Natural Resources

There is no abstract available for this dissertation.