The purpose of this study was to explore, from readily available data, the best predictors of medical claims costs at Ball State University (BSU). Multiple regression equations were developed to predict BSU's medical claims costs from selected demographic and health-related measures among 1,799 BSU employees. The predictors were chosen from data previously collected during the three-year study period: July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1998. Regression equations were developed for the entire BSU population and the high-cost population. The linear composite of number of emergency room visits, number of chronic health problems, gender and age predicted 17.86% of the variation in transformed medical claims costs for the entire BSU population. The linear composite of age, number of emergency room visits and gender predicted 9.95% of the variation in transformed medical claims costs for high-cost BSU employees. Logistic regression, performed on the entire BSU population, did not differentiate low and highcost employees well: only 15.0% of high-cost employees were classified correctly. / Fisher Institute for Wellness

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Expected Family Contribution as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and college student persistence to graduation at Ball State University.The population for this study was defined as 3,772 Ball State University full-time students who matriculated in the fall of 1995. The sample equaled the population. In response to the research question, the sample was divided into five subgroups (Full-Pell, Partial-Pell, No Pell-Need, No Pell-No Need, and No-FAFSA).It was determined that students at Ball State University with greater financial need (Full-Pell and Partial-Pell) persist and graduate at smaller rates than students in the other financial subgroups. In addition, students with high financial need are more likely to academically disqualify than other students. Statistically significant differences existed between the average rates for graduation and academic disqualification, and the graduation and academic disqualification rates for the Full-Pell and Partial-Pell groups. Institutions may need to determine if they are meeting the financial and academic needs of students from low-income families. / Department of Educational Leadership

The purpose of this study was to examine the computer habits and involvement of residential freshmen matriculates at Ball State University to determine if there was a difference in campus involvement levels between students who excessively used the computer for personal or recreational activities and students who did not.The project consisted of 149 non-excessive users (five or less hours per week) and 323 excessive users (more then five hours per week) of the computer for the personal or recreational purposes. Freshmen matriculates were involved in a wide range of opportunities. The higher levels of involvement were from opportunities in Residence Hall, Welcome Week, and UniverCity categories.The findings also indicated that excessive computer users were involved as much as non-excessive users. The amount of time students spent on computers for personal or recreational purposes did not deter students from being involved during their first semester at Ball State University. / Department of Educational Leadership

This dissertation examined the annual Women’s Week events hosted by Ball State’s Women’s and Gender Studies Program. It served to paint a historical picture of how the local Muncie community has been linked with the academic community at Ball State through events about women’s issues. The program began when a group of people wanting to broaden the educational offerings and evolved into an academic program that brings community education related to women’s issues to the Ball State campus. This research used qualitative research interview with four key informants to examine the community links and history of Women’s Week at Ball State University by answering two specific research questions. The participants described their roles in the Women’s Week events from organizing the program to presenting about their lifelong passions. Many of the discussions were fond recollections, but challenges were also brought to light. Presenting relevant topics and maintaining student involvement were two subjects mentioned by the informants. Improvising and long term planning were also emphasized. / Department of Educational Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of customer service in higher education. Student perceptions of customer service were collected and examined through a survey instrument developed for this study. Two-hundred and seven participants completed the survey resulting in a 23% return rate.Freshmen students at Ball State perceive themselves to be customers entitled to a high quality service through both service areas and academic departments of a university. Results from the survey showed that a majority of the students believe they are the most important group of people at a university. In addition, over 90% believe a university's purpose is to serve students. Students reported they have experienced courteous and personalized service in both academic departments and service areas of a university. They also stated that customer service wasequally important in both academic and service areas of a university.When describing positive and negative interactions between faculty and staff, students' responses varied greatly. About half of the respondents reported experiencing positive interactions with both faculty and staff, while the other half, experienced negative interactions with both faculty and staff. When discussing negative interactions with both faculty and staff, some of the common themes included: rudeness, being treated like a child, individuals not knowing their names, and not having time to help them. On the contrary, the common themes with positive interactions included: politeness, being treated with respect, knowing names of the students and helpfulness. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the Ball State University collegiate student organizational structure and determine how leader and manager roles develop, :based on responses that student organizational officers and members provide on the Leadership Questionnaire (Burke, 1988) at two different times during the 1999-2000 academic year. This study also investigated the development process of student officer positions to determine whether transactional (management) or transformational (leadership) is promoted. Using thethe pre- and post-test data, the results showed that those subjects who were members decreased in leadership skill development, while officers increased in leadership skill development during a two month time span. The difference between the two groups was significant at the .064 level. (F (1,23) = 3.79, p = .064) The alpha level was chosen as .10 due to the exploratory nature of the study and the small data history. This data confirms our initial research hypotheses that 1) participation in authority roles develops leadership skills, and 2) those authority roles are experienced as leadership roles. / Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology

This thesis focuses on the academic advising and teaching needs of adult learners. It1 is a qualitative study involving twelve Ball State University adult learners, three academic advisors, three college instructors from different departments, and four Student Affairs administrators from different campus offices. The past research explores demographics of adult learners, academic advising strategies, classroom etiquette, and campus resources. The researcher used observations and interviews in the research design. The information was divided into common themes. The themes were demographics, reasons for returning to higher education, concerns, classroom procedures, advising procedures, and campus resources. The conclusion includes a discussion on adult learner needs on-campus and how to address them. There is also a discussion on the responsibilities of the institution.. Included in the thesis are recommendations for future research. / Department of Educational Leadership

Administration and faculty are now being held accountable for the learning process in educational programs at the institutional level. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare baccalaureate graduates' perceptions of Ball State University School of Nursing's education program and employers' perceptions of those graduates. This study also examined graduates demographic characteristics such as, personal information, education, professional practice, and professional activities. Stufflebeam's (1966) CIPP Model for evaluation was utilized as a theoretical framework. A convenience sample of all graduates of 19881990 one year after graduation and 1986-1987 graduates five years after graduation and employers willing to participate completed the questionnaires and/or demographic sheet. The perceptions of graduates towards Ball State University School of Nursing's educational programs and employers'perceptions towards the graduates were examined in descriptive design.A list of names was received from Ball State University's Alumni Office. Questionnaires were coded and mailed with a cover letter and a stamped, self-addressed envelope.All participants were informed of rights as human subjects and the confidentiality of this study. A cover letter informed subjects of procedures, risks, and benefits. Ball State University's Institutional Review Board granted permission to conduct the study.The findings of this study of one and five year postgraduates lead to the general conclusion that Ball State University's baccalaureate nursing program has been successful. These findings are consistent with those found in the literature. In general, the graduates expressed satisfaction with all aspects of the baccalaureate nursing education.The findings from the instrument to measure employers' perceptions (one and five years after graduation) were positive. Approximately three fourths of employers indicated the graduates functioned at above expected levels in regards to communication, nursing, leadership skills, andprofessionalism. The graduates had a successful transition into practice, and employers were satisfied with the graduates' performances. / School of Nursing

This study investigated the personal medication management practices of some Medicare eligible university retirees and their dependents. This is important since older adults often take multiple medications and are more susceptible to adverse reactions and interactions. The general hypothesis regarding where retirees medications are obtained and their understanding of their use was not supported. Responses to the research questions revealed a higher level of understanding and compliance than previously reported by others. Also, they are unlikely to participate in an employer sponsored educational intervention. This may be related to the educational level of the sample. Suggestions for future research including sample selection, questionnaire wording and scaling are discussed. / Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology

The purpose of the study was to analyze the perceptions of teacher trainees, first and second year practicing teachers, college educators, and public school administrators regarding the effectiveness of the undergraduate teacher preparation programs at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana; and Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The analysis of the programs may possibly be applied to teacher preparation programs in Sierra Leone, West Africa.In the study an attempt was made to discover new concepts and practices and potential approaches that would strengthen the undergraduate teacher preparation programs at Ball State University and Western Michigan University. To secure evidence concerning the existing conditions, the following population was randomly selected.(a) Two hundred teacher trainees, two hundred first and second year practicing teachers, fifty-five college educators, and fifty-five public school administrators from Ball State University.(b) Two hundred teacher trainees, two hundred first and second year practicing teachers, fifty college educators, and fifty public school administrators from Western Michigan University.The questionnaire method for obtaining data was determined to be the proper technique and some direct observation of each program was also made. The sampling included every third person in all four main groups. Based on the number of returned and usable questionnaires,(a) the perceptions of one hundred and sixty-five teacher trainees, one hundred first and second year practicing teachers, fifty-one college educators, and fifty-four public school administrators from Ball State University were tabulated, computed, described and analyzed.(b) the perceptions of seventy-nine teacher trainees, forty-eight first and second year practicing teachers, twenty-two college educators and eighteen public school administrators from Western Michigan University were tabulated, computed, described and analyzed.Significant variables also included sex, professional experience, and teaching/administrative positions.The results of the findings revealed that despite the varied expectations of what constitutes an effective teacher preparation program, a high degree of consensus was obtained among the respondents that most of the activities and practices carried out at Ball State University and Western Michigan University were effective. In most instances, the respondents indicated the items as outstanding and/or above average.Supportive and favorable remarks were expressed for specific programs such as special education programs for the handicapped and the disabled; the TOD programs; the multi-cultural programs; and the adult and continuing education program at Ball State University.Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions were made:1. The instructional programs in terms of the curricular content and instructional strategies or modules were effective.2. The supervisory and other related activities such as classroom observation, testing, grading, communication patterns in the pre-student and student teaching in-service programs were effective.3. The personal relationship between the teaching staff and the students was effective.4. The college policies and administrative procedures were effective.5. The motivation, rewards, and sanctions provided forpersonal and institutional growth were effective.6. The evaluative process in terms of staff and studentratings was effective and consistent in general.7. The total evaluative program in terms of the mechanisms of adaptability and flexibility was effective.8. The teaching, research and public services providedwere effective.Areas of concern that may need some examination were general studies; micro-teaching and laboratory experience; student advising in the area of course selection; the selection process in the pre-student and student teaching stages; activities relating to sensitivity/group dynamics; understanding the relationship with the opposite sexes; learning and respecting other cultures; student involvement in the selection of courses; and, communication patterns between college staff, students and teaching staff and the administrative staff.