<p> College tuition costs have risen 33% in the past ten years (NCES, 2016a), forcing college administrators to refocus their efforts on student retention in order to stay competitive (Alarcon &amp; Edwards, 2012; Sanders, Daly, &amp; Fitzgerald, 2016; Tinto, 2006). Although universities have implemented support programs to help students in these areas, students are still failing. </p><p> Students with low self-efficacy lack motivation and lack self-regulation skills, putting them at a higher risk of discontinuing. Self-efficacy not only impacts academic performance (Bandura, 1982, 1997; Budescu &amp; Silverman, 2016, Gallagher, Marques, &amp; Lopez, 2016), but it also influences how students handle challenges (Al-Harthy &amp; Was, 2013; Han, Farruggia, &amp; Moss, 2017), impacts their level of self-discipline (Komarraju &amp; Nadler, 2013), and their self-regulation strategies (Chemers, Hu, &amp; Garcia, 2001). </p><p> This quantitative study investigated student perceptions of academic self-efficacy after having experienced academic challenges, defined by academic probation, suspension, or dismissal, during their first year. The relationship between academic probation types was studied in comparison with academic variables: cumulative GPA, academic cohort, and type of academic challenge. </p><p> The sample included undergraduate students from a mid-size, private institution in New England. Participants (<i>N</i> = 724) were emailed a link to a questionnaire consisting of self-rated statements created by the researcher and derived from the General Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer &amp; Jerusalem, 1995). Respondent data (<i>N</i> = 59) was exported to Excel and then SPSS&reg; for analysis. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach&rsquo;s Alpha, a <i>t</i>-test, and one-way ANOVA were conducted. </p><p> Results showed that students who were once academically at-risk demonstrated higher self-efficacy in managing difficult problems, learning new material, feeling motivated to succeed in courses, and havingconfidence in their academic abilities. These students also demonstrated lower academic self-efficacy in their ability to understand difficult course material and choosing to complete optional assignments even if it did not guarantee them a good grade. There was no significant relationship between cohort and academic self-efficacy score. Although not statistically significant, results showed a trend indicating that the higher the cumulative GPA, the higher the academic self-efficacy score. </p><p> These findings may help administrators better understand student academic self-efficacy and tailor support services to help this population.</p><p>

<p> This study investigates the association between athletes&rsquo; emotional intelligence and age, gender, academics, and sport performance. Participants in this study consisted of 181 NCAA Division II athletes from one faith-based university. Results indicate that no relationship between emotional intelligence and age, academics, and sport performance exist. A significant relationship was found when comparing gender to emotional intelligence. Male athletes scored higher than females in overall EI, self-management, and self-awareness. Furthermore, the study found gender was a predictor of GPA. Females had a slightly higher GPA than males. Descriptive statistics are included to show several trends depicted in tables and bar graphs that are identifiable by viewing the tendencies of the means.</p>

<p> This study sought to understand how students who were enrolled in postsecondary education and received support through special education services understand their identity. It was influenced by developmental theories of identity development and the professional interests of this researcher. It utilized narrative theory as conceived by Dan McAdams (1985, 1993, 2001) as both the methodology and a way of conceiving identity. Data was collected through a series of individual interviews. Participants were found to relate their identity as a series of stories. Their conception of self-identity views special education status as a trait, but not one central to their identity. Their families were viewed as central to how they understand their identities. Individuals outside of their families also had a strong impact on how they viewed themselves. Participants view differences as common both inside and outside of the special education population. Participants indicated a desire to help others heightened by their own struggles. Goals were well-articulated and used for self-motivation during times of academic difficulties. All shared negative school experiences unrelated to identity without prompts about the quality of their educations.</p><p>