From 1990 to 2000, Oregon community colleges experienced a shift in their revenue sources from primarily local taxes to primarily state funding. Additionally during this time Oregon approved term limits for state officials and legislators. In preparation for the 2001-2003 biennial Legislative session, the community colleges pursued new approaches to securing an increase in state funding, which included a single funding request, the first pledge of unity among the community colleges and a trust-building process with the governor. This study followed the budget development processes for Oregon community colleges in preparation for and during the 2001-2003 legislative session. Interviews, observations and primary source materials were used by the researcher to describe the budget processes from the initial community college discussions through the enactment of the community college budget by the legislature. The governor was found to have the most significant influence in providing for the community college request for increased funding. The legislature was found to have less influence in providing increased revenue for community colleges. The governor, as part of his state budget, forwarded a request to the legislature for a $45 million increase for community colleges. The unity of community colleges in supporting one proposal during the session was found to have several positive impacts. Although community colleges received an increase in state funding, the funding formula for community colleges resulted in differentiated funding for each of the 17 Oregon community colleges. An epilogue provides a chronology of significant changes in state revenues, of special legislative sessions and of changes in community college funding after the enactment of the 2001-2003 community college budget. / Graduation date: 2003

This study used a mixed method approach (quantitative and qualitative) to examine the commonalities and differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants of the Even Start Family Literacy Program. Using a life course perspective, this study examined the educational background and life history of Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants, their reasons and goals for program participation, and changes experienced due to Even Start participation. The sample for the qualitative analysis consisted of 32 Hispanic and 25 non-Hispanic female participants. Quantitative latent growth curve analysis was conducted on 96 (75 Hispanic and 21 Non-Hispanic) participants to measure change over time and to estimate the differences in rate of change between Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants. Results of this study indicate that wide commonalities yet vital differences exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants. Poverty was the significant determinant factor in Hispanic as well as non-Hispanic participants' school failure. The experiences and implications of poverty, however, varied for Hispanic and non- Hispanic parents. The reasons and goals for Even Start participation were to achieve self-sufficiency for Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents. Achieving self-sufficiency involved acculturation to the American society for Hispanic participants. For non- Hispanic parents achieving self-sufficiency involved attaining GED and getting off of welfare. No effect of ethnicity was identified on the five outcome measures quantitatively examined in this study, which include knowledge of child development, parenting confidence and support, depression, self-esteem, and life skills. Initial differences existed between Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants in knowledge of child development and life skills, with non-Hispanic participants reporting higher knowledge of child development and greater life skills. Non-Hispanic participants, however, did not make greater gains than their Hispanic participants after being in the program. Qualitative results indicate that skills gained by Hispanic participants helped them acculturate in the American society, whereas for non-Hispanic participants the program helped achieve a sense of purpose and direction in life and create a better life for themselves and their family. / Graduation date: 2003

Myxobolus cerebralis, a myxozoan parasite of salmonids, is the causative agent of whirling disease. The parasite is considered widespread throughout northeastern Oregon in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha River basins where threatened and endangered salmonid populations exist. The work presented in this thesis comprises several studies that assess the effects of M. cerebralis on resident and anadromous salmonids in Oregon. Laboratory challenges to determine the susceptibility of indigenous Deschutes River, Oregon, salmonids to M. cerebralis were conducted as part of a study to assess the risk of reintroducing anadromous salmon above a migration barrier on that river. This study was the first to assess the susceptibility of kokanee salmon Oncorhynchus nerka to M. cerebralis, and results contribute to the understanding of salmonid susceptibility as it relates to species and age. Further, this study demonstrates that the indigenous salmonids present in the river are susceptible to infection, but resident rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss would be most at risk should introduction of M. cerebralis occur in this system. The susceptibility of chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha to M. cerebralis was assessed following laboratory challenges at different ages to different parasite levels. Results from this study indicate that chinook salmon are more resistant to M. cerebralis infection than susceptible rainbow trout; resistance to disease developed in chinook salmon exposed after 3 weeks of age. Sustained exposures to a low parasite dose were performed to model the conditions chinook salmon would encounter in a natural exposure. Following continuous exposure to low parasite densities, chinook salmon were very resistant to infection and disease. Managed populations of chinook salmon and steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles are held in acclimation facilities on their natal streams before release to commence their seaward migration. Rainbow trout fry were held at each of the acclimation facilities to detect the presence of M. cerebralis and to assess the prevalence of exposure during the acclimation period. Results from these exposures indicate that the Wallowa acclimation facility is a high-risk site for parasite exposure of steelhead juveniles. Further, detection was confirmed in several rivers and streams where the presence of M. cerebralis has been suggested. Finally, a preliminary study on the effect of M. cerebralis on survival of steelhead juveniles upon transfer to saltwater was conducted. Results from this study indicate that M. cerebralis exposure and infection may increase mortality among juvenile steelhead during saltwater adaptation. / Graduation date: 2003

Americans perceive renters as less interested and less vested in their residences than owner-occupants. These perceptions stem in part from historical and current day promotion of the homeownership tenure norm. Although this has achieved its main goal, that of reinforcing owner occupancy as the societal tenure norm, it has also encouraged bias against renters and non-owner occupied dwellings. Maintenance of rental units is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. One might expect landlords to exert approximately the same amount of upkeep effort towards their rental property investments as they would towards their own residence. Maintaining the homes in good condition would protect their investment from devaluation. The first objective was to determine what pre-established perception, if any, Corvallis residents have of non-owner occupied residences. The second was to identify relationships between the selected characteristics and the exterior condition of single-family residences. The characteristics analyzed were: 1) Tenure (of the residents), 2) Age of the structure, 3) Condition of neighboring residences (Neighborhood Condition), 4) A Maintenance Management Factor and, 5) Proximity of Owner (to the residence). The final objective was to ascertain if renter occupied homes were more likely than owner occupied to possess those predisposing characteristics that make a dwelling more susceptible to decline. Three residential dwelling characteristics were identified as having an influence on the exterior condition of single-family homes in Corvallis. These were Tenure, Age of Structure and Neighborhood Condition. Non-owner occupied residences, older dwellings, and units in poor condition neighborhoods tended to have poor quality exterior conditions themselves. Of the three the only characteristic predisposed to decline linked to rental residences was Tenure. Although the chi-square and ANOVA test results relate neighborhood condition and age to exterior conditions of dwellings, the results also suggest that a rental home is not more likely than an owner occupied home to be older or to be located in a poor condition neighborhood Identification of residential characteristics that predispose a dwelling to decline could benefit renters and owners of rental properties. The outcomes could assist in the development of policies that provide financial support and/or education to owners of homes that possess those characteristics. Renters would benefit if the policies would encourage improved quality of rental dwellings. / Graduation date: 2002

This study utilized a qualitative approach to explore how Healthy Start home visiting services affect participants' parenting and lives in general. The purpose of this study was to explore both the intended and unintended outcomes of Healthy Start, using the theory of transformative learning. This theory postulates that through education individuals examine their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. This self-examination results in changes in self-perception that can impact lives in many unexpected ways. Through interviews with 20 families, who had participated in Healthy Start for at least 6 months, families reported both anticipated and unanticipated changes in their lives. It was found that Healthy Start influences a variety of positive outcomes for families. Previous quantitative findings were supported. According to the parents interviewed, Healthy Start is achieving its intended outcomes and goals. Parents reported greater ability to access health care services, improvements in their home learning environment, and improved interactions with their child. Parents also indicated increased knowledge of child development and community resources. Findings also provided support for the occurrence of transformative learning. Interviewed parents indicated that their involvement with Healthy Start impacted more than just their parenting. Through a supportive relationship and goal setting, the participants were able to reach beyond basic parent education. The interviews suggest that the mechanism for transformative learning lies in the supportive, non-threatening relationship that develops between parent and home visitor. This supportive relationship, in addition to guided goals setting, enhances a parent's feelings of self-efficacy and increases their ability to make life changes and persist in the face of challenges. Parents reported improved relationships with others, increased feelings of confidence, and the ability to accomplish otherwise unattainable things. / Graduation date: 2002

Graduation date: 1967

Oregon educational reform efforts are moving ahead with the support of legislation, business and industry, and education. There has been little apparent consideration given to the readiness of tenth graders to make career choices even though the research in the area of career maturity indicates that students at this period in their career development are not prepared to make mature career choices. This study examined the perceptions of selected eleventh graders, parents, and teachers of the factors that influenced the students' readiness to make their career choices. The perceived factors found by each participant included: experience and information, interest in the career area, and personal values. Students and parents identified the need for personal satisfaction. Students and teachers identified skills and abilities. Students, solely, identified the importance of parental support as a factor in their readiness. The factors were comparable to those found in current literature on career maturity and career choice. However, the emphasis placed on certain factors was in contrast to the literature. Participants emphasized the importance of work experience in the area of career choice. Students did not find value in career education classes. They wanted career experiences to provide individualized career information. Each student discussed television as a means of obtaining career-related information. Students stressed the essential nature of positive parental support. This study showed a strong connection between the self-described self-concept of the student, perception of parental support, and career choice readiness. The participants believed that the students were ready to make individual career choices. However, this readiness was presented within the boundaries that students be allowed the flexibility to change their minds at any point in the process, without penalty. Further research was indicated in relation to: the importance of television as a means of obtaining career-related information; the link between self-concept, perception of parental support, and career choice; and the need to examine current approaches to career development and guidance practices in light of educational reform mandates. / Graduation date: 1997

This work examined the importance of structural complexity of habitat, availability of prey, and competition with ants as factors influencing the abundance and community composition of arboreal spiders in western Oregon. In 1993, I compared the spider communities of several host-tree species which have different branch structure. I also assessed the importance of several habitat variables as predictors of spider abundance and diversity on and among individual tree species. The greatest abundance and species richness of spiders per 1-m-long branch tips were found on structurally more complex tree species, including Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco and noble fir, Abies procera Rehder. Spider densities, species richness and diversity positively correlated with the amount of foliage, branch twigs and prey densities on individual tree species. The amount of branch twigs alone explained almost 70% of the variation in the total spider abundance across five tree species. In 1994, I experimentally tested the importance of needle density and branching complexity of Douglas-fir branches on the abundance and community structure of spiders and their potential prey organisms. This was accomplished by either removing needles, by thinning branches or by tying branches. Tying branches resulted in a significant increase in the abundance of spiders and their prey. Densities of spiders and their prey were reduced by removal of needles and thinning. The spider community of needle-sparse branches was dominated by orb weavers (Araneidae), whereas tied branches were preferably colonized by sheet-web weavers (Linyphiidae and Micryphantidae), and nocturnal hunting spiders (Anyphaeilidae and Clubionidae). Spider species richness and diversity increased in structurally more complex habitats. In 1994 and 1995, I excluded foraging Camponotus spp. ants from canopies of sapling Douglas-fir. Biomass of potential prey organisms, dominated by Psocoptera, increased significantly by 1.9 to 2.4-fold on the foliage following ant exclusion. Hunting spiders, dominated by the Salticidae, increased significantly by 1.5 to 1.8-fold in trees without ants in the late summer. The exclusion of ants did not affect the abundance of web-building spiders. Documented aggressive behavior of aphid-tending ants suggests interference competition between hunting spiders and ants. / Graduation date: 1996

An investigation was conducted to determine the impact of economic and non-economic factors on the off-farm work efforts of Oregon farm husbands and wives. A total of 283 Oregon farm households (with husbands and wives) were randomly selected from lists of persons deferring taxes for farm purposes, obtained from County Assessors' offices in each of eight randomly selected counties. Counties with larger number of farms had a higher probability of being selected. Data came from an Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station study conducted during 1988-89. The empirical findings from the maximum likelihood Tobit model showed plausible directional impacts. Off-farm wage rate, the basis of a reduced labor supply model, was the key variable in explaining off-farm work. Wives' off-farm work response to off-farm wage was more elastic when compared to husbands' off-farm work. Additional significant variables to affect either or both husbands' and wives' total off-farm work were total farm debt, husband's age, education, urban/rural location of farm, net farm income, age-square, farm life satisfaction, and total family income before tax. Education was positively related to off-farm work only for wives. Results also indicate that high levels of net farm income as well as farm debt reduce the likelihood and extent of off-farm work. The location of the farm closer in proximity to metropolitan areas, was a significant factor in increased off-farm work hours. Farm life satisfaction was negatively significant for both wives and husbands. The effect of farm life satisfaction was more prominent for wives than for husbands. Total family income was significant and negatively related to wives' off-farm work but not husbands, indicating that women may be more sensitive to a choice for leisure or household work and the motivation for husbands' off-farm work may be higher. Despite a substantial incidence of low profitability and low farm income from farming and some unhappiness and hard work, these farmers generally reported a high level of satisfaction with their farming operations. Any policy implications based on the findings of this study must be cautiously interpreted based on farm types and the work motivation of farmers in Oregon. / Graduation date: 1996

Community colleges have long been thought of as the "people's college." For some thirty years, Oregonians have looked to their 16 community colleges as the less expensive, more accessible route to a college education. Oregon's community colleges have traditionally had the broad mission of providing comprehensive educational opportunities to all adults who can profit from the instruction. This foundation of open access, however, has recently been challenged. Issues in Oregon's social, political, and economic environments the past few years have resulted in substantial financial pressure on the community colleges. This situation has prompted many Oregon community college leaders to make tough operational decisions. Rightsizing strategies encompassing all budget categories have been extensive across the state. In many cases, community college leaders have been able to manage decline successfully, maintaining the institution's broad mission. In other cases, however, leaders have selected strategies in direct conflict with the stated mission of open access. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consistency between the rightsizing behavior of Oregon's community college leaders and the community college mission of open educational access. The study employed a Tylerian objective-oriented evaluation methodology as a theoretical framework. In general, this approach compares the consistency between expected behaviors based on stated goals and demonstrated behaviors as measured via survey instrumentation. Frequency and statistical analyses were employed to address specific research questions developed to guide the study. Overall, there were substantial findings supporting the conclusion that Oregon community college leaders, in both past and planned rightsizing behaviors, were acting consistently with the mission of open educational access. / Graduation date: 1996