The Impact of Employment-Sponsored Leadership Programming on College Student SuccessASHLEE TALBOT

RESEARCH IN STUDENT AFFAIRS

APRIL 2015

What is Leadership? LEADERSHIP in this study is defined as an individual’s ability

to make appropriate decisions and engage in socially responsible activities for the accomplishment of a specific goal.

In this sense, the concern is largely on the leadership capacity of an individual, rather than a focus on leadership in a group setting.

Why is leadership important? Character DevelopmentResponsibilityAutonomy

What is the problem? Currently, there is minimal research relative to the

relationship between professional development (leadership) programming offed by an institution and the impact of such programs on a student’s academic success.  

The purpose of this study is to contribute to current research by examining the extent to which professional development programs impact college student success in the classroom and ultimately their experience at and commitment to their institution.  

Why is it important to study this topic? The significance of this research is that it will identify

best practices for institutions to utilize when designing professional development programs for student employees and enable institutions to ensure that such programs contribute to a student’s work and academic success

Why is it important to study this topic? University of Minnesota: Student Employment Leadership Program (SLEP)

Employee workshops Required attendance, resume review, and LinkedIn profile Certificate of Accomplishment, attendance at “SELPies” Recognition Event

University of Texas at Austin: Student Employment Excellence Development (SEED) Employee workshops Offered by Human Resources Student Employee Excellence certification, congratulatory letter National Student Employee Appreciation Week Recognition

Merrimack College: Leadership Institutes Not specifically for student employees Six week leadership institute Certificate of Recognition given at Leadership Banquet

Relevant Literature: Source Types

Scholarly Articles The Review of Higher

Education Journal of College Student

Development Journal of Diversity in Higher

Education New Directions for Student

Services Journal of Education and Work Journal of Student Financial Aid The Journal of Leadership

Studies

Credible Websites Association of College Unions

International (ACUI) Leadership Programing

Merrimack CollegeSalem State UniversityUniversity of Texas at AustinUniversity of Missouri

Relevant Literature: Two Emerging Topics:

Focus on impact of educational leadership development programs (Shen et al., 1999; Campbell, Smith, Dugan, & Komives, 2012)

Effect on-campus employment has on a student’s leadership ability (Huie, Winsler, & Kitsantas, 2012; Salisbury et al., 2012).

Multiple studies have confirmed the positive impact of leadership development sessions, though the results tend to vary by age, gender and academic year (Huie, et al., 2013; Shen et al, 1999; Martinez et al, 2012).

There exists a gap in the literature regarding how participation in leadership programing sponsored by a student’s employer directly relates to a student’s success in the classroom.

Implications for Practice: Session format Presenter (Mentor Relationships)

Students, Staff, Faculty

Specific and measurable learning outcomes Leadership and social independence

There is a greater need for development in students who are employed while in college due to the multiple social, academic, and employment responsibilities in which they must manage their time.

Proposed Study and Methodology

Mixed methods – Quantitative and Qualitative Quantitative – Assessing WHAT educational/work habits currently

exist Pre/Post Survey Individual Session Survey

Qualitative – Assessing WHY certain educational/work habits exist Diverse Focus Group

Final Thoughts:

Why should institutions do? Have an understanding of the demographics and

unique characteristics of their student body Recognize that students are diverse learners and thus

utilize diverse programmingCreate leadership programming with specific and

measurable outcomes relative to academic and work success

Fin.