Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Phenomenological interviews with senior student affairs officers at Catholic colleges and universities were conducted and analysis attempted to address to what extent student affairs professionals at Catholic colleges implement mission-based programs. The overall purpose of the study was to understand how senior student affairs professionals at Catholic colleges and universities address the postmodern moral relativism of their students. Eight interviews were conducted with senior student affairs officers at Catholic colleges and universities. Each interview lasted approximately an hour and was via phone or video call. All interviews were digitally audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Pseudonyms were used for respondents and institutions to ensure anonymity. After all interviews were completed, phenomenological data analysis was completed. Peer debriefing was utilized to control for bias and identify any ethical considerations of the study. Four themes emerged from the experiences of the participants: students identifying a stronger affinity and identification with the founding religious order of institution over Catholic identity of the institution; a perceived student culture of wholesomeness, not questioning authority, collaboration, and invitation into spiritual or faith experiences; participants held a pronounced sense of vocation or calling to work in student affairs at Catholic institutions; and participants described intentional habits of integrating Catholic identity or religious order charism into policies, practices, and programs.
Recommended Citation
Clary, Joshua Richard, "A Phenomenological Study On The Influence Of Michel Foucault And Cardinal Newman As Experienced By Senior Student Affairs Officers At Catholic Institutions" (2020). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1526.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1526