Set in the context of a statewide research university system, this study attempted to improve our understanding of cognitive skills development among international students. Specifically, this study examined how the patterns and predictors of cognitive skills development among this population differ from their domestic counterparts. The study utilized data from the 2010 University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES). This study identified unique patterns in both cognitive skills development and college experiences among international students. Findings also suggest that some college experiences, such as research engagement with faculty and satisfaction with advising, can possibly facilitate greater gains in cognitive skills among international students. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency remote teaching (ERT) was implemented in the U.S., and some of the most vulnerable college students struggled to adapt. Purpose: The current study sought to understand the experiences and outcomes of undergraduate students enrolled in radiography programs while participating in synchronous online lectures during ERT, especially first-generation students. Specifically, this study focused on students who participated in class lectures that were taught online in a live and synchronous format due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Methods: This study utilized a retrospective and longitudinal design where participants were asked to answer a series of questions retrospectively at two points in time with each question forming a pair. Survey participants were enrolled as students during ERT in 2020 through 2021 and participated in class lectures that were taught online in a live and synchronous format due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Results: Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Spearman Rank-Order tests suggest that ERT has affected the experiences and outcomes of students enrolled in radiography programs, with more pronounced negative effects for first-generation students. Conclusion and Recommendations: The researchers recommend yearly and preventative planning across three academic and administrative areas to include training, support, and technology as essential strategies for delivering remote education, specifically online synchronous lectures, in the context of ERT situations. Strategies in these three areas will keep the academic success of the most vulnerable and underserved college student populations at the forefront during emergency remote teaching scenarios.

Background: Identifying predictors of student success is fundamental across higher education in the United States, particularly for historically underserved first-generation students. In radiologic technology programs, the literature suggests that variables prior to and during matriculation in these programs affects scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination in Radiography. However, the evidence in this area has not considered the educational patterns for first-generation students. Purpose: This study sought to improve our understanding about how select student background characteristics and experiences prior to and during the years enrolled in radiologic technology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) affect scores on the ARRT credentialing examination in radiography, especially for first-generation students. Method: The researchers surveyed graduates from radiologic technology programs in 2018 and 2019 who attempted the radiography credentialing examination in these two years. Results: A total of 286 cases were included in the analysis, which revealed different patterns and effects of predictor variables on credentialing examination scores for first- and non-first-generation students. Whereas 10 variables prior to and during matriculation affected examination scores for first-generation students, only 8 did for their non-first-generation peers. Conclusion: Identifying predictors of success in radiologic technology programs helps professionals in these programs design environments that provide opportunities for students to enhance their chances to be successful on the Radiography exam, especially first-generation students.

Study purpose was to evaluate how select college experiences affect cognitive outcomes among racial/ethnic populations of first-generation students.  A nationwide dataset consisting of the 2006 The Freshman Survey (TFS) and the 2010 College Senior Survey (CSS) was utilized to address the research question.  Findings from this study suggest that select college experiences positively affect cognitive outcomes, but the magnitudes of these effects vary for racial/ethnic subpopulations.