A First Year Students Struggle with Identity

Case Analysis Two

Presented By: Jennifer Bermudez, Julie Gabella & Lauren Hoffmann

Actors

Kevin- Director of Residence Life Susan- First year, undeclared major, first-generation student Jenna- Sophomore, Susans roommate, executive member of the
Catholic Students Association

Essential Facts

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Sharon- Resident Assistant Joseph- Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Fionna- Director of the Student Counseling Service

Scholarship

Alternatives

Course of Action

Jack- College President

References

Actors

Residential, liberal arts institution

3,000 students Surrounding town is wealthy and conservative Strong academic culture Many students pursue advance degrees after graduation New scholarships are shaping a more diverse student population

Essential Facts

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Scholarship

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Actors

Immediate
Essential Facts

What is the appropriate action for addressing Susan and Jennas roommate conflict? Short-term What is the best way to support Susan academically, mentally, and emotionally for the remainder of the semester? Long-term

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Scholarship

What is the best way to help Susan address the confusion surrounding her sexual identity and to help her understand and value her sexual identity?
Do we need to address the campus culture that appears to be conservative and openly homophobic?

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Actors

Is Myers College religiously affiliated, and if so, how closely? Does the school have an official stance about LGBT issues and/or is the campus culture supportive of LGBT students? Is the President open to having an inclusive institution or is he more interested in protecting the colleges reputation?

Essential Facts

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Scholarship

Are there University policies related to hate speech or

discriminatory comments, roommate conflicts, and room changes? What, if anything, is Susan involved in outside of academics?

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Actors

Myers College is private and not religiously affiliated

Essential Facts

The college culture reflects the values of the town. Myers is a collegial institution Susans family is Hispanic and Catholic

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Scholarship

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Actors

Kohlberg
Moral Development

Essential Facts

Decision Issues

Schueler
LGBT community support

Missing Information

Assumptions

Cass
LGBT identity theory

Scholarship

Alternatives

Astin
Student involvement theory

Course of Action

Res Life Policies

References

Immediate Decision Issue

Actors

Immediate

Mediate the Situation Between

Essential Facts

Susan and Jenna

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Pros
Would not have to move either student Could repair the friendship

Cons
Could cause more conflict, not less or just a stale mate

Assumptions

Scholarship

Could help Jenna be more accepting of differences Teach them conflict resolution skills

Jenna or Susan could feel targeted, make them defensive

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Kohlberg & Residence Life Policies

Immediate Decision Issue

Actors

Immediate

Follow-up with Susan and Jenna

Essential Facts

Over the next couple weeks

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Pros
Can help either to reach closure about the specific conflict Susan could see the follow-up effort as supportive of her need to explore her sexual identity

Cons
Could rehash the situation and open the wounds all over again

Assumptions

Scholarship

Jenna could feel the need to defend her beliefs and her actions

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Kohlberg, Schueler, & Residence Life Policies

Short Term Decision Issue

Actors Essential Facts

Short Term

Encourage Susan to get Support through Campus and Community Resources

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Pros
She has a professional venue to work through the roommate conflict, the apparent lack of familial support, and her sexual identity exploration

Cons
It could cost money, so Susan may not be able to continue over a certain number of sessions May not have transportation or community resource may be to far away

Assumptions

Scholarship

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Schueler & Cass

Short Term Decision Issue

Actors

Short Term

Establish a campus-wide
Essential Facts

LGBT/ Ally Organization

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Pros
Creates a safe space for LGBT friendly people, including Susan, to explore issues surrounding sexual and gender identity Connects students to other institutional members who could serve as role models and mentors

Cons
University might not support this organization

Assumptions

Scholarship

Center and members would be out and could be targets for harassment or assault
Alumni could decide to pull future donations if they disagree with supporting LGBT related endeavors

Alternatives

Course of Action

References

Schueler & Astin

Long Term Decision Issue

Actors Essential Facts

Long Term

Assess the Campus Climate and Culture

Decision Issues

Are current student services meeting the needs of LGBT students? What are current attitudes and perceptions about expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity? Do LGBT students feel supported and valued on campus? Pros
Could point to needed resources, such as those for first-generation and/or minority students Myers College would know what is going well and what needs improvement

Missing Information

Cons
Will show all the faults; Myers needs to be willing to own the data

Assumptions

Scholarship

Alternatives

Course of Action

Could lead to changes in University policies and language-use

References

Schueler & Astin

Long Term Decision Issue

Actors

Long Term

Establish an LGBT Center or Office

Essential Facts

Engage in advocacy across campus to encourage campus constituents to be more accepting of alternative sexual orientations

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Pros
Provide advocacy, safe space, information/ resources Visual representation of the institution supporting and accepting LGBT students Could provide programming and training

Cons
Could become a target of vandalism

Assumptions

Scholarship

Alternatives

School could provide no funding, limited staffing, or small physical space, which could be seen as mere lip-service

Course of Action

References

Schueler & Astin

Actors

Immediate
Essential Facts

Mediate Follow up Short-term Susan continues to seek out supportive resources Kevin and allies build support for an LGBT/Ally organization

Decision Issues

Missing Information

Assumptions

Scholarship

Long-term
Alternatives

Campus assessment

Course of Action

LGBT organization, Center and/or Office

References

Actors

Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., & Renn, K. A. (2010). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Kretovics, M. A. (2011). Business practices in higher education: A guide for todays

Essential Facts

Decision Issues

Missing Information

administrators. New York: Routledge.

Assumptions

Schueler, L., Hoffman, J. & Peterson, E. (2009). Fostering Safe, Engaging Campuses

Scholarship

for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Students. In S. R.

Harper & S. J. Quaye (Eds.), Student engagement in higher

Alternatives

education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse

Course of Action

populations (pp.61-79). New York: Routledge.

References

Questions?