Published by De Gruyter

Volume 10 Issue 4

April 2009

Issue of Journal of College and Character

Contents
Journal Overview

Best Practices

Open Access April 1, 2009

University for Diversity: A Case Study

Jeffery Pickens, Judith Bachay, Larry Treadwell

Page range: 1-16

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Abstract

A study of a university diversity initiative that trained faculty to create and teach interdisciplinary “diversity courses” resulted in significant student gains on a pre-/post questionnaire assessing multicultural awareness and skills, as well as increased ethnic identity development as measured using the Multi Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). Qualitative analyses revealed that college students attending a multicultural institution with a dedicated mission of promoting diversity, perceived themselves as better prepared for entering a multicultural work place. This study demonstrates one model for stimulating faculty and students to increase discussion of diversity issues in the curriculum as they prepare for working in diverse communities.

Ethical Issues on Campus

Open Access April 1, 2009

What Should We Be Doing to Reduce or End Campus Violence?

Jason A Laker

Page range: 1-2

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Abstract

Over the last several years, there have been a number of high-profile incidents of violence on college and university campuses. These have precipitated discussions and new initiatives on campuses and within our professional organizations intended to prevent and respond to violence.

Invited Featured Article

Open Access April 1, 2009

The Principles of Strengths-Based Education

Shane J Lopez, Michelle C Louis

Page range: 1-8

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Abstract

Doing what we do best leads to high levels of engagement and productivity. Educators who capitalize on their strengths daily help students do what they do best by developing a strengthsbased approach to education. The principles of strengths-based education include measurement, individualization, networking, deliberate application, and intentional development. Through a parallel process, educators practice the principles of strengths-based education when advising and teaching while students learn to put their strengths to work in learning and social situations.

Open Access April 1, 2009

Character Strengths: Research and Practice

Nansook Park, Christopher Peterson

Page range: 1-10

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Abstract

Character strengths are the foundation of optimal life-long development and thriving. Good character is not a singular thing but rather plural—a family of positive traits shown in one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This paper provides an overview of the Values in Action (VIA) project, which classifies and measures 24 widely-recognized and valued strengths. Research shows that character strengths are linked to important aspects of individual and social well-being, although different strengths predict different outcomes. This paper discusses ways to recognize and cultivate character strengths, within the context of a strengths-based approach to education and personal development. Character matters, and cultivating its components should be an important goal for all.

From the Editors

Open Access April 1, 2009

Who Bails Out Our Moral Bankruptcy?

Jon C Dalton, Pamela C Crosby

Page range: 1-2

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Abstract

The current economic crisis raises many ethical questions about the moral motivations and behaviors of people caught up in the unbridled financial markets of the past decade.

Opinions and Perspectives

Open Access April 1, 2009

The Fragmented Generation

Scott Seider, Howard Gardner

Page range: 1-4

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Abstract

We propose “The Fragmented Generation” as an appropriate moniker for America’s current generation of young adults. The authors consider how the historical and technological contexts in which these young people have come of age have contributed to the generation’s fragmented nature. Wikipedia, the open source encyclopedia, provides a metaphor for considering the characteristics of young Americans in comparison to those of previous generations.

Open Access April 1, 2009

College and Character: What Did Confucius Teach Us About The Importance of Integrating Ethics, Character, Learning, and Education?

Rita Mei-Ching Ng

Page range: 1-7

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Abstract

Recent news reports of personal greed, corporate failures, and government bailouts are evidence of a nation’s moral character in peril. Wall Street has been blamed for much of the financial crisis as a consequence of the impudent business decisions that were made and moral considerations that were ignored. Business executives seemed to be looking out only for themselves, and, in doing so, they put aside moral accountability and social responsibility. What happened to the conscience of these decision-makers? It appears that the present economic meltdown is not only financial in nature, but represents also moral and ethical failures. For America to have a sustainable future, those of us working in higher education must do more to promote and support the development of ethical values in our students.

Peer Reviewed Article

Open Access April 1, 2009

Radical Ethical Commitments on Campus: Results of Interviews with College-Aged Vegetarians

Ben Merriman, Sarah Wilson-Merriman

Page range: 1-10

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Abstract

This study examined the ethical development and commitments of campus radicals, drawing from extended, semi-structured interviews with 22 ethical vegetarian students at a large public university. The results of the interviews suggest that participants in the study are ethically precocious, sustaining a range of mature, pluralistic ethical commitments while still in college. Students often feel out of place on campus as a result of these commitments; they feel misunderstood by peers, unchallenged in the classroom, and underserved by campus administration. The study, which utilized Perry’s scheme of development (1999), concludes with suggestions for faculty and administrators that might better integrate politically progressive students into the campus community.

Open Access April 1, 2009

Perceptions of Values at a Public Research University

Cheryl Brown Lilly, Robert Schwartz

Page range: 1-14

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of institutional values at a public research extensive institution. Students were asked to respond to the Character Education Values and Practices Inventory (CEVPI, Chen, 2005). In this study, input refers to student characteristics at the time of entry to the institution as in Astin’s (1993) input-environment-outcome (I-E-O) model. Environment referred to the programs, policies, faculty, peers, and educational experiences to which the students were exposed, and outcome referred to student’s values as shaped by exposure to the environment. Among undergraduates, the values, independent and ambitious were ranked the highest from a list of 43 possible choices.

Spirituality on Campus

Open Access April 1, 2009

Development of a Spiritually-Sensitive Intervention for College Students Experiencing Spiritual Struggles: Winding Road

Maria R Gear, Elizabeth J Krumrei, Kenneth I Pargament

Page range: 1-5

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Abstract

A team of graduate students and a faculty member of clinical psychology interested in spiritually-sensitive psychotherapy conceived of and developed "Winding Road," which is an intervention that targets an underserved aspect of college students' lives: spiritual struggles.

Students' Reflections on Moral Conflicts in College

Open Access April 1, 2009

A Thoughtful Call for Higher Moral Standards, Courtesy of Playboy Magazine

Amanda C Weldy

Page range: 1-3

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Abstract

The author points to the wisdom of Jimmy Carter in recognizing that thoughts lead to action and his courage in saying so.

What They're Reading

Open Access April 1, 2009

Civic Engagement in Higher Education: Concepts and Practices

Liesa Stamm

Page range: 1-5

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Abstract

Civic Engagement in Higher Education is a timely publication because it focuses higher education's attention once more on a topic that many of us have long thought as central to the mission of American colleges and universities.

About this journal

As of January 2015, JCC is published by Taylor & Francis. Please visit the following link to view the journal. http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ujcc20#.VO98hy4w0Xg