University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
Assessing the of Needs and Campus Involvement of LGBTQ Students at EKU
Presenter Hometown
Richmond
Major
Social Work
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Erin Stevenson
Mentor Department
Other
Recommended Citation
powell, Chase J., "Assessing the of Needs and Campus Involvement of LGBTQ Students at EKU" (2024). University Presentation Showcase Event. 10.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2024/graduate/10
Abstract
The goal of this research project was to assess the needs of LGBTQ students at EKU. The leading questions in this investigation were twofold: 1) What resources and programs do LGBTQ EKU students need? 2) How well are EKU's current programs and resources fulfilling students' needs? The IRB-approved study used focus groups to explore these questions with students.
Participants were recruited through campus email and provided a link to a short questionnaire about the research study. Inclusion criteria for participation were identifying as LGBTQ, enrolled at EKU, and willingness to participate in a confidential focus group. Participants had the option of virtual or physical (in-person) focus groups. The virtual sessions were recorded with audio and visuals, while physical focus groups only had audio recordings. The focus group data were transcribed with all identifying information redacted. The qualitative data were analyzed using grounding theory which follows a coding process that begins with open coding, followed by axial coding. The final step in the grounding theory process is selective coding.
Initial findings from the coded focus group data provide insights into a variety of supports LGBTQ students identified as being important to them. These supports included educational training/courses, access to safe spaces, and better representation of diverse gender identities. Though EKU has some resources and programs in place for LGBTQ students, these focus groups highlight areas where EKU could work to add, improve, and expand access to LGBTQ supportive programs and resources.
Presentation format
Poster
Assessing the of Needs and Campus Involvement of LGBTQ Students at EKU
The goal of this research project was to assess the needs of LGBTQ students at EKU. The leading questions in this investigation were twofold: 1) What resources and programs do LGBTQ EKU students need? 2) How well are EKU's current programs and resources fulfilling students' needs? The IRB-approved study used focus groups to explore these questions with students.
Participants were recruited through campus email and provided a link to a short questionnaire about the research study. Inclusion criteria for participation were identifying as LGBTQ, enrolled at EKU, and willingness to participate in a confidential focus group. Participants had the option of virtual or physical (in-person) focus groups. The virtual sessions were recorded with audio and visuals, while physical focus groups only had audio recordings. The focus group data were transcribed with all identifying information redacted. The qualitative data were analyzed using grounding theory which follows a coding process that begins with open coding, followed by axial coding. The final step in the grounding theory process is selective coding.
Initial findings from the coded focus group data provide insights into a variety of supports LGBTQ students identified as being important to them. These supports included educational training/courses, access to safe spaces, and better representation of diverse gender identities. Though EKU has some resources and programs in place for LGBTQ students, these focus groups highlight areas where EKU could work to add, improve, and expand access to LGBTQ supportive programs and resources.
