1. Inform members of the Division of Student Affairs (and the University as a whole) about the kinds of research being pursued about students,
2. Collaborate on common dilemmas in researching students (particularly related to applying theory to our practice),
3. Help staff members develop skills in program assessment and evaluation, and
4. Assist staff members incorporate research in their decision making for day to day work.

• How do we use data to make decisions, large and small?
• How do the developmental theories we read change our behavior with students?
• As we finish an assessment or research project, what do we do with the information we have collected?
• How does practice inform research and theory?

8:15 a.m.
Welcome from Simone Himbeault Taylor, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
and Director of the Career Center

8:30
Opening Speaker: Patricia Gurin, Ph.D.
Director of Research, Program on Intergroup Relations
Nancy Cantor Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Psychology and Women's Studies

8:50
Outline of the event: Malinda Matney, Ph.D.
Senior Research Associate, Division of Student Affairs

9:00-9:50
Session I: Research and assessment presentations and roundtables

10:00-10:50
Session II: Research and assessment presentations and roundtables

11:00-11:50
Session III: Research and assessment presentations and roundtables

noon-2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Keynote Speaker: Gavin Henning, Ph.D.
Director, Student Affairs Planning, Evaluation, and Research
Dartmouth College

Closing dialogue with University of Michigan Vice President for Student Affairs
E. Royster Harper, Ed.D.

What sessions will be present?
Theory to practice suggests ways we might apply research to day-to-day work with students, and apply our work to research and measurement. This is a list of our sessions, with more detailed descriptions below

• College Student Health at the University of Michigan: Results of the National College Health Assessment and Rackham Health and Wellness Survey
• Using ePortfolios to Demonstrate the Michigan Difference
• Genderism: Transgendered Students, Binary Systems and Higher Education
• Developing Local Models of Students Success at Michigan State University
• 2006 Student Perceptions of North Campus
• Trends in College Students Mental Health: Phase II of the UM College Student Mental Health Survey (CSMHS)
• UHS Health Promotion and Community Relations: CHOICES Journal and Stay in the Blue Campaign- Test for Success
• Life Coaching: A New Student Group Advising Model for Enhancing Student Success and Social Justice Outcomes
• UNIV 120: Learning-Behavior Assessments
• The Hyperreal Res Hall: Television and University Housing
• Does Participation in University Fitness Activities Improve Student Outcomes?
• StudentVoice: DSA Listening and Learning From Students to Impact the Future
• Deconstructing Academic Success Interventions for Under-represented Undergraduates: The Advantage Program, A Non-Cognitive Approach
• Resistance to challenge in under-prepared college freshmen: Avoiding the effects of a high school diet of easy success
• Epistemological Development, Self-Authorship, and the Millennials: Relating Baxter Magolda's Theory to Today's Students

In 2006, two surveys were conducted to investigate University of Michigan student health. The Rackham Health and Wellness Survey surveyed graduate students, and the National College Health Assessment surveyed undergraduates. This program will present findings of both surveys and implications for practice, plus provide an opportunity for questions and answers.

A campus-wide pilot is underway at UM to transform student learning and to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st century knowledge economy. ePortfolios provide a framework for students to identify and integrate what they are learning across the many different interdisciplinary, co-curricular, and community learning opportunities they engage with at the UM. ePortfolios can also be used to guide students in identifying and pursuing academic and career goals, life skills, leadership capacities, and competencies as ethical and global citizens. Early results of the 2006-2007 pilot sites will be shared as well as future plans.

This research initiative examines the operation of binary gender systems as two large, Midwestern universities through the experiences of ten transgender students. Data led to the generation of a definition and characteristics of genderism and its impact related to campus academic experiences, employment, LGBT student organizations, and campus facilities.

This session will provide information on a study that explored factors contributing to students' academic success at Michigan State University. Specifically, the Fall 2003 cohort of students who entered MSU through the College Achievement Admissions Program was examined.

Results from the 2006 Perceptions of North Campus Survey will be presented and discussed in the context of student satisfaction and perceived "quality of life" issues for students who reside or take classes on North Campus. The survey collected data on the following topics: Satisfaction with services, amenities and features on North Campus; use and comfort of North Campus facilities for studying and for socializing; and student likes, needs and wishes regarding North Campus. Responses revealed that while students appreciate the safety and beauty of North Campus, and are generally satisfied with the services and amenities currently available, three key areas of concern remain. First, variety and availability of food and retail options. Second, transportation services, particularly the commuter bus schedules to Central Campus. Third, availability of space for studying and socializing.

This program will explore trends in college student mental health that may be emerging by comparing data from the two phases of the CSMHS. New areas of inquiry will also be described including internet use, trauma, and self-injury behaviors. Discussion will be facilitated on what these trends may mean for student affairs professionals and how this data can be used to inform our work with students.

Health Promotions and Community Relations recently sought to revise print materials for two student-targeted programs, the CHOICES Journal and the Stay in the Blue Campaign. Our presentation will include descriptions of each campaign, how we went about developing the print materials, and how we tested the materials before and after distribution through surveys and focus groups. Included in our presentation will be the critical elements for successful surveying and focus group testing, such as sample size data collection methods. Other participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about our specific methods, and then the table will open for discussion as to how these methods may be applied to other programs through various departments.

In 2006-2007, staff and students at MSU participated in a coaching initiative intended to integrate academic, personal, career and social justice goals. Trained in coaching techniques, advisors launched a new coaching relationship with students. We provide an overview of the coaching method, review initial data, and discuss the implications of coaching in student advising.

This course provides academic counseling in the classroom. Participants will learn the structure by discussing the following tools: Syllabus, Course Work Learning-Behavior Scale, and Problematic Learning-Behavior Type Indicator. The goal of the course is to assist with needed behavioral changes. The effectiveness of the course will be presented.

A presentation of a qualitative study of television images of university housing, particularly residence halls. We wish to explore this aspect of the simulated reality of college life students see for years before becoming residents at our institutions. We believe it is important for us as housing professionals to familiarize ourselves with and discuss these images that may be informing our residents' expectations.

We study whether student participation in fitness activities affects their attitudes towards alcohol and tobacco use, academic performance, and inclusiveness. This presentation contains preliminary results from a 2007 survey of Michigan State University students. Implications for University decisions on investment in fitness/wellness facilities and programs are discussed.

The Division of Student Affairs is actively engaged in fostering students' learning and efficacy through their engagement with the Division's collective offerings. To more fully understand the Division's impact on students, assessment initiatives have become a more integral part of Divisional work. To support assessment efforts within Divisional units and Division-wide initiatives, StudentVoice is a tool that has been introduced to facilitate a more seamless process. This program will showcase StudentVoice tools, as well as sample assessments that have been conducted to better inform the Division of Student Affairs' practice and planning.

This session will provide information on the relationship between academic achievement and psycho-social development of under-represented students at Michigan State University. Specifically, assessment data on The Advantage Program will be presented and discussed.

College freshmen, including those with admirable high school academic records, are frequently under-prepared for or seemingly surprised by the rigors of college. Using Dweck's motivation framework, this study proposes strategies to enhance students' motivation to accept academic challenge and survive and prosper in University 101 and the first year of college.

This program will give an overview of Marcia B. Baxter Magolda's Theory of Epistemological Development, and discuss how she defines her work and the basic theories she draws about cognitive development. Then we will relate this to her research to how student affairs professionals have used the theory in the past. Finally we will discuss the implications for Millenial Generation and how the opportunities for further research on this topic. A discussion of current programs or ideas of participants will follow the presentation.