My name is Joshua Cauble, and I am a doctoral candidate in the Leadership, Learning Design, and Inquiry Department at the University of South Carolina. I am conducting a research study as part of the requirements of my degree in Higher Education Administration, and I would like to invite you to participate.
This study explores how entry-level student affairs professionals experience the transition from graduate school to full-time employment in higher education within the Southeastern United States, as well as how mid-level supervisors influence that transition. If you choose to participate, you will be invited to complete two 60-minute virtual interviews and a brief member-checking meeting approximately 30 days after the final interview.
You will be asked questions about your background, expectations from graduate school, initial professional experiences, supervisory relationships, and future career intentions. You may decline to answer any question that makes you uncomfortable. Interviews will take place via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, based on your preference, and will be audio recorded to ensure accuracy in transcription. Recordings will be reviewed only by the research team and will be destroyed upon completion of the study.
To be eligible, participants must:
- Have completed a master’s degree within higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
- Have 1-3 years of full-time professional experience within student affairs at an accredited college or university.
- Currently be supervised by a mid-level supervisor with 3-5 years of professional experience (usually an Assistant
Director, Associate Director, or Director).
Participation is confidential and study information will be kept in a secure location at the University of South Carolina. The results of the study may be published or presented at professional meetings, but your identity will not be revealed. You will select a pseudonym, and all identifying details (such as names, institutions, or positions) will be removed or altered in transcripts and reports.
I am happy to answer any questions you have about the study. You may contact me at caublej@sc.edu or 336-247-1648,
or my faculty advisor, Dr. Christina Yao, at cy9@mailbox.sc.edu or 803-777-4269.
Thank you for your consideration. If you would like to participate, please email caublej@sc.edu to complete a Participate Interest Questionnaire to confirm your eligibility.
If you have concerns about your rights as a research subject, please contact the University of South Carolina’s Office of Research Compliance at (803) 777-6670.
With kind regards,
Joshua M. Cauble
Doctoral Candidate
University of South Carolina
caublej@sc.edu | 336-247-1648