Preferred Name
Cannie Graham
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
ORCID
0009-0005-1202-1241
Date of Graduation
5-15-2025
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
School of Music
First Advisor
Stephanie Crockett
Abstract
This dissertation addresses the increasing need to enhance crisis preparedness among student affairs practitioners in higher education. With the growing frequency and complexity of campus crises—ranging from mental health emergencies to incidents of violence, the preparedness and self-efficacy of those in student support roles are paramount. This three-manuscript dissertation explores crisis intervention training, crisis self-efficacy, and the lived experiences of student affairs practitioners navigating campus crises. The first manuscript provides a conceptual overview of the gaps in current crisis intervention training within graduate programs, advocating for the integration of core competencies informed by accreditation standards and professional associations. The second manuscript presents a quantitative study examining the relationships between crisis self-efficacy, prior training, and experience among graduate students and new practitioners in student affairs, utilizing a cross-sectional survey design and the Counselor's Crisis Self-Efficacy Scale (CCSES). The final manuscript employs a transcendental phenomenological approach to exploring the lived experiences of student affairs administrators during campus crises, offering insights into the emotional, psychological, and ethical challenges they face through in-depth interviews and personal artifacts. Findings from this research aim to inform the development of more effective training programs, guide policymakers in creating more resilient higher education institutions, and enhance the support systems for student affairs practitioners on the front lines of crisis management.
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