Page 16 - July JSF report

STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF FLORIDA ANNUAL MEETING REPORT (4) GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT
Max Freund and Elizabeth Tuckwiller appeared via Zoom to provide an update on the research project they are conducting on the educational and employment outcomes of current and past Johnson Scholarship recipients at the SUSF institutions. They were able to interview several students and graduates virtually. Among their reflections to date:
1) Recipients are aware of the funds and grateful for them.
2) Students/graduates recognize the importance of DRC services.
Max noted that Johnson Scholars are a very resilient group. They seem self-directed, thoughtful, flexible and adaptable. They are loyal to their institutions. They are financially challenged, and residential living posed the greatest challenge. Some work 1-3 jobs on top of their academic load. Many consider themselves loners. For some of these students, attending school virtually for a time was a relief and welcomed.
The researchers are finding that the students are varied in the labels they use to identify their disabilities. Many tend to use traditional/medical labels and terminologies to describe their conditions (e.g., ADHD). Co-morbid conditions tend to exacerbate their experience. For example, underlying medical conditions may exacerbate the primary condition of hearing loss. Meanwhile, many students report struggling with mental health issues on top of their disabilities.
While the DRC services are known to students, the Career Services are less well understood and less used. Many students who obtained internships said they found them themselves. These internships are sometimes unpaid. On a positive note, the students are creative and hardworking, and they are grateful to know how to use and request assistive technology. They appreciate the continued support for updating and upgrading technology.
Max and Elizabeth are just beginning to speak with graduates to understand the post-college employment experience. Some graduates felt unprepared for employment. They had no trouble using digital career platforms available to them, but there was little support for how to use the platforms. Some students aren’t aware that recruiters come to campuses, and they haven’t had practice preparing for job interviews. Even when interviewing, some students are unsure of whether the person they are speaking to is a recruiter or hiring manager. Students also are unsure and afraid of when and what to disclose about their disability.
Max and Elizabeth are still conducting interviews, and they asked the DRC representatives to help them with locating willing student and alumni volunteers.
DISCUSSION OF THE GWU RESEARCH PROJECT
Bea opened the floor for discussion by pointing out that this group serves both disadvantaged students and those with disabilities, 2 people groups that are focus areas for JSF’s work. The GWU study thus far confirms what many people already know. It is well known that many students come to campus without having received any accommodations. She gave an example of a young man who found ways around asking for accommodations. He ended up going to medical school and is now a practicing physician in Miami. Sadly, we don’t know what happens to most of the students after graduation. Anecdotally, we hear of students with college degrees working in retail and similar fields. We know we’re making a difference in education. Are we making a difference in employment? She asked those in attendance to keep telling us the rest of the story about employment outcomes.
A comment was made that students don’t think about careers because they’re so focused on academics. Some prefer to stay in school obtaining advanced degrees rather than venturing out into the workforce. One way to address this is to try to encourage them to engage with career services starting with freshman year. Also, there is a need for more cross training with other departments across campus as well as bridge programs to help students transition into work. Regarding disclosure, students are afraid they won’t make it to the next step of the job interview if they disclose their disability. This points to a need to educate employers. Some schools have had employers come talk to the students about what they require. For some students, obtaining transportation to and from work can be a barrier.
Page 14 July Report