Morehead State University
Collateral Consequences of College Admissions: Exploring the Attitudes and Experiences of Students in Recovery
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Social Work
Institution 23-24
Morehead State University
KY House District #
95
KY Senate District #
29
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Deirdra L. Robinson, MSW
Department
Social Work
Abstract
Introduction/Research topic: This study is in development and findings will be presented at the time of presentation. Kentucky is seeing more individuals entering recovery from substance use disorder than any time in the Commonwealth’s history. If Kentucky were a country, it would be the most incarcerated country in the world, so often, these individuals have been justice-involved and have the stigma of an existing criminal record. The stigma of having a criminal record has affected 1 in 3 U.S. adults and it’s the driving cause of poverty and inequality in the nation. 9 in 10 employers, 4 in 5 landlords, and 3 in 5 colleges and universities use background checks to screen out applicants with criminal records. This qualitative study presents findings from college students who were denied admission due to an existing criminal background and details their experiences and reactions to the subsequent requirements of admission. Research Questions: This is an exploratory study with two focused research questions – 1. What are the common events college students who are in recovery experienced upon admission to a college or university? 2. How do these experiences influence the attitudes of the students in recovery? Participants: This project will use snowball sampling to identify at least 25 current or former students who are in recovery and were initially denied admission. Methods: Participants will be interviewed and recorded. Data Analysis: Thematic and/or content analysis will be conducted to identify reoccurring themes. Conclusions: Findings will be disseminated with future suggestions for any necessary policy change.
Collateral Consequences of College Admissions: Exploring the Attitudes and Experiences of Students in Recovery
Introduction/Research topic: This study is in development and findings will be presented at the time of presentation. Kentucky is seeing more individuals entering recovery from substance use disorder than any time in the Commonwealth’s history. If Kentucky were a country, it would be the most incarcerated country in the world, so often, these individuals have been justice-involved and have the stigma of an existing criminal record. The stigma of having a criminal record has affected 1 in 3 U.S. adults and it’s the driving cause of poverty and inequality in the nation. 9 in 10 employers, 4 in 5 landlords, and 3 in 5 colleges and universities use background checks to screen out applicants with criminal records. This qualitative study presents findings from college students who were denied admission due to an existing criminal background and details their experiences and reactions to the subsequent requirements of admission. Research Questions: This is an exploratory study with two focused research questions – 1. What are the common events college students who are in recovery experienced upon admission to a college or university? 2. How do these experiences influence the attitudes of the students in recovery? Participants: This project will use snowball sampling to identify at least 25 current or former students who are in recovery and were initially denied admission. Methods: Participants will be interviewed and recorded. Data Analysis: Thematic and/or content analysis will be conducted to identify reoccurring themes. Conclusions: Findings will be disseminated with future suggestions for any necessary policy change.