Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Dan Nadler

Thesis Committee Member

Angela Yoder

Thesis Committee Member

Lou Hencken

Abstract

Females and males differ in a variety of areas, yet these genders also have similar qualities. Are these similarities and differences affecting our college environment? In this research thesis the researcher set out to gather data that identifies the similarities and differences among undergraduate student leaders at a mid-sized Midwest public institution. The researcher first identifies student involvement and the many advantages for students who choose to be involved in cocurricular activities. Literature is presented highlighting a variety of theories that identify gender differences among females and males. The theories range from male masculinity, cognitive development, and societal gender roles. By creating a foundation of gender theory the researcher further explains theories regarding gender leadership. The literature creates a hypothesis and seg-ways into the study conducted by the researcher. A study of eighty-four undergraduate student leaders involved in one of three student organizations; residence hall council, student activities programming board, or student government. An electronic survey containing forty survey items with six leadership themes provided the researcher data that was used for six One-Way ANOV A tests, which identified statistical significance among the six leadership themes. The differences and similarities are then discussed within the conclusion.

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