Maryland Shared Open Access Repository

MD-SOAR is a shared digital repository platform for twelve colleges and universities in Maryland. It is currently funded by the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) Library Consortium (usmai.org) and other participating partner institutions. MD-SOAR is jointly governed by all participating libraries, who have agreed to share policies and practices that are necessary and appropriate for the shared platform. Within this broad framework, each library provides customized repository services and collections that meet local institutional needs. Please follow the links below to learn more about each library's repository services and collections.

 

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From Arrival to Integration: Understanding the Challenges and Experiences of Afghan Immigrants in the United States
(2025-04) Farhan, Ahmad Hasib; Edlins, Mariglynn; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
Abstract I conducted this research study to fulfill the requirements for my Doctorate in Public Administration. I explored the resettlement experience and challenges of Afghan immigrants in the United States, specifically those who arrived via the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and resettled in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) area. By conducting 12 qualitative interviews with the Afghan SIVs, I studied essential integration aspects of Afghan immigrants, including employment, language barriers, economic integration, and social and cultural integration. The research findings reveal that, while the initial support from resettlement agencies is essential (including housing), many Afghan immigrants encounter considerable long-term challenges. These include economic instability, unemployment, inadequate employment services, and English language barriers. The study emphasizes that Afghan community support is essential to helping Afghan immigrants adjust to their new environment. The research reveals weaknesses in resettlement programs, specifically long-term housing support, cultural orientation, and customized employment assistance. Through public scholarship contributions, I presented practical policy suggestions to improve resettlement outcomes by advocating for comprehensive pre-arrival orientation initiatives, prolonged housing aid, job skills training programs, and English language instruction. The study demonstrates that Afghan immigrants need a comprehensive resettlement framework to ensure long-term socioeconomic stability and successful integration into U.S. society. I seek to guide policymakers, resettlement agencies, and public administrators in enhancing the existing support mechanisms for immigrant populations while adding to the wider discussions about immigration policy and public administration.
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Understanding what information is available to pregnant women through HHS agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA) and how has it changed over time
(2025-05-09) Rajeev, Sabreet Kang; Edlins, Mariglynn; College of Public Affairs; Doctorate of Public Administration in Health & Human Services.
Does the government provide accurate, intergraded pregnancy health information to its citizens? My research showed that the federal government does provide accurate public health information on different HHS agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA) over time. Historical data shows that the agencies could improve their communication strategy and make it easier for the consumer to access their information. The biggest challenge is the findability of that information. Agencies should work to incorporate their communication strategy to the public and make the information available, easily accessible to the consumer.
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Teachers Lived Experiences and Perceptions of School Violence and Retention
(2025-05-16) White, Shakeemah; Edlins, Mariglynn; Dalziel, Murray; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
This research explores the potential relationship between rising school violence and the ongoing mass teacher exodus in the United States from 2000 to 2023. Despite increasing rates of both teacher attrition and school violence, existing research seldom identifies violence as a primary cause of teachers leaving the profession. Drawing on a wide range of academic, government, and historical sources, this study examines the prevalence, forms, and effects of school violence including verbal, physical, and psychological aggression and its perceived impact on educators' job satisfaction and ultimately, retention. The findings indicate that while school violence is a major concern for teachers and contributes to workplace stress and dissatisfaction, more commonly cited drivers of attrition include low salaries, high workloads, political interference, and inadequate support. The research identifies a significant gap in literature regarding the direct role of school violence in teacher attrition, inducing the central research question: To what extent have experiences and perceptions of school violence influenced teacher retention decisions over the past two decades?
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Inclusive, Innovative, Relevant: The Classical Concert Experience Redefined
(2025) Keretses, Alys; Sara Leonard; Ramona Baker; Lauren Klein; Ella Baff; MA in Arts Administration
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Sabbatical Report - Spring 2024
(2024-08-26) Welsch, Jodi; Department of Educational Professions
During my one-semester sabbatical in the Spring of 2024, I engaged in a range of scholarly activities that significantly advanced both my research and teaching practice. My primary focus was a comprehensive research project that explored the nature of texts available to elementary students during classroom literacy instruction. Additionally, I developed a new interdisciplinary course titled IDIS 150: Exploring Social Justice, designed to deepen students' understanding of social justice themes in multiple disciplines. Beyond these academic pursuits, I also dedicated time to professional learning, completing many webinars and a specialized course on artificial intelligence. These experiences have not only enriched my expertise but also enhanced my contributions to our academic community.