Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

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Enhancing Clinical Dietitians’ Knowledge and Screening Practices for Eating Disorders
Qassis, Kaylah (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-24)
United States Military Veterans and active-duty service members have an increased risk for eating disorders due to rigid lived experiences and job-imposed restrictions surrounding eating, physicality, and body composition. Previous studies suggest that eating disorders affect 9% of male Veterans and 19% of female Veterans, but these figures are likely underreported.   Because registered dietitians have unique expertise in the interconnectedness of food, nutrition, and overall well-being, they are well-positioned to identify, screen for, and aid in the treatment of eating disorders in clinical healthcare settings such as the Veterans Health Administration medical centers. A survey gauging clinical dietitians’ knowledge of eating disorder treatment and screening tools was conducted with the Eating Disorder Treatment Team (EDTT) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).  Individualized interviews with the EDTT were also completed to better understand these clinicians’ expertise, best practices, and attitudes about screening for and treating eating disorders.   Upon determining that the EDTT team wanted to build confidence in screening and treating eating disorders, two training sessions were conducted which focused on the use of eating disorder screening tools, integration of appropriate language, and knowledge of community-based resources for Veterans with eating disorders or disordered eating. These training sessions were presented during March and April 2025.  Following the second session, participants completed a survey reflecting on what they learned and how they will apply their new knowledge into practice. Changes in eating disorder screening were also monitored by department leaders.  This project improved clinical dietitians’ knowledge of screening practices and eating disorder treatment. The clinical dietitians at the Martinsburg VAMC have begun utilizing screening tools with their patients, feel confident in their skills, and continue to make a lasting impact on patients' lives. The results of this program indicate that a project like this can be implemented at VAMCs around the country and for other health care professionals in order to enhance eating disorder knowledge and education.
Increased Productivity and Charting Accuracy for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at a Nutrition Outpatient Counseling Center
LeVan, Sydney (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-24)
This program aims to increase productivity and efficiency among the registered dietitians (RDNs) at the University of Virginia Health’s Nutrition Counseling Center (NCC) through the development and implementation of six chronic condition-specific chart note templates. These templates are designed to help standardize NCC’s documentation process and support the RDNs in their patient care. Initially, a needs assessment was conducted, including data collection methods of a survey and personal interviews with each of the RDNs to better understand the preferences and challenges. Based on these findings, six templates were developed and tailored to specific chronic conditions commonly addressed by NCC. There was a piloted 4-week implementation period when the RDNs used them in their daily assessments. Feedback was gathered after the piloting phase to determine if there were improvements in efficacy and productivity. Final revisions were made to the templates before concluding the program. Overall, this program’s main goal was to improve clinical documentation, reduce charting burdens, and increase productivity for the RDNs at NCC, which simultaneously enhances the quality of patient care. In the future, it will be important to allocate more dedicated time for the RDNs to integrate the templates into their daily workflow. This will provide for a more accurate evaluation of charting time using the new templates and help determine whether it leads to an increase in productivity.
Evaluating the Efficacy and Sustainability of a WIC Pilot Project: Targeting Participant Satisfaction and Benefit Redemption
Wright, Sarah (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-02)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a program that aims to provide nutrition assistance to those who qualify based on income and are at nutritional risk. While WIC provides resources for nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food benefits, participants are not always aware of what is available through their WIC food packages. This project aimed to develop and distribute educational materials to at least fifteen WIC participants in the Tidewater region, assess their efficacy, and evaluate the sustainability of this pilot project for future use. Program materials included two cooking demonstration videos, a weekly meal plan, meal preparation ideas, and a recorded webinar, which were promoted through flyers distributed by WIC staff during appointments. Interested participants received the materials via email. The materials aimed to address participant satisfaction with WIC services and perceived ability to redeem benefits efficiently each month. Evaluation of this project included surveys distributed to participants and key stakeholders, including WIC staff members and Peninsula Health Center (PHC) supervisors. This pilot project reached fourteen participants and collected one response from the participant evaluation survey. Based on the respondent’s feedback, their satisfaction with the WIC food package, confidence in its nutritional adequacy, and confidence in preparing balanced meals remained the same. Through the stakeholder evaluation survey, WIC staff indicated the program materials were effective, aligned with project goals, and were appropriate for the target population, supporting the sustainability of this pilot project. In the future, alternative data collection strategies might help increase participant feedback.
Developing a Local Networking Group for Adults with Celiac Disease in Southern Virginia
Standbrook, Abigail (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-26)
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease affecting the microvilli of the small intestine. Celiac disease requires a strict diet free of wheat, rye, and barley. Even a minimum exposure of a few crumbs can cause microvilli damage and can cause symptoms for up to two weeks. Individuals with celiac disease often report decreased quality of life due to the social and emotional challenges of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet. Support groups have been shown to be an effective way for individuals to navigate social and emotional challenges for disease management. The purpose of this project was to develop a support group for individuals with celiac disease in southern Virginia to address emotional support, access to evidence-based research, and build empowerment to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Support groups The pilot program was delivered as a virtual support group. It focused on providing emotional support and empowerment by discussing hidden sources of gluten, balancing a healthy diet, and social navigation. Additionally, it served as a safe space for participants to feel heard, share their challenges, and learn from others. Evaluation surveys indicated that participants felt heard and their learning needs were met by the support group. Implications arose as only one individual participated. The results are limited but support the existing literature that virtual support groups can provide emotional support for adults with celiac disease.
An Automated Intervention to Reduce Shelter Dog Barking: A Hush Puppy Pilot Study
Macdonald, Tegan (Virginia Tech, 2025-06)
Objective: Barking is a ubiquitous problem in animal shelters, with noise levels exceeding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s permissible exposure limits. This can cause significant health and welfare problem for workers, visitors, and the resident animals. The purpose of this study was to pilot and determine the efficacy of a computer-vision assisted classical conditioning procedure using automated food delivery with customizable automation scripts. Methods: Shelter dogs were selected for participation in the study from the Roanoke Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection and housed at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in three cohorts. An automatic feeder was installed on the kennels that was triggered by two separate detection systems: infrared beam breaks at the door to the ward and a computer vision system that detected human forms in the ward walkway. This system automatically delivered food contingent on the arrival or continued presence of a person in the ward. A sound-level meter was used to measure the noise in the ward, and from that the equivalent continuous sound level and percentage of time above 85 dB was calculated and monitored. Each cohort experienced at least three experimental conditions with the first two conditions implemented as non-concurrent, multiple baseline phases. Visual and statistical analysis were performed for each condition. Results: The method allowed for accurate and timely identification of people entering and lingering in the dogs’ ward and for contingent food delivery. This successfully eliminated issues with human compliance in implementing the intervention that were seen in previous studies. The largest noise level reduction was seen with novel, high-value food included in the feeders, resulting in a 3-dB reduction of the median noise level. The reduction in the median amount of time that barking produced noise levels above 85 dB ranged from 4% to 25%. Conclusions: The automation of a classical conditioning procedure using computer vision and automated food dispensers demonstrated that automated food delivery contingent on the arrival and continued presence of humans in the ward reduced the noise levels associated with barking. More work is required to reduce the noise levels below OHSA limits. Future studies can focus on optimizing the intervention parameters, the volume and type of food used, and integrating new technologies that may lead to more individualized and effective interventions.
A Literature Review of The NCAA Transfer Portal: Exploring Cognitive Components of Student-Athlete Professional Career Development
Hanson, Madison; Walz, Jerald; Rateau, Richard; Friedel, Curtis (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-14)
The content of this literature review contains existing research and a summary of gaps in the research to identify the effects of the NCAA Transfer Portal relating to the professional development of student-athletes. The literature review aims to identify how the NCAA Transfer Portal affects student-athletes’ professional career development. Many athletes, fans, and spectators do not realize the effects the transfer portal has on student-athletes' cognitive, behavioral, and environmental identities. These are all factors influencing the future of these student-athletes' professional lives. Gaps in the research are completed and recommendations that inform student-athletes of the consequences regarding transferring.
Sprouting Agricultural Literacy: The Creation, Implementation, and Evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-to-Table Program
Walker, Cayla (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-09)
Agricultural literacy in early elementary age students is essential for fostering the next generation of society with an understanding of how agriculture impacts the economy, environment, and food accessibility. However, agriculture education for youth ages 5-8 is often done by non-formal organizations such as 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom. This project works to equip 4-H educators and volunteers with an example of a program that is easily replicated to teach youth ages 5-8 about agriculture through a short term, day camp structure. The study preformed in this project includes the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-To-Table (FTT) day camp facilitation guide. The objectives of this study included identifying the key factors that make a facilitation guide a valuable resource for 4-H educators, as well as the overall value of the pilot facilitation guide regarding teaching agricultural literacy to the sample group. Evaluations were performed by five extension faculties to answer these questions. Results indicated the impactful concepts of the guide were intentional introduction questions that sparked youth interest, experiential learning activities, clear instructions, and adaptability of materials. However, revisions are needed to have the facilitation guide suitable for publication including evaluating activities for age suitability, increasing camper engagement, the and lesson refinement.
Farm Sustainability through Diversification: A Case Study of Cattle Producers in the United States
Brown, Samantha (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-05)
The agricultural industry can face a variety of challenges such as market fluctuations. In turn, this threatens farm sustainability and profitability. This case study aims to explore how the implementation of diversification strategies among cattle producers can enhance their economic stability, resilience, and adaptability. These strategies have the ability to reduce risks associated with economic and environmental uncertainties, ultimately making farms more resilient. Through a case study of three cattle producers, a few key benefits were discovered. These benefits were increased profitability, improved market access, and a stronger community engagement. Along with the benefits, it also identified challenges such as high initial investment costs, increased labor demands, and a lack of knowledge which hinders the widespread adoption of these strategies. While the findings align with existing literature on sustainable agriculture, they highlight the need for financial support and educational programs to help farmers transition to diversifying their operations successfully. This research aims to provide assistance to farmers and agricultural stakeholders, by addressing the lack of knowledge that prevents the implementation of diversification strategies. Policy incentives, extension services, and market development are essential to increasing adoption and maximizing benefits.
The Use & Perceptions of Ergogenic Aids in Collegiate Swimmers
Henry, Allison (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-22)
Objectives: To explore the use and perceptions of ergogenic aids among collegiate swimmers and to identify their knowledge and primary sources of information regarding ergogenic aids. Methods: A mixed-methods survey was used to investigate ergogenic aid use, types of ergogenic aids that are used, reasons for their use, and perceived performance effects of the ergogenic aids in swim athletes at two NCAA Division I schools. Results: 38 Division I swimmers completed the survey. Males reported higher current use than females (p < 0.05). Most believed ergogenic aids enhance performance but lacked confidence identifying NCAA-banned substances. Scientific research and registered dietitians were top influences for information on ergogenic aids; social media had little impact. 92% of participants were open to modifying ergogenic aid use with better education. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of research on ergogenic aid use in collegiate swimming by uncovering usage patterns, influential information sources, and critical knowledge gaps. Findings emphasize the need for athletic departments and sports dietitians to implement accessible, evidence-based education and empowers swimmers to make informed, ethical, and effective decisions regarding ergogenic aid use.
Hydration Exploration of Right Stuff via the MX3 Sweat Sodium Test in D1 Football Players
Martin, Camie (2025-05-08)
Division 1 football players put a lot of strain on their bodies daily and it is imperative that they focus on maximizing their performance. Hydration is a key factor that can help them perform at their best. This study explores football athlete’s hydration status, the sodium content of their sweat, and their feelings of thirst, fatigue, and mood after a weightlifting session. Participants were first administered a sweat patch to collect sweat produced during a morning lift. In subsequent lifts, participants were randomized to receive one of three conditions: water at the beginning and water halfway through, water at the beginning and Right Stuff (electrolyte packet) halfway through, or Right Stuff at the beginning and halfway through. Athletes completed the Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, the Rate of Fatigue scale, and Thirst Distress Scale and Visual Analogue Scale questions. While there were not any significant findings in hydration status between the three intervention groups in regard to fatigue, thirst distress, or total mood disturbance, the results did show that when the athletes were more hydrated after the lift, their esteem-related affect (ERA) score improved. When grouping the athletes based on their sweat rates, there were significant differences in several mood components of the POMS. No correlations between urine specific gravity and the MX3 hydration testing were seen. Continued research needs to be completed on this population of Division 1 football players regarding hydration to help maximize their performance.
Fear Avoidance and Readiness to Return to Sport after Injury in Division I Collegiate Soccer Players
Lowndes, Charlotte (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-20)
This study examined fear avoidance and psychological readiness to play, in Division I collegiate men and women soccer players at Virginia Tech, to uncover how injury affects mental readiness. Contributing factors that play a role in a successful and speedy rehabilitation process need to be identified to help student-athletes receive the tools that they need to return to their peak performance. Although there is a plethora of research both in the United States and internationally investigating fear avoidance and psychological readiness to return to sport, there is limited research studying both phenomena simultaneously in collegiate athletes. A total of 13 men and 24 women soccer players completed the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) and the Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale (IPRRS). Results from the study indicated that there is a significant negative correlation between fear avoidance and readiness to play, that female soccer players scored significantly higher than the male soccer players on the AFAQ, that male soccer players scored significantly lower on the AFAQ than the female players for those players that had sustained an injury for greater than six weeks, and that those players that sustained injuries greater than six weeks scored significantly lower on the IPRRS, with male soccer players scoring significantly higher than female soccer players if injured less than six weeks. Therefore, sports medicine professionals involved in athletes’ rehabilitation process should incorporate interventions to help diminish fear avoidance and increase psychological readiness to play, while also considering mental differences between male and female soccer players.
The Practice and Science of Weight Cutting
Davis, Cameron (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-20)
Overview: Combat sports often require athletes to achieve specific weight classes through a variety of weight cutting practices. Some of these practices cause rapid weight loss through dehydration, caloric restriction, intense training, and other methods, followed by rapid weight gain post-weigh-in to gain competitive advantages. While such practices aim to provide a perceived edge, they can have physiological, psychological, and performance risks. Content Summary: The review explores the practice, methods, science, and safety of weight cutting. Athletes use various techniques such as diet manipulation, dehydration, and increased training, each presenting challenges and risks. Physiological impacts include reduced skeletal muscle performance, cardiovascular strain, endocrine disruptions, and acute risks to organ health and hydration status. Psychological effects, such as disordered eating and mental stress, are prevalent. While the thought of rapid weight gain post-weigh-in can suggest to athletes a perceived advantage, at elite levels of competition, the advantage is inconclusive. Conclusion: The risks of weight cutting frequently outweigh its benefits. Physiological damage (e.g., muscle atrophy, cardiovascular strain), psychological stress, and the absence of clear performance advantages at elite levels suggest the need for safer weight management practices. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term consequences of repetitive weight cutting. Governing bodies, coaches, and athletes should prioritize the control of weight with approaches that emphasize health and performance sustainability.
Cognitive Diversity in Enrollment Management
Hipp III, Exree (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-13)
The Enrollment Management division of Denison University, a small liberal arts college just outside of Columbus, Ohio, has gone through significant change as it promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives through the "Denison Forward" program. This project examines the division's efforts to adjust to new leadership, bridge generational gaps, and increase operational effectiveness while aligning with Denison Forward's goals. Through examining theories of problem-solving and utilizing Kirton's Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), the project aimed to enhance the division's understanding of various approaches to problem-solving within their office division. A KAI workshop also provided participants with their personal scores, and promoted teamwork and effectiveness in tackling the complex problems typical of modern higher education and highlighted the importance of diversity in problem-solving. After the workshop was completed, participants were able to better understand their own cognitive problem solving style as well as how it fits into a larger group setting.
The Impact of Physical Activity on Burnout in Female Division I Athletic Trainers
Semon, Kailee (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-09)
This study examined physical activity habits and level of burnout in female Division I athletic trainers. Female athletic trainers are over half the population of certified athletic trainers and retention is important. Literature indicates that burnout is a pressing issue in athletic trainers and finding strategies to reduce burnout is important. A total of 50 female Division I athletic trainers completed the questionnaire that included demographic questions, the Copenhagen Burnout inventory, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Higher physical activity, particularly among those using group fitness classes, was associated with significantly lower burnout scores. Despite low participation in group fitness classes, its strong link to increased MET-mins/week suggests it may be an underutilized yet effective strategy for improving well-being. Additionally, athletic trainers managing more sport assignments reported lower work-related burnout and personal burnout scores. While no clear correlation between years of experience or age and burnout were found, the AT population in this study was younger and less experienced, potentially due to fewer personal and family responsibilities. These findings emphasize the need for institutions to promote physical activity opportunities, including group-based formats, and to consider workload structures that support long-term wellness and retention of female athletic trainers
The Decision to Transfer and the Impacts of Transferring on Leadership for Division 1 Collegiate Football Players
Wheatley, Terius (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-15)
The NCAA Transfer Portal is a portal that is used among D1 and D2 athletes to help foster a smooth recruiting process for athletes looking to go to different schools. The NCAA Transfer Portal was created in 2018. The portal is a recruitment mechanism that consists of a database that includes an athlete’s name, school name, and weight, among various other metrics used by coaches to evaluate the transfer athlete. Since the Transfer Portal was created, many individuals have had mixed feelings about its potential use. This research will focus primarily on the use of the Transfer Portal by former college football athletes. Anecdotally, mixed feelings have been garnered by both football players and coaches on the use of the Transfer Portal. Coaches seem to have more of a consensus of disliking the portal, although some coaches like it because it gives a recruitment mechanism. In contrast, athletes favor the portal as it allows them to leave. Athletes appreciate the ability to have a smoother process when transferring and enjoy the ability to have the opportunity to transfer if their skillsets/talents are not being utilized, are trying to pursue the NFL and have a higher chance going to another school, or they are having trouble adjusting to the team or school (Feldman, 2023). Due to the increased use of the Transfer Portal, coaches describe not having to go into the portal to recruit players yearly as a “miracle” (Feldman, 2023). Specifically, a coach has stated, “If I get through this cycle and I don’t lose any of these kids, it’s gonna be a miracle” (Feldman, 2023, para 8). This qualitative research study will showcase the various leadership dynamics that come into play because of the use of the Transfer Portal. The study will focus on how team dynamics change when new players come to the school via the Transfer Portal (i.e., teammates recruited from the Transfer Portal taking spots, becoming leaders on the team, changing the team/leadership dynamics, etc.).
Cyberbiosecurity Within the Seafood Sector
Seyfang, Katie (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-12)
Due to the rapid advancements of technology in industrial processes and research around the globe, cybersecurity is becoming a necessity for many sectors. Considering as well, the means of biosecurity which is the protection of food grown or imported into the United States, there is a need for a convergence of the two fields. Many agriculture-based sectors have been recent targets for cyber-attacks which poses the importance for expanding the use and acceptance of cyberbiosecurity. The seafood sector as a whole has not been the primary target for attacks, which opened the door to study their practices and if notable conclusions could be drawn as to why. This exploratory study was used to gather preliminary data that can be further expanded in the future. Through the study, the goal was to gather information about employee knowledge of cyberbiosecurity within the seafood sector and how their organizations are implementing practices and training to help secure functions within differing branches of the sector. A survey was distributed via email to various organizations within the United States. The results showed that while there seems to be consistent knowledge of cyberbiosecurity within the seafood sector, there are also gaps in training and implementation of practices. Further research could be done to find potential solutions that could be implemented to further fortify the seafood sector.
Coach/Athlete Leadership Relationship and Its Role on Athlete's Self-Worth
Leandra Mangual Duran (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-05)
This qualitative case study explores the relationship between coaches and athletes and how these dynamics impact collegiate volleyball players’ self-worth. Through interviews with members of the Virginia Tech volleyball team, the research examines the influence of word choice, leadership approaches and trust within the coach-athlete relationship. The study is grounded in Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which highlights the different experiences athletes have based on if they are in the in-group or the out-group, and how that impacts motivation, performance and emotional well-being. The findings reveal that athletes with supportive and respectful coaching relationships report higher self-worth and better performance, while those exposed to negative or dismissive communication experience diminished motivation, confidence and self-worth. Recommendations for improving the coach-athlete relationship include enhanced emotional intelligence training for coaches, open communication opportunities, and spaces and mental health resources that support the athlete’s development beyond performance metrics.
Investigating the Effect that Training Classes Have on Reactive Behaviors in Dogs
Loughridge, Bryanna (Virginia Tech, 2025-04-28)
Canine reactivity, including vocalizing and pulling towards other conspecifics, is a common behavioral issue experienced by owners of companion dogs. Due to its prevalence, a variety of training options are necessary to alleviate this concern for dog owners. Training classes are often an accessible and valuable method of increasing desirable behaviors in dogs but has not been previously researched in terms of reducing behaviors linked to canine reactivity. This study’s aim was to highlight any additional side benefits that group training might have on the reduction of behaviors related to reactivity and does not impact the benefits of group training classes that prior research supports. Using a pretest posttest design this study compared a period of no owner interaction and one of owner interaction before and after the completion of a 5-week group training class for adolescent dogs. We found no significant differences in any of the target behaviors during the No Interaction period and the Owner Interaction period saw an increase in owner attention and a decrease in attention towards the target dog. Both vocalization and leash pulling showed decreasing trends between the pre- and posttest during the Owner Interaction period as well, but it did not rise to the level of statistical significance. When comparing testing states, the Owner Interaction period saw a significant increase in owner attention and significant decreases in vocalization, leash pulling, and attention towards the target dog when compared to the No Interaction period. These results suggest that without owner intervention there is neither a positive nor a negative change in the target behaviors. It appears that owner intervention may play a significant role in seeing possible changes in behaviors linked to reactivity.
How to Deliver Value-Added Profit Shares to Fine and Flavor Cacao Farmers: A Case Study of Bean to Bar Chocolate Makers
Jepson, Robert (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-17)
Smallholder cacao farmers face poor earnings and production challenges despite supporting global cacao production. Improving farmer livelihoods is critical for the future of sustainable cacao cultivation (Gayi & Tsowou, 2016). Farmers need more opportunity to access alternative markets to increase their earnings, support their communities, and promote sustainable practices. Farmers can access alternative markets through participation in farmer organizations and trade engagements with chocolate makers who value their cacao for specialty characteristics (Rueda et al., 2023). Two interviews with specialty, value-added chocolate makers were conducted to determine their impacts on smallholder farmers. Findings support the effectiveness of direct trade relationships in increasing smallholder farmer market shares. Chocolate makers stress the importance of incorporating a sense of place in their products, supporting and trusting farmers and their production efforts, and maintaining non-monetary motivations. Replication of findings has the potential to improve smallholder farmer livelihoods and institute fundamental changes in the global cacao industry. Benefits include sustainable cultivation, preservation of natural ecosystems, and improved economic standing for smallholder farmers.
Financial Literacy Program Development at Longwood University
Hines, Emmily (2024-12-12)
Financial literacy among college students is at concerningly low levels in much of the world. Despite the proven benefits that financial skills have on decision making and long-term planning, there are few faculty-led programs dedicated to improving financial literacy across college campuses. The purpose of this project was to design and pilot a financial literacy program on the campus of Longwood University that allows students free access to information regarding budgets, credit, student loans, and the importance of saving. Initial sessions of these workshops were held, and feedback was received using surveys and focus groups to determine student need for future and permanent session formats and topics. Focus groups also included collaboration with organizations that represent underserved populations to help ensure that students who have a higher likelihood of struggling with financial literacy skills find valuable and accessible information. Findings from survey responses and focus group data indicated that students learned the targeted material for their respective sessions. These findings also suggested that slight changes could be made to established workshops to include more examples for participants to see during the workshop. The Qualtrics surveys used to gather information could also be modified to be more user friendly. Overall, feedback suggests that there is sufficient need to grow the program and implement it as a permanent offering within the Office of Financial Aid.

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