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Case Study Resource Guide

Based on requests from practitioners, ASCA published a brand new Case Study Resource Guide in Summer 2024!

The case studies cover a variety of topics as well as including modification suggestions for various institution and organization types. All case studies will incorporate ASCA Knowledge & Skills and reflect our commitment to Equity & Inclusion.

For more information about the Resource Guide, please navigate below. To purchase your own copy, please visit the ASCA Store!

This chapter focuses on cases involving bias against minoritized individuals/groups. Eight total studies. Primary Authors: Michaela Arthur, Keith James, M.A., Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow; Guest Contributors & Reviewers: Rev. Dr. André L. Clanton & Dr. Stephanie Wright

This chapter focuses on cases involving Behavior Intervention (BIT) or CARE team involvement. Eight total studies. Primary Authors: Dr. Matt Khoury, Dr. Chelsea Kott, Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow, Dr. Kristin D. Ridge

This chapter focuses on case resolution, including information-gathering, policy application, resolution methods, and outcomes. Five total studies. Primary Authors: Michaela Arthur & Keith James, M.A.

This chapter focuses on cases occurring in the classroom or directly involving faculty, as well as cases involving academic integrity issues. Seven total studies. Primary Authors: Dr. Chelsea Kott & Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow

This chapter focuses on cases occurring in a community college and/or non-residential setting. Five total studies. Primary Authors: Dr. Chelsea Kott & Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow

This chapter focuses on cases occurring within an HRL setting, and/or with HRL staff involvement. Nine total studies. Primary Authors: Keith James, M.A., Dr. Matt Khoury, Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow, Dr. Kristin D. Ridge; Guest Contributor: Kenzel Hill

This chapter focuses on cases involving potential sexual discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. Six total studies. Primary Authors: Michaela Arthur, Keith James, M.A., Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow; Guest Reviewer: Dr. Brian Glick

This chapter focuses on cases involving SFL and RSO settings or issues. Five total studies. Primary Authors: Michaela Arthur & Aubrey Cala; Guest Reviewers: Christina Parle & Dr. Stephanie M. Wright

This chapter focuses on issues related to hiring, supervision, and management of professional, graduate, and student staff. Seven total studies. Dr. Matthew Khoury, Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow, Dr. Kristin D. Ridge

Meet Our Case Study Resource Team!

In collaboration with ASCA Assistant Executive Director Dr. Amanda Mesirow, these professionals are working and writing to bring the best possible professional development opportunity to conduct and conduct-adjacent professionals.

Our Case Study Resource Team was selected based on applications highlighting the following skills, talents, and experiences:

We also asked each CSRT member to provide a statement on their inclusion of the ASCA Knowledge & Skills resource.

Michaela Arthur (She/Her)
Michaela Arthur (she/her) currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of Student Conduct at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. With a background spanning various roles since 2013 in Housing and Residence Life across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, she brings extensive experience to her current position. Transitioning into Student Conduct in 2022, Michaela has found fulfillment in contributing to the ASCA community and recently served as the Connection Chair for the 2024 ASCA Annual Conference. Outside of work, she can be found experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen, tending to her rather large collection of house plants, or indulging in any and all Drag Race content. Settling in West Virginia with her wife and beloved dog, Michaela is dedicated to supporting students and advancing the profession, embodying a passion for professional growth and service that she is excited to bring to the Case Study Resource Team.

Arthur Knowledge & Skills Statement 

Aubrey Cala (She/Her)
Aubrey Cala (she/her) works as the senior associate director of health & safety for Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and has held previous professional roles as a campus-based fraternity/sorority advisor. She loves volunteering with the Association for Fraternal Leadership and Values, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, and her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. Aubrey currently calls Cowtown USA (aka Fort Worth, Texas) home, but has lived in three states in the past five years and loves traveling. In her free time, Aubrey loves exploring local coffee shops and breakfast spots, hanging out with her husband Mark and their two cats, Cowboy and Coach, and getting outdoors as often as possible.

Cala Knowledge & Skills Statement 

Keith James (He/Him/His)
Keith James is a native of Atlanta, GA, and currently serves as an Equity & Title IX Investigator at Kennesaw State University (GA). 

Mr. James’ areas of expertise include residence life, student conduct, behavioral intervention, and Title IX. Mr. James has served various institutions as their Chief Judicial Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity. 

Mr. James has a passion for leadership development, staff training, and the intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and higher education. 

Mr. James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Leadership with a concentration in youth ministry from Newberry College in South Carolina (SC) and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from John Brown University (AR).

James Knowledge & Skills Statement 

Dr. Matt Khoury (He/Him)
Dr. Matt Khoury is Director of Student Conduct at New England College in beautiful Henniker, New Hampshire.  No stranger to New England, Matt grew up in Massachusetts and obtained his Bachelor’s degree (English) at Plymouth State in New Hampshire.  He obtained his Master’s Degree (Administrative Science) at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Doctor of Education Degree (Educational Leadership/Higher Education) at Valdosta State University in Georgia.  Various positions in Residence Life and student conduct, ranging from Residence Hall Director to Director/Assistant Dean, brought him to several schools in the Midwest and New England.  In addition, he oversaw assessment for a division of Student Affairs just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

While a portion of his job is responding to situations that run counter to the code of student conduct and institutional policies, Matt spends a good amount of time working with students to educate them proactively about how to remain in good standing with the college.  As a formally trained mediator, Matt always is happy to help students work through conflicts and stressors they may be having with others.

When not at work, Matt loves getting out into nature, reading, catching up on a favorite TV show or two, listening to music and playing piano, and hanging out with his wife, Di, two sons, Danny (23) and David (21), and adopted fur baby, Joey.  

Khoury Knowledge & Skills Statement

Dr. Chelsea Kott (She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Chelsea Kott has worked in the field of higher education 15 years, focusing her work on understanding how external factors influence behavior so she can enact revisions to policy and practice aimed at advancing equitable outcomes. Her professional leadership roles have been in student conduct, Title IX, basic needs, residential life, advising, and student services. She recently published her dissertation, The Myth of Student Conduct, an organizational case study analysis that explored how the concepts of concerning behavior and student conduct are understood and imbued by faculty at a community college. 

Given her knowledge of student behavior and organizational influences, and her commitment to equity-driven and student-centered practices, Dr. Kott has served in leadership capacities on behavioral intervention teams, CARE teams, and in trusted emergency response roles, centering trauma-informed, race-conscious, and culturally relevant approaches. Additionally, she has contributed to ongoing scholarship, presenting at professional conferences, serves in guest lecturer capacities in the public and private sector, and has served as faculty in the ASCA Student Conduct 101 series. 

Some of the work that she is most proud of includes projects centered on empowering student leaders to identify obstacles and subsequently enact tangible, community-focused solutions. Dr. Kott currently lives and works in the Middle East, supporting active-duty military members and their families prepare to return to the United States and transition into civilian life through the pursuit of higher education and civilian employment.

Kott Knowledge & Skills Statement 

Dr. Kristin Ridge (She/Her/Hers)
Kristin Ridge (she/her/hers) is the Associate Dean of Students, Community Standards at the University of Rhode Island. Kristin oversees the Office of Community Standards, serves on the Behavioral Intervention Team, and the Sexual Assault Response Team. She is also a Diversity Advocate in Student Affairs, and a member of the Student Success Team. Kristin has worked in higher education for over 20 years, primarily in Housing and Residence Life, before joining URI in May of 2021. She holds bachelor's degrees in English & American Literature and Russian Language Studies from NYU, a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from NYU, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Kristin earned a certification in Student Affairs Law & Policy from NASPA and a certificate from the University of South Florida, Muma College of Business in Diversity for Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace. She is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and is both Safe Zone and Green Zone trained. A native New Yorker, Kristin now lives in Rhode Island with her family where they spend as much time as possible at the beach. 

Ridge Knowledge & Skills Statement

To ensure a wide range of perspectives and experiences, these content experts were asked to review and contribute to our Case Study Resource.

André L. Clanton, Th.D.
Rev. Dr. André L. Clanton has served in the field of student affairs for over 20 years. He has worked at Life University since 2015. He has overseen student conduct, Title IX, and Housing and Residence Life. He currently serves as the Director of Conflict Resolution and Accountability; Chair of the Student Behavioral Assessment Team; President of the Black Faculty and Staff Association; Chair of Life University Staff Council, and advises the Student American Black Chiropractic Association, the Chess Club, and the Voices of Life Gospel Choir. 

Dr. Clanton is also a member of the Association of Title IX Administrators, the Association of Christians in Student Development, and the Association of Student Conduct Administration where he serves as a Director-at-Large for Small Institutions and the Board Liaison to the Conflict Resolution, Academic Integrity, and Religiously-Affiliated Institutions Communities of Practice. Dr. Clanton possesses a bachelor’s degree in Justice and Public Policy, a master’s in Education Administration, and a doctorate in Theology with emphasis on pastoral theology and biblical exposition. Dr. Clanton is also a licensed and ordained minister of the gospel. He serves as Associate Pastor of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Kennesaw, GA. As a minister, Dr. Clanton specializes in Christian Education, senior and hospice outreach ministry, youth and young adult ministry, and ministry planting on college and university campuses. As a college administrator, Dr. Clanton is working to increase the support of marginalized students by addressing issues of social justice, student retention, and emotional and spiritual support.

Dr. Brian M. Glick
Dr. Brian M. Glick, (he/him/his) currently serves as the director of student conduct and community standards at Adelphi University, located in Garden City, New York. Previously, he served in student conduct positions at Northern Illinois University, and residence life positions at Southeast Missouri State University and Elmhurst College. Dr. Glick’s doctoral research established that the practice of student conduct, is a profession, as defined by published criteria. Glick earned a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University, a master of science in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Arkansas, and a bachelor of arts in communication from Kansas State University. Brian also has a long history of involvement with the Association for Student Conduct Administration, including long-time service with the Public Policy Legislative Issues Committee, the Membership Engagement Committee, and the Equity and Inclusion Committee. Brian also currently serves on the ASCA Board of Directors.

Kenzel Hill
Kenzel Hill (He/Him) currently works as the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Conduct and Care at Virginia Commonwealth University. A native of Virginia, Kenzel received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and master’s degree from Old Dominion University. Kenzel has worked primarily in Housing and Residence Life with experiences in Residence Education, Desk Management, Staff Recruitment and Selection, Assignments Services, Facilities Management, and Student Conduct.

Kenzel is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), the Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He spends his free time tackling an ever-growing Netflix watchlist, baking, researching personal finance, and on a quest for a good cup of coffee. He is passionate about financial literacy, higher education administration, and leadership and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Christina Parle
Christina Parle (she/they) is an equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) educator and consultant with her company, Social Responsibility Speaks, and currently serves as the Associate Dean of Students at Avila University. Christina’s career experience is in student development, accountability, and fraternal organizations. Christina has served on the Association for Student Conduct Administration’s (ASCA) Board of Directors for six (6) years and is presently the Past President. Much of her work is rooted in unlearning, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Christina’s particular interest is in language and its impacts. Christina has specific experience in building effective systems, policies, and procedures, curriculum writing, and leadership education. 

Christina is a Kansas City, Missouri native. Prior to her work at Avila University, Christina served as the Director of Chapter Services and Conduct at Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) Fraternity. She also previously served as the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at the University of Kansas (KU) where she was the Student Housing liaison and then transitioned to a focus on student organization misconduct. Before KU, she served as a Fraternity and Sorority Advisor at Western Carolina University where she advised the Panhellenic, Interfraternity, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils. Christina earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice and political science at the University of Central Missouri and attended Penn State where she earned her master’s in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs. While at Penn State, she completed a graduate assistantship in student conduct and served as the primary advisor for the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council for a semester.

Dr. Stephanie M. Wright
Dr. Stephanie M. Wright is native of Bridgeton, New Jersey and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Her commitment to service, leadership, and excellence, has groomed her to be an innovator in the areas of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and Student Development. Wright is committed to the overall betterment of fraternity and sorority life, with a particular interest in advocacy for Culturally Based Fraternal Organizations (CBFOs). Her work aims to address systemic issues within institutional policies, address organizational misconduct, restore community standards, and set students and student organizations on a path to success.

Stephanie is a dynamic speaker and presenter, addressing topics of student leadership, service, and hazing at various colleges and universities. With an extensive repertoire of knowledge, Stephanie can be found presenting and facilitating conversations at several conferences with both students and professionals to challenge their ideologies in Student Affairs. Stephanie founded the Cultural Greek Leadership Conference (CGLC), a Northeast based conference for CBFOs in 2013. Stephanie wanted to create a developmental space where CBFOs felt as though they belonged and could engage in dialogue specific to their organizations.

Stephanie founded SMW Services, LLC in 2017 to provide consultation and developmental programming to organizations and institutions.

Stephanie is a 2003 graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications: Public Relations and matriculated on to complete a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University in 2007 and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication: Public Relations from Kent State University in 2014. Stephanie completed a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Stockton University in 2022.

Dr. Tess Barker, ASCA Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Tess Barker has served as Executive Director of ASCA since 2023. In this role, Barker serves as a voice and advocate for student conduct in higher education and represents conduct professionals, including nearly 2650 ASCA members, in the work they do. 

Over a career spanning 25 years in higher education, Dr. Barker has been directly involved roles that shape the student experience on campus: conduct, student activities, fraternity and sorority life, study abroad, accessibility, women’s & LGBTQ+ centers, and residential life. Before coming to ASCA, she served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Indiana University Kokomo (IUK), where she oversaw student life, conduct, counseling, career services, the accessibility office, athletics, admissions, and financial aid. She also secured both the space and funding to establish a Multicultural Center at IUK to promote inclusion and belonging on campus.

Prior to IUK, Barker served as Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint, where she managed high-level initiatives, including the development of UM-Flint’s Strategic Plan and responding to the Flint Water Crisis. Previously, she worked as Executive Director for the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, during which the chapter was twice a finalist for National Chapter of the Year, and at NASPA in a role in which she supported the Center for Women; the Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program, and the James E. Scott Academy for Leadership. She is currently an affiliate adjunct professor teaching courses in higher education law and policy at the University of Iowa, Indiana State University, and Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Barker earned both her law degree and doctorate in education policy from the University of Iowa; a master’s in counseling and college student personnel from the University of Maryland – College Park; a master’s in American Studies from the University of Michigan; and her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. When not doing homework, she loves to read, listen to podcasts, and travel. She resides in Kokomo, Indiana, with her spouse, Bill, daughter Isabella, and dog, Rooney.

Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow, ASCA Assistant Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Amanda J. Mesirow currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director for ASCA. She earned her PhD in the Education Administration and Foundations--Higher Education Administration program at Illinois State University, (Dissertation: “Who Will Guard The Guards Themselves”: A Phenomenological Discourse Analysis On How Whiteness And White Supremacy Are Upheld By White Hearing Officers On Community College Campuses).

Mesirow has worked in Higher Education for 20 years and earned her MS in Counseling and Educational Psychology from Kansas State University. During her time in Higher Ed, she has held professional roles with residence life, student life, and conduct, and has served in volunteer leadership roles on international, national, and regional professional committees. She is a prolific writer and presenter; most often on topics of social justice and equity, particularly in conduct, care response, and queer student advocacy. Throughout her career, she has sought multiple professional development opportunities as a way of maintaining the most promising practices to serve our field and our students.

She also co-authored a chapter and wrote a case study for the ASCA and ACUHO-I joint publication, "Conduct and Community: A Residence Life Practitioner's Guide" (2018). Mesirow has worked on large public, small private, religiously-affiliated, and community college campuses. Additionally, Mesirow presents professionally through AJM Keynotes and Workshops. 

Mesirow’s personal life is largely devoted to her many nieces and nephews. In the community, she is involved with the Prison Solidarity Project, the Point Foundation, and Jewish Voice for Peace. She is proudly queer, disabled, and Jewish.

Dr. Josh Cutchens, ASCA Director of Member Experience & Operations
He/Him/His
Dr. Josh Cutchens has served as the Director of Member Experience & Operations of ASCA since 2023. He earned his Ed.D. in the Educational Leadership program at Appalachian State University, (Dissertation: Fairness, Equity, and Inclusion: A Social Constructionist Approach to Admissions Prior Conduct Policies and Procedures). Cutchens earned his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in College Student affairs from the University of South Florida and his B.A. in History from the University of Florida.

Cutchens has worked in Higher Education for almost 13 years and has held professional roles in student conduct and Title IX. He has served in multiple volunteer roles with ASCA from the State Coordinator for Florida, to the South Region Chair, to the Chair of the then Assessment Community of Practice, and as the Chair of the Public Policy & Legislative Issues (PPLI) Committee. He has also written two articles for ASCA Reflections.

Cutchens has an amazing wife (Amanda), two phenomenal daughters (Abigail and Emma), three spunky cats (Allie, Pringles, and Ash), and one silly golden retriever (Cooper). In his free time, Cutchens partakes in Baking with the Cutchens where he and his two daughters bake delicious desserts.

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