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This study uses systems theory to explore relationships between individual, micro, meso, and macro factors and expected future religious practices of students studying at a Seventh-day Adventist university. The study operationalizes system theory in context of both public relations and spirituality. The primary purpose is to understand relationship between each level of systems theory and students' expectations about future religious practices. Key recommendations include the need to increase use of digital communication tools, the value of distinguishing between understanding and belief/action at the micro level, and the importance of supporting spiritual development outside the context of organized religion.

This study examines factors such as academic preparation, socioeconomic status, faculty/student relationships and extracurricular activities in different colleges at a public research university. The goal of this study is to begin to understand the cultures of different broad academic disciplinary areas where students may study advertising and public relations. Student survey responses combined with institutional data about those students did reveal differences based on academic disciplinary areas. Communication students were somewhat less prepared academically, more likely to be the first in their family to attend college, most likely to report having a faculty mentor and most likely to be involved in student media. They also engaged in internship and co-op experiences, used career services and were more active in Greek life than students in most other colleges. Students in business, arts and sciences and professional disciplines also participated in the study and multiple significant differences were found.