Living environments and student engagement: Research study results

Abstract

While the benefits of living on campus are well documented, the changing landscape of living arrangements, programmatic efforts, and other factors underline the need to reexamine its impact. This study used experimental survey questions drafted by the National Survey of Student Engagement in collaboration with ACUHO-I. Data were provided by first-year and senior students attending 36 bachelor's degree-granting institutions. The researchers investigated the characteristics of on- and off-campus living environments (facilities, programs, access to staff, safety, community issues, etc.) and their relationship with engagement and perceived gains in learning and development. This session engaged the audience in discussion about the rationale and development of the experimental questions, research methods, and findings.