Living environments and student engagement: Implications for research and practice

Abstract

While past literature documents a number of benefits of living on campus, it is important for housing professionals to reflect on and adapt to contemporary changes to the landscape of on-campus living. After recapping results from the NSSE/ACUHO-I collaboration study (reported in the earlier session entitled Living Environments and Student Engagement: Research Study Results) the presenters engaged the audience in a focused discussion of the meaning of the findings. Rationale from literature was presented as well as implications for practice. Participants were expected to deepen their understanding of the differences between varying types of living environments (facilities, programs, access to staff, safety, community issues, etc.) in order for practice to be informed and improved. We also brainstormed areas for future research.