"Rentz's Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education" introduces readers to the functions of all student affairs services on college campus and to the nuts and bolts on what student affairs professionals in each specific area do to achieve their goals of providing students with meaningful collegiate experiences and accomplish the…

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are just like other students except they do not hear as well. They come in all shapes and sizes and call themselves by many names such as: deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing impaired. Just remember the student is a person first--and should be treated the same as anyone else. The biggest issue a residence…

This guide briefly retraces the rise of ideologically charged residential life programming on campuses and shows how such programs, despite their seemingly innocuous goals, in fact undercut the principles of rational inquiry that are foundational to the academic enterprise. In the fall of 2007, one university conducted a program for all 7,000…

In May 1997 and March 1998, the Midwest Center for Postsecondary Outreach, in conjunction with St. Paul Technical College, hosted a video teleconference in which four other professionals and the authors appeared. Although they answered some of the questions submitted, due to time constraints, they were unable to respond to a number of the…

All private colleges and universities make strategic capital investments and consider the use of debt to fund those investments. From the commonplace purchase of photocopiers to the construction of new academic buildings or dormitories, investment decisions that yield long-term financial benefits must follow on the heels of careful analysis. To…

Provides advice on how to best meet the furniture needs of student residents now and in the future to ensure their privacy and value from the residence hall experience. Twenty tips are highlighted that include considering fire safety, upholstering, lifecycle costs, input from stakeholders, the Americans with Disabilities Act, comfort, lighting,…

Elevator vandalism has increased recently. Suggestions are offered for reducing the problem. (MLF)

Explains how Stanford University custom designed its own building maintenance and administration software package: the Housing Operations Maintenance Enterprise Resource (HOMER). Describes how HOMER relieved facility maintenance staff from some archaic systems, and its development and functionality. (GR)

Asserting that residence hall furniture takes abuse simply through use, discusses a three-part approach--student involvement and education, creating the right environment, and ongoing maintenance--that helps reduce normal wear and tear. (EV)

Shares tips for making the right purchases of furniture for college residence halls, including issues of durability, aesthetics, flexibility and floor space, and delivery. (EV)

Explains the effective use of a centralized housing-repair request system at Northern Illinois University that has improved customer service and increased fiscal accountability. Describes the system and assesses of its effectiveness. (GR)

Explores the purchasing trends in residence hall furniture toward more durability but with a feel for home that better satisfies students' preferences while not being overly expensive. Tips on furniture purchasing are highlighted that include warranty considerations, student input, and customizing contracts. (GR)

Beginning your college education means you'll be exploring a new place, making new friends, learning new things and setting your own priorities. You are going to face a lot of big changes in a short time. That's exciting--and challenging. The more prepared you are for college when you get there, the more ready you'll be to address these new…

The newest dormitory at John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, was designed to blend with three existing dormitories to complete a quadrangle and to respect the residential quality of the neighborhood across the street. (Author/MLF)

Offers tips for higher education institutions on navigating the relationship with a privatized student housing developer: don't assume the project costs nothing, do understand the difference between your goals and the developer's, do create a feasibility study, don't treat every relationship the same, do put the student first, and don't forget the…