That the impact of the college experience is a product of more than just the classroom and library has become a recognized fact. Many variables determine the content of what a student learns and also the degree and direction of his personal growth and development. This study sought to examine one facet of the learning environment--the house within…

Children's stories, pajamas, robes, and stuffed animals provide the setting for "story hours," a very successful program in a residence hall setting, that has become a significant support group for students. "Story hours" also provides an ideal setting for exposing students to a variety of thought-providing ideas. (Author)

Those students involved in roommate changes who stayed in a room and those who moved from a room could not be differentiated by any demographic or academic variables. Sex, class level, and GPA were significant predictors of which alternatives students would choose after moving out of a room. (Author)

Describes New Student Welcome Day, an orientation program for freshmen at the University of Maine. Outlines objectives of the three-day program, including assisting students' transition to the university, fostering development of a peer group, creating an atmosphere conducive to favorable attitudes, and reducing anxiety. (JAC)

Grouping by type may increase a sense of community in residence halls. Residence life staff can develop programs that better address the unique needs of these different groups. Students who feel better about their living circumstances have more energy to devote to the intellectual requirements of college. (Author)

Reported is a study to determine whether the homogeneous residential grouping of female prepharmacy students would increase persistence and satisfaction with both the pharmacy curriculum and residence hall living, facilitate peer relationships, and enhance behavioral development. (JMD)

College students' attitudes toward peers with learning disabilities (LD) serving as resident assistants (RAs) were investigated in a study involving 45 students and 24 RAs. Results indicated that, after one semester of interaction with RAs with LD, fellow RAs' attitudes toward LD peers remained favorable and student attitudes became more…

Examined how the preestablished framework of social relationships affect adjustment to the transition from home to a college dormitory. Subjects were 61 female first-year college students. Found that agemate-dominant-type students more easily developed relationships with new agemates and reported fewer difficulties in making the transition than…

Surveyed college students about choice of residence. Results indicated students who chose residence halls felt more positive about their environment because of perceived emotional support and expression. Factors important to offcampus residents included better study atmosphere and new experiences. Suggests these needs be incorporated into…

An association between disturbed interpersonal relations and poor adjustment has often been found among college students. In particular, students' roommates have a substantial effect on their university experiences. To test the effectiveness of preventive intervention in improving roommate relationships, 79 college students participated in a…

Research on first-year students' perceptions of their learning environments revealed the aspects of their experiences that enhanced and hindered their learning. End of the semester reflection essays from first-year seminars were analyzed to ascertain students' views. Data analysis revealed that students need peers who provide personal and…

Housing administrators must develop a living environment within which the needs of students are met, their behavior is dealt with, and learning can take place. In providing a commonly shared experience or sense of community, the educational value of the residence hall experience is unique. (Author)

More student resident assistants are dealing with such difficult problems as alcoholism, suicide, homophobia, racism, date rape, and stress. Some institutions have decided to stop using students to supervise dormitories, while others are working to make resident assistants more qualified. (MLW)

Student perceptions of residence hall environment were studied at Saint Mary's College (Indiana) with a 50% sample of freshmen and sophomores, a one-third sample of juniors, and a one-fifth sample of seniors. Consideration was given to the effects of the type of room (single, double, triple, quad, quint) and choice of residence (first, second,…

Results of a survey of residential students at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, are presented, along with recommendations based on the findings. The Student Housing Evaluation was designed to assess student attitudes about the university's housing policy, facilities, and staff. The 610 respondents (46% response rate) consisted of a…