This article examines a stated philosophy of university housing and the philosophy's effect on the facilitation of the personal and intellectual growth of students residing in the residence halls and the development of a sense of community. This particular philosophy governs the housing operations at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.…

Why do we do what we do? Why is what we do important? What are the best practices to ensure that our "why" is accomplished? These are questions of philosophy--a topic of immense importance since the "why" behind the work influences everything about the "how" and "what" of daily affairs in the world of…

Students regularly encounter faculty in classrooms. Student affairs personnel interact with students in the main when students are beyond the classroom. Both groups are pledged to encourage student development, but they rarely collaborate. What are the reasons for this divided effort? How can the separate spheres of faculty and student affairs…

Decisions of student personnel often involve an operational definition of quality'', making it a matter of personal and professional integrity to investigate an ethical posture fully and to act consistently with that posture. (Author)

Examined several issues regarding the usefulness of student development theory to professionals and senior level paraprofessionals (n=44) in residence halls. Results suggest that student development theory is used in residence life but raises questions about whether the use of such theory is influenced by organizational norms or is a function of…

Examines the coming out process experienced by 20 gay, lesbian and bisexual students in the residence halls of a major research institution. Students report how they disclosed their sexual orientation, factors influencing the process, and reactions to their disclosures. Provides recommendations for residence hall professionals. (Contains 40…

Presents a conceptual model which focuses on goals of student government in residence halls. The model has two fundamental processes. One focuses on short term goals and activities catering to creation of environment. The second has long term effects referred to as lifelong personal development. (JAC)

Offers a method of implementing the idea that supervision of resident assistants is central to the effectiveness of a residence life program, by proposing a developmental supervision strategy for supervisors in student affairs. Tabulated information offers supervisors specific strategies for processing the experiences and maximizing the…

Discusses research related to the impact of residence hall programs on student learning. Examines the educational potential of residence halls and suggests ways to develop community. Reviews 19 programs focusing on student learning, grouped under approaches such as faculty involvement, first-year experience, theme housing, residential colleges,…

The camera can be a complementary evaluation tool for evaluations of student affairs programs. It is particularly suitable for evaluations designed to portray programs. It has potential as an evocative aid and can clearly be used in reporting results. (Author)

This article details the challenges that UC Merced faced in building up the critical areas of student and residence life. The new institution held great promise for achieving the ideal of a student-centered university, but certain bedrock problems proved difficult to overcome. One was that at the beginning, both administration and faculty saw…

Describes the Theme Centered Interaction (TCI) Model, which provides a method for residence hall staff to support student development processes. Discusses initiation of the theme, dynamic development, and termination of the group. Residence hall staff can readily be used as facilitators for TCI groups. (JAC)

Outlines an effort to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency of a small college housing department. Attempts to integrate management and education through a reorganization of custodial and maintenance procedures which allow staff members more time for student development programs. (JAC)

Presents a collaborative model initiated by the staff of a counseling center and residence life office to provide increased developmental programing to students. Evaluation showed students benefited from workshops held in residence halls and staff members were able to provide increased services in a cost-effective manner. (Author/JAC)

A proven model for screening prospective residence hall assistants (RAs), training them in critical interpersonal and leadership skills, selecting the best candidates, and giving them strong supervisory support on the job is presented in this comprehensive guide. After an introductory chapter on the historical context within which RAs operate…