Developed and distributed a survey to students (N=298) in each of four residence halls to assess opinions about the most important factors affecting students' quality of life. Results are presented in a list of 44 variables followed by an importance scale mean for each variable. (RC)

Students (N=1,767) responded to questionnaires examining their perceptions of the living environment in university residence halls in relation to their perceptions of the social climate. General results were positive, with student perceptions of the residence hall environment being favorable in most instances. Compared 1980 and 1981 students'…

Reviews court decisions concerning search and seizure, intervisitation between sexes, canvassing and solicitation, and damage assessments. College administrators must rely on fairness, ethics and sound educational philosophies in the design of policies affecting residence halls. (JAC)

A list of 27 summer law programs abroad sponsored by American universities includes information on foreign program sponsors, location, language of instruction, dates, courses and credits available, openings, admission requirements and contact person, costs, and available living accommodations. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL…

Compares student support services in England, particularly the University of London and Cambridge University, with those services in American universities. In the United States there is a firmer commitment to providing support services to students. England and the United States also differ in staff professional preparation and staffing patterns.…

A survey of 343 college residence hall directors revealed percentages of private and public institutions offering different amenities, main selling points in promotional brochures, and the most common resident complaints. Results were compared with those of a resident survey concerning the importance of various housing attributes. Implications for…

A major research university in a metropolitan location reexamines its sense of campus community and discovers that it should not approach living and learning as separate activities; the institution purposely used extensive housing construction and renovation to achieve the institution's educational mission and encourage a greater sense of…

Most large public institutions rely on computers to pair roommates, but officials at Ohio State make the matches after considering students' habits, hobbies, and academic interests. Students' relationships with their roommates frequently determine whether they are happy at the university. (MLW)

A study investigated the problems and advantages of providing computer terminals in residence halls. There were problems in security and in accommodating the facilities, but the primary gain was greater, more economical, and more widespread use of the computer. (Author/MSE)

Explores limits of quantitative research methods and introduces qualitative approach, focus groups, as alternative information-collection tool for student personnel administrators. Presents two research projects where focus groups were used. Maintains that focus group approach has several advantages, including cost effectiveness, emphasis on…

Tested hypothesis that living on campus fostered cognitive growth by estimating relative first-year gains in reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking of resident (n=40) and commuter (n=170) first-year college students. Controlling for precollege cognitive level, academic motivation, age, work responsibility, and extent…

Investigated the relationship between the leadership behaviors of resident assistants (RAs) and effectiveness assessments provided by their constituents (n=1,304), supervisors (n=5), and themselves (n=333). Significant and consistent patterns emerged, with the RAs most frequently engaged in leadership practices viewed as most effective. (Author/NB)

Increasingly, colleges and universities are establishing retirement communities on or near campus to attract active and generous alumni. The communities provide opportunities for continuing education and intergenerational contact. The working relationships between institutions and retirement communities are varied. Suggestions are made for…

Examines the changes in stressors on a university campus over the past eight years by replicating a 1983 study on the same campus. Undergraduates (n=639) completed a survey consisting of 7 demographic questions and 2 open-ended questions. Discusses differences in both personal and academic problems between the 1985 and 1993 sample for different…