The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 2 - 97

College Housing Dissertations

The second category included those theoretical frameworks that were associated with specific theorists, including familiar names such as Chickering (Chickering & Reisser, 1993), Astin (1993), and Tinto (1987). In the final category were those research approaches that were tied to assessment instruments rather than to theoretical frameworks, although many of the instruments have been derived from more complex conceptual frameworks. The thematic analysis provides background for a number of interpretations. First, the student housing experience is a successful one for most students, and it appears to be enhanced by participation in a learning community. These conclusions continue to support previous research related to the importance and impact of residence halls in the learning and individual development of students. They continue to support Astin’s (1993) theory related to student involvement and Tinto’s (1987) ideas about learning communities. The issue of diversity was a major research focus, especially as it related to the campus climate within residential environments and to staff training. The cumulative results from these studies revealed a commitment to ensuring that a positive experience extends to all students. Increased diversity in staff and increased diversity training for staff were perceived to be a part of this commitment. In an attempt to provide evidence for making positive and inclusive changes, these studies attempted to assess perceptions, needs, and behavior related to diversity. A few studies examined administrative and technology issues associated with college and university housing. It was not surprising to see that a number focused on outsourcing, technology, and alcohol policies,

since these have been major administrative issues over the last decade. It was also interesting to see a number of studies focused on residence halls at community colleges, which is a new market within student housing. What was surprising was the fact that a higher number of dissertations were not focused on administrative issues, construction and renovation, or financial issues related to residence halls, since these have been concerns within higher education over the last decade and continue to be in the midst of the economic meltdown.

IMPLICATIONS
Dissertations on the topic of college and university housing written over the last 5 years continue to add to the profession’s understanding of the value, focus, impact, and satisfaction associated with the residence hall experience. These works used multiple research methods, focused on multiple topics, and utilized an array of theoretical frameworks, as well as many of the assessment instruments associated with these frameworks. The results of this study point to five topical themes and areas related to college and university housing that have important implications for practice and also provide guidance for areas where research is needed. Thematically, the collective analysis of these dissertations suggested that the residential housing experience continues to have a positive impact on student success, satisfaction, and persistence in their college experience, and special housing environments like learning communities are especially helpful. These findings could collectively be used to support recent housing efforts and to refine and focus housing resources in order to further enhance

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The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 2