Theoretical modeling has been a widely used tool in the student persistence literature for many years; however, only recently has it been applied to the Historical Black College or University (HBCU) context in an intentional way. We investigated a theory of student persistence in commuter institutions at 2 commuter HBCUs (N = 147 students).…

Scholars and practitioners alike often assume that discomfort is a necessary and productive aspect of the college experience. We used a range of theories grounded in the concept of dissonance to question these assumptions and critically analyze the role of discomfort in collegiate learning and development for today's diverse college student…

This paper analyzes the campus ecology (Renn, 2003, 2004) literature from the perspective of Critical Whiteness specifically problematizing perceptions of safety and inclusion on the college campus. Relying upon Sullivan's (2006) ontological expansiveness, Mills's (1997) epistemology of ignorance, and Leonardo and Porter's (2010) Fanonian…

Established theories and constructs long associated with student success, including involvement, engagement, and integration, provide common language and a body of knowledge to inform understanding of the challenges currently facing higher education. This paper examines how the theories and terms have evolved, explores how the terms are currently…

Using a survey of self-authorship (Pizzolato, 2004), this longitudinal study investigated to what extent particular student characteristics (e.g., demographics characteristics, academic preparation characteristics) and the college environment (i.e., academic and living environment) influence self-authorship development. Findings in this…

Reports on a longitudinal study that partially supports Chickering's hypotheses about the relationship between collegiate experiences and psychosocial development. Results indicate that development of purpose and sense of competence were related to collegiate experiences. However, measurement issues emerged regarding development over extended…

Colleges and universities are responsible for providing a safe environment for members of the campus community. This article describes problems that can arise in dealing with nonstudents who potentially create safety problems on campus. (Author)

Originally published in July 1989, uses meta-analysis to integrate and summarize the empirical research from 1966 through 1987 regarding the influence of college residence halls on the academic performance of undergraduate students in the United States. Results indicate that residence halls do not generally exert a major influence on students'…

Originally published in March/April 1996, reviews the interconnections between two national reports, "Involvement in Learning," and the "Student Learning Imperative." Focuses on the issue of shared values and demonstrates how student affairs professionals can utilize the most recent research to realize the full potential of the…

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…

Examines relationships with parents and personality as predictors of university adjustment among 419 first-year college students. Results reveal that relationships with parents predicted 8% to 35% of the variance in the dependent measures; personality factors increased the percentage of explained variance to 20% to 56%. Practical applications are…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which student involvement experiences impacted educational outcomes for African Americans in college. Overall, the results of the study indicated that in-class and out-of-class experiences positively impacted student development for a nationally representative sample of African American…

Investigated aspects of student development facilitated by focusing on community-building in a peer counseling team of six female and three male college students. Results show that by experiencing community with their peers, students reported enhanced ability and a desire to create community within and outside the university. (Author/RJM)

Using M. R. Weisbord's model of organizational diagnosis, researchers developed the Student Organization Environment Scales to measure students' perceptions of the psychosocial environment or climate of college student organizations. Development of the instrument is described and estimates of its reliability and validity are reported. Describes…

Study explores how institutional context affects the development of self-concept in a sample of 273 African American college students. Findings suggest that students attending church affiliated historically Black colleges develop significantly higher self-ratings in three domains of self-concept-psychosocial wellness, academic, and achievement…