This study compared students' perceptions and satisfaction as they related to their place of residence. In addition, this study sought to determine if a difference existed between student retention rates from their first year in college to their second year and one's grade point average with respect to one's place of residence within the collegiate setting. As such, the problem this study examined was the overall impact of where a first-time-in-college student lived within the University of Central Florida housing system and how that living environment impacted students' levels of satisfaction, overall retention rates, and cumulative grade point averages. The data used for this study were obtained from a previously distributed survey conducted by the Department of Housing and Residence Life at the University of Central Florida in February 2007. Secondary data were obtained through the Department of Institutional Research at the University of Central Florida. A website link to an optional, self-administered Internet-based survey was sent via email to University of Central Florida students residing in university owned housing and university affiliated housing. The size of the sample was determined by the number of delivered emails 3800 for university owned housing, 1,500 for university affiliated housing (Towers), and 1,831 for university affiliated housing (Pegasus Landing). Of the total populations: 1) 38.57 percent were returned for university owned housing, 2) 26.26 percent were returned for university affiliated (Towers at Golden Knights Plaza), and 3) 24.63 percent were returned for university affiliated housing (Pegasus Landing). There were many statistically significant relationships. Consistently, students residing in university owned housing showed higher satisfaction and agreement levels when compared with students living in university affiliated housing. Additionally, students living in university owned housing showed a higher retention rate and cumulative grade point average when compared with students living in university affiliated housing.

Hyatt, Jennifer Leigh. Women Chief Housing Officers at State Universities in the Northwest United States. Doctor of Education (Higher Education), December 2016, 89 pp., 1 table, 3 figures, 48 references, titles. This qualitative study explored the experiences of women chief housing officers (CHOs) at state universities within the northwest region of the United States. The study used narrative inquiry methodology with a thematic analysis approach to investigate how seven female CHOs experience and make meaning of their professional career progression and journey toward becoming and remaining a CHO. Five core themes emerged from the study: (a) understanding housing operations, (b) self-efficacy, (c) gender inequities, (d) relationships with staff, and (e) mentorship. The theme of gender identity suggests that gender does influence how these female CHOs make meaning of their professional experience. The overall results suggest that although the perception of many is that the field of student affairs is wide open to women, in some senior-level positions, such as CHO, gender inequity is prevalent. A factor that may contribute to this inequity is the privatization of housing which calls for a greater understanding of business and housing operations, areas dominated by males. An implication from this study is that an increase in the number of women in the CHO position may only occur when university housing personnel expand professional preparation for mid-level housing positions to include more business-related practices. The mid-level position could then be seen as a step toward desired CHO competencies and toward making the position of CHO more inclusive.