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Student persistence has long been valued by higher education administrators (Glynn, Sauer, & Miller, 2003). Persistence rates are significantly impacted by student interaction (Tinto, 1975). The environment can have a major influence on how students interact with one another (Lewin, 1936). One way in which the environment can influence interactions is by a building design (Strange & Banning, 2001), including residence hall building design. Despite theories that building design impacts interactions, there is little research that explores how student interaction is influenced as a result of residence hall building design.The purpose of this study was to understand how residence hall spaces that differ by architectural style impact college student interactions. Specifically, this study examined the interactions that took place among residents in traditional and suite style residence halls. For purposes of this study, an interaction was defined as face-to-face contact between two or more individuals that was more significant than a simple greeting.The results of the study first revealed that residents of traditional and suite style residence halls have mostly social interactions in their hall. Secondly, the results revealed that students in traditional style residence halls have an easy time meeting other people in their residence hall environment. Lastly, the results showed that students who live in suite style residence halls have a more difficult time meeting other members of their community. / Master of Arts

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A residence hall is a temporary home. Yet, it can be the most impactful campus environment on a student's education and life. From lifelong friendships to retention rates, residence halls affect students as many experience their first opportunity to express their individuality and personal responsibility. No study can conclusively determine that one residence hall type is better than another. Rather, it is a hall's overall gestalt that determines student satisfaction and a positive perception of community. The question of my thesis explores how residence hall architecture can anticipate its role as an inspiring distraction to the individual that provokes interaction, engagement, and community as a building type that is not quite transient and not quite permanent. / Master of Architecture

Researchers suggest that there are many outcomes associated with involvement in student clubs and organizations. Research also indicates that positive outcomes are associated with serving in leadership positions. Residence Hall Association (RHA) leaders are college students who are involved in a specific type of organization, based in the residence halls with specific aims to improve the quality of life and enhance leadership skill development. Studies to assess the outcomes associated with the RHA leadership experience, however, are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the skills achieved by RHA leaders. Data were gathered by administering the Student Leadership Outcomes Inventory (SLOI) to all RHA Presidents and National Communications Coordinators (NCCs) of NACURH, Inc. during the spring of 2001. The SLOI is a 60-item instrument designed to measure the outcomes of leadership experiences on seven scales. Respondents rate items on a Likert-type scale with responses ranging from "Strongly agree" to "Strongly disagree." Data were analyzed to determine if outcomes associated with RHA leadership differed by: type of position (President versus NCC), age, sex, race (minority v. majority), status of advisor (professional versus graduate student), and size of on-campus population (< 900 v. 1000+). Additionally data were analyzed to determine if there were any interaction effects between the status of advisor and size of on-campus population. Results revealed significant differences by sex on six of the seven scales, status of advisor on the technology scale, and type of position on the self-confidence scale. The data provide information for Residence Education administrators, RHA leaders, and the national board of NACURH, Inc. regarding outcomes achieved by RHA leaders. Using the results of this study, these parties can work to further promote leadership development among RHA officers and members. / Master of Arts

Master of Arts / Department of Communication Studies / Sarah Riforgiate / College residence halls house thousands of students every year. This provides students an opportunity to live closely with new people and develop social skills sought by employers (Myers & Larson, 2005). Living with new people also provides the opportunity for anxiety and conflict (Ingalls, 2000). Many residents reject the idea of initiating or processing their own conflicts, often turning to destructive conflict management behaviors such as avoidance (De Cecco & Richards, 1974; Sillars, 1980). A clearer understanding of influences on student conflict behaviors will help colleges and universities assist students in having positive experiences living on campus. While attempts to understand student conflict management are varied, few consider behavior patterns as systems (Duran & Zakahi, 1988, Kiernan & Gray, 2013, Martin & Anderson, 1995). This qualitative study applies an organizational communication framework and structuration theory (Giddens, 1984; Poole & McPhee, 2005; Sewell, 1992) as a lens to address conflict behavior systems and structures within post-secondary residence halls. Theoretically, this research adds to existing scholarship by applying structuration theory to a non-business context, extending the theory beyond the employer/employee dynamic it is often constrained to. Additionally this study uses structuration theory in a practical manner (Sewell, 1992) in the hopes of informing and improving roommate pairing and conflict approaches. Twenty-three student residents participated in in-depth interviews to answer research questions designed to address communication practices that relate to rules and resources of conflict structures as well as how the dimensions of structuration, power, meaning, and norms, influence the use of rules and resources (Poole & McPhee, 2005). The study identifies resources of authority, space, favor reciprocity, mutual respect, routines, external others, and time and discusses the associated rules within college residence hall rooms. These rules and resources are informed by systems of “coexistent” and “engaged” harmony. Additionally the study identifies how the dimensions of structuration shape systems within the residence hall room and between the roommates by influencing the way rules and resources are used. Largely, this study contributes to the field of structuration research while attempting to incorporate pieces of Sewell’s (1992) critique in the form of practical implications.