The purpose was to assess the extent of use of Making Achievement Possible reports in aiding hall directors in making decisions for their hall in five areas: academic initiatives, hall activities, disciplinary proceedings, conversations with students, and assessing community. Current hall directors were surveyed during January 2002 regarding use of MAP reports in these areas. Two focus groups were held to gain more specific examples of report use, to determine possible changes, and to identify factors that affect use in decision-making. It was determined that the reports are used in academic initiatives, disciplinary proceedings, and in assessing community strengths, but are not used in other areas of job responsibility. Issues that affected use included time, training, and the amount of information found on the report. Training in basic research methodology and in applying results to practice could lead to better utilization of the MAPP reports in hall decision-making. / Department of Educational Studies

This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of resident assistants towardgay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) students. Attitudes and perceptions of floor environments, hall environments, and the campus community were looked at. The original intent of this study was to find a relationship between resident assistants' attitudes and perceptions toward GLBT individuals and its relationship to the environment created on the RA's floor. The sample of GLBT students was too small to make reference to it in this study.A significant difference was found between hall staffs' attitudes. The study suggests that their hall environment can influence RAs' attitudes and perceptions. Consistent with past research, male resident assistants (RAs) had more negative views toward gay men and lesbians than female RAs. Inconsistent responses were found to individual questions, which suggests a lack of education on GLBT issues. The majority of RAs believed there should not be more GLBT material integrated in the classroom, however they felt they didn't have adequate training on GLBT issues. RAs felt that GLBT students experience less harassment and discrimination in the residence halls then on campus and in society. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education