Fraternity Member'S Perceptions Of The Benefits And Limitations Of On-Campus, University-Owned Fraternity Housing And Off-Campus, Chapter-Owned Fraternity Housing

Abstract

This purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of fraternity members in relation to their experience living in off-campus, chapter-owned fraternity housing and on-campus, university-owned fraternity housing. The fraternity resided in an off-campus chapter house for several decades and recently relocated to a housing facility provided by the university. General theme emerging from participants' responses were critically evaluated based on prior research. The findings of this study suggested that the participant's perceived on-campus housing to be an overall better living environment than off-campus housing in the areas of academic success, residential community, and student persistence and engagement. However, on-campus housing created more pressure on the participants to recruit members in order to reach the required campus minimum occupancy rate for the chapter. Off-campus housing negatively affected the academic success of the members and was described as a party atmosphere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These findings are followed by a discussion section connecting participant responses to prior research, as well as recommendations for future researchers, fraternity/ sorority professionals, university administrators, and national fraternity and sorority officials.

Date of Award	2010
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Charles G Eberly (Supervisor)