Freshmen Perceptions Of Academic Support In The Residence Halls

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of freshmen students on
the subject of academic support in the residence halls. Prior research in the field
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indicated there are many different approaches to academic support in the residence halls
such as the professional and resident assistant staff, academic programming as well as the
physical environment, and exploring living learning community programs. The prior
research also indicated the need to identify the unique millennial generational needs as
well as the goals of integrative learning. A qualitative study was conducted in three focus
group settings to gain an understanding of the perceptions of 14 freshman students on the
academic support they feel is received in the residence halls as well as the support they
wish to see in relation to characteristics ofliving-learning communities. General themes
and categories from participant responses were critically evaluated. The findings suggest
students do not perceive professional staff members to be forms of academic support and
felt the need to keep their home and academic life separate. These findings are followed
by a discussion section connecting the participant responses to prior research, as well as
recommendations for administrators to consider when taking into account the
development of academic support for freshmen in the residence hall setting.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Richard Roberts (Supervisor)