Sunday, November 29, 2015

Research Blog #7: Your Case

At the University of Idaho (U of I), a study was conducted that observed term grade point average, cumulative grade point average, and retention rates for first year students living in residence halls. It was found that residence hall first year students had term and cumulative GPAs that were 0.22 higher than other first year students.

In terms of retention rates, between the Fall 2014 semester and Spring 2016 semester, first year students who lived in residence halls had a higher retention rate by 3.25% than other students.

"On many residential campuses, off-campus first-year students often do not have the same opportunities that University Housing and Greek students do"

"Without student services directed specifically toward commuter students and off-campus living, it is not surprising that these students are at the biggest disadvantage to succeed"

"While one can argue that proximity becomes the greatest variable for student success, one can also look toward the organizational structure of the living environments as a critical component"


The main focus of this research was to show how specific living conditions, particularly living on in residence halls, plays an important role and positive impact on achieving higher GPAs, higher retention rates and higher matriculation rates. The research states that nearly 57% of all drop-out students in four year colleges leave before the start of their second year. Therefore, with these shockingly high numbers, there should be a great focus in first year students and how to accommodate them in such a way to adequately address their educational needs. The research in this paper is important to my topic because it sites evidence that shows that college students who live on campus are at an educational advantage to those who do not live on campus.

Gasser, Ray. "Educational and Retention Benefits of Residence Hall Living." Review. 2008.

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