Provides a human and historical perspective of residential life in the early days of Vassar College. Reviews the contributions of Maria Mitchell, a pioneer astronomer and academician who made a considerable contribution to the concept of student development through living and learning. (JAC)

Challenges the effectiveness of housing professionals in programming and student development. Identifies four problem areas that call for educational leadership responses: (1) volatility of student living conditions; (2) program inadequacy and contradiction; (3) institutional narcissism; and (4) absence of faculty role models. (JAC)

Presents two studies which surveyed college students (N=304 and 448) to examine the impact of living environment on academic performance. Contrary to previous research, students living off-campus reported higher grade point averages than on-campus students. Advantages and disadvantages of specific living arrangements are discussed. (JAC)

Examined the relative importance of college housing to retention of students (N=226) receiving financial aid. Results indicated that persisters were more likely to have had good high school and aptitude test grades, reside in college residence halls, and receive college work study as a type of financial aid. (JAC)

Discusses the importance of developing a support system for gay and lesbian housing staff members. To engage in this effort, interpersonal relationshiop skills must be acquired, enhanced and utilized. Inclusive staff development and support systems can enable all staff members to contribute even more to the profession. (JAC)

Presents a conceptual model which focuses on goals of student government in residence halls. The model has two fundamental processes. One focuses on short term goals and activities catering to creation of environment. The second has long term effects referred to as lifelong personal development. (JAC)

Surveyed college food service trends in various geographical locations in the United States. Discusses the trends, addressing eating alternatives, program issues, flexibility in offerings, nutritional emphasis, management and training changes, concern with costs and profits, updating of physical facilities, marketing, technology, matching…

Responds to Dr. Schuh's assessment of developments in the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) in their journal, volume 16, number 2. Addresses the issues of the educational value of housing, need for outcomes research, involvement of women and minority groups, future of the central support services…

Addressing residential administrators, describes the development of a retention program within a university housing organization, either in conjunction with, or separate from, a campus-wide retention program. Discusses preformation issues, initial formation, assessing available data, defining target groups, developing and implementing strategies…

Presents a comprehensive strategic planning model, implemented at a large Southwestern housing and dining services operation. Steps in the model include developing the purpose of conducting strategic planning, determining the organizational structure for implementing the planning process, establishing a conceptual framework as a rationale for goal…

Describes programs presented at Association of College and University Housing Officers-International Annual conferences, based on 1965, 1975 and 1985 program bulletins. Analyzed topics, regional distribution of program presenters, and gender distribution of program presenters. Facilities and management/operations programs were most frequent,…

Studied family housing within the University Student Apartment Community (USAC) at Iowa State University, to assess neighbor interaction and stress. Residents with lower household incomes reported knowing more neighbors, and those who were employed, fewer. Number of neighbors known was a significant indicator of neighbor interactions. Neighbor…

University housing officers have begun concentrating on student consumerism. Energy conservation, maintenance efficiency and optional payment plans are being initiated to keep housing costs down. Active recruitment and attractive working conditions will be needed to assure enough professionals in the student-housing field. (NRB)

Black and white subjects (N=80) of both sexes completed the Budner Intolerance of Ambiguity Scale and Hogan Scale for Empathy. Data revealed limited support for the hypothesis that tolerance for ambiguity and empathy was positively correlated for White students of both sexes and not correlated for Blacks. (NRB)

Results from residence hall paraprofessionals and regular students who completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Mooney Problem Check List strongly support the hypothesis that paraprofessionals report significantly more personal problems than regular students. (NRB)