The literature on human motivation and persistence posits that to be stewards of environments that both challenge and support students requires more than cultivating grit. In this article, the author explores why a truly developmental educational experience must transcend the fostering of individuals' grit and resilience. At its best, it must lead…

Are athletics a positive or negative educational force? The viewpoint widely shared across academe is that participation in intercollegiate athletics has a positive impact on students and contributes to learning and moral development. Often, this notion is captured in the phrase "character development," a shorthand way to describe the individual…

At what point does a paradigm become so prevalent that it loses its utility? Probably when attempts to simplify complex concepts become oversimplification. A case in point may be the use of the term "millennials". The designations "millennials" and "millennial generation" are frequently used, allegedly to paint a nuanced portrait of today's…

Incoming college students often find themselves overwhelmed by their coursework. Campus programs, such as cultural education and leadership training, are intended to aid students in their transition to the academic setting but can instead lead to further stress. Without unprogrammed time, students do not have a chance to analyze their thoughts…

Some construction projects that colleges and universities have recently undertaken--residence halls, dining halls, student centers, athletic and recreation centers--have attracted significant criticism. Critics have taken issue with the proliferation and design of buildings intended to structure the use of students' free time and attract…