Instructors and professors know from their experiences as learners that engaged, interactive, dialogical learning can enhance understanding and increase joy in the learning process. Yet many were primarily taught through traditional lecture-style techniques and continue that pattern in their own teaching. As a professor who believes learning…

At a young age, men begin examining and collecting societal messages about masculinity. As as a result of interpreting these messages, young men modify their behavior based on these societal expectations. This is what the author refers to as "regulating masculinity." The regulation of young men's masculinity takes many forms and can crop…

Why do so many traditionally aged college students engage in inappropriate behaviors, even when they are smart enough to know better? To answer this question, Gregory S. Blimling looks at some of the latest neuroscience research and, in doing so, introduces a new dimension to understanding psychosocial development in college…

Recent changes in basic economic conditions make it harder for college students to find their way in the new economy. However, in addition to these structural changes that drive up the costs of living in society, many students are also suffering from the effects of developing an unsustainable, affluent lifestyle both before and during the pursuit…

Humans, as social creatures, look to others for affiliation, support, and guidance while also having the capacity to offer something of value to someone in need (understanding, compassion, reassurance, hope, etc.). While offering such support can be easy, almost innate, for some and less natural for others, basic helping skills can be learned and…

Day in and day out the author invests her energy in keeping students safe by reducing alcohol consumption on campus, developing innovative alcohol and drug educational programming, collecting and analyzing data to better understand the drinking culture of the campus, and scouring the literature for best practices and evidence-based success. Day in…

In the last issue of "About Campus," the author outlined the research studies that she presented with Eric J. McIntosh, Denise Nelson, and Shannon Pothovenin in 2009, which led to the creation of the Thriving Quotient, a reliable and valid 35-item instrument that measures the changeable psychological qualities in students that affect their ability…

On a college campus, educators and students live on the edge of tragedy. They walk that edge everyday, aware that the possibility of death is always one misstep away. One careless move by any of the hundreds or thousands of them walking that edge, and their whole community falls into a canyon of grief from which they will climb only after weeks,…

Several years ago, the author taught a course called First-Year experience. A student named Sean mentioned that he played "water pong." Sean, a high-achieving student who was also a member of the lacrosse team, explained that water pong was a game with the rules of beer pong, using water rather than beer. Sean volunteered an explanation of his…

Across American campuses, racial tension and other issues of diversity remain a major challenge. The majority of this country's institutions demonstrate that they value and promote diversity through efforts in affirmative action, minority student and faculty recruitment, minority retention, administration of special scholarships, diversity Web…

A marked increase in the number of college students on medications for depression, attention deficit disorder, and other conditions may have intimidated counselors and educators into believing that they all need to be medical experts. The widespread practice of medicalizing behavior and experience contrasts dramatically with the approach in which…

Explores the results of a national survey on college students' alcohol consumption. Features an interview with the author of the study and excerpts taken from online interviews of students and staff at various college campuses. Also outlines a 12-step program for addressing the drinking problem on campuses. (RJM)

Reports on an 18-month study of a small residential college. Discusses four important aspects of contemporary college students, such as their holistic view of life, and suggests ways for educators at colleges and universities to enrich their understanding of student life. (RJM)

Challenges stereotypes surrounding Generation X--American youth born between 1961 and 1981--and the persistent media misrepresentations surrounding this cohort. Attacks the myth that these youth are slackers, that they are apathetic, and that they are whiners. Explores some of the implications of these stereotypes for college and university…

Does it matter which labels are used to define and discuss student drinking? A drink is a drink, right? According to the author, however, the words chosen when talking about drinking can impact the ability to address this pervasive and persistent problem. (Contains 11 references.) (BF)