This study indicates a discrepancy in the prefects' and students' perceptions of both the ideal and actual roles of the prefect. Such discrepancies decrease the effectiveness of the prefect. The instrument used in the study consists of a two-part questionnaire. Part I is included in this report. (Author/DOW)

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…

Examined relationship between temperament and burnout in 52 college resident assistants (RAs). None of four RA temperament groupings differed significantly from each other in burnout as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Concluded that each temperament type deals with RA job in special way and each is susceptible to burnout if healthy…

Analyzed students' (N=282) responses to questions about personal habits and roommate and residence hall preferences, to explore the influence of habit variables on roommate compatibility. Found that matching roommates on potential causes of conflict had some effect on interaction and compatibility. (ABB)

Explored differences in freshman students' perceptions of college living environments across the six residence hall arrangements typically used for first-year students to learn if freshmen evaluated various aspects of their hall social climates in different ways according to whether they lived in single-sex, coed, all-freshmen, or…

Discusses the philosophical basis of the Unit Agreement program, provides a description of the Unit Agreement process and how it was developed, and presents the results of a campuswide study of the program's effect on the residence hall environment. (ABB)

Measured the associations of students' personal adjustment, interpersonal communication, and peer relationships with their subsequent achievement and continuation in college. Results suggest that efforts to improve relations between students in the residence halls may increase their achievement and retention in college. (ABB)

Presents a white paper on residence hall government, summarizing fundamental principles in organizing and maintaining a residence hall association on campus. These include determining needs, identifying support, obtaining income, ensuring effective leadership, and developing system maintenance. (JAC)

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)

Investigated the effectiveness of a litter reduction program, consisting of group assignment of responsibility and a token reward system, on weekend litter rates in college residence halls. Results indicated procedure was completely effective, with litter reduced to zero in all settings. (BL)

Suggestions for how housing personnel can meaningfully cope with bulimic residents are presented. Emphasis is placed on developing written procedures which clarify and define the mystique about and fear of the bulimic resident. (BL)

Examined the relationship between temperament and conflict-management style in college residence life directors. Results only partially and minimally support the hypothesis that there is a direct relationship between temperament and conflict-management style for residence life directors and supervisors. Age and experience are believed to intervene…