Positive or negative : a study of expectations and experiences of students living in substance-free university housing at Ball State University

• Main Author: Arey, George Arthur
• Other Authors: Wessel, Roger D.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Ball State University > Student housing.; Ball State University > Students > Attitudes.; Ball State University > Students > Substance use.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/187296; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1230608

This study was designed to collect data that would provide evidence as to what students' expectations of the environment were along with whether these expectations were actually being experienced by students living in the substance-free environment. A systematic sample of 139 students were surveyed who lived in the Students Uniting to Remain Free (SURF) substance-free living environment at Ball State University during the Fall semester of 2001 academic year. Data collection consisted of a survey instrument that had eight three-part questions, 10 demographic characteristic questions, and six student involvement questions.The data revealed that new and returning students living in the SURF hall were very satisfied with their residential experience. The majority of their expectations matched the majority of their experiences. Statistically significant differences between the expectations of new and returning students existed with the following variables: drinking and using drugs outside of the SURF hall, expecting that they would not have to deal with noise and disruptions caused by alcohol usage, living with students who had similar religious ideals and values, expecting the SURF hall to be a quiet study area and expecting and experiencing wellness and healthy lifestyle programs.The growing interest in substance-free housing environments is an area that many Chief Housing Officers and Student Affairs Administrators may want to consider investing more time researching in addition to allocating additional institutional resources in the creation of increased levels of this living environment option. Current expansion of this lifestyle option on campuses across the nation may dictate that for institutions to stay competitive and to meet the needs of the various populations living on their campuses the offering of this lifestyle option may need to increase. Additional research into the academic benefits and long-term retention benefits may be necessary for the development of new programs. === Department of Educational Leadership