Examines resident assistant (RA) burnout as a self-defeating behavior. Discusses causes and costs of burnout and positive alternative behaviors. (RC)

Developed and distributed a survey to students (N=298) in each of four residence halls to assess opinions about the most important factors affecting students' quality of life. Results are presented in a list of 44 variables followed by an importance scale mean for each variable. (RC)

Reviews resource materials for handling claims of sexual harassment. Includes guidelines for administrators in handling complaints of sexual harassment and discusses the responsibilities of management. Explores the definition of sexual harassment. (RC)

Surveyed 50 resident assistants and 46 dormitory residents in the fall and spring to examine changes in their perceptions of the resident assistant's role. Results showed that, while a substantial number of RA functions became less important to both groups over the year, supervisory functions became more important. (JAC)

Compared environmental aspects of academic and nonacademic living units in a college residence hall in a survey of 141 students. Results showed the academic units were more emotionally supportive, had a stronger degree of order and organization, and had members who spent more time together and studied more frequently. (JAC)

Surveyed 660 students, 330 faculty, 130 professional staff and 78 residence hall staff to assess the educational environment of the residence halls. All groups perceived residents halls as a pleasant experience but agreed that appropriate levels of quiet were not maintained. Several recommendations are presented. (JAC)

Investigated the resident assistant's role as perceived by 73 resident assistants, 12 administrators, and 350 students. Results showed all groups chose "promoting an environment conducive to study" as the most important role. Resident assistants saw themselves as counselors and leaders while students saw them as friends and information sources.…

Examined the temperament profile of 1,777 resident assistants compared to a normative sample of 3,352. Results showed the RA could be categorized by higher amiable, expressive, and driving scores and lower reflective scores than the norms, with significant sex differences. Implications are suggested for RA selection and inservice education. (JAC)

Examined health-related problems that resident assistants encountered in dormitory residents. Results showed that both male and female students were concerned with minor illnesses, weight control, fitness and exercise. Male students were more concerned with alcohol-related issues; women were concerned about birth control. (JAC)

Compared perceptions of the residential environment of students who participated in painting their living units with those of nonparticipants. Participants perceived a high degree of commitment and friendliness from residents, while nonparticipants perceived their environments much less positively. Men showed more negative attitudes than women.…

Presents issues regarding search and seizure in residence halls and suggests some policies that may be used until the law is clarified. Examples include use of a search warrant for routine safety inspection, in emergencies, when students give permission, or when evidence is in plain view. (JAC)

Describes a Life Development Center, a structured residential environment in which students and professionals work together to achieve personal growth and development. The Center provides for the integration of academic and residence environments in which students' understandings of themselves and others may be expanded. (JAC)

Surveyed college housing officers to provide an overview of the status of retention programs in residence halls. Results indicated most retention activities included traditional programing such as counseling and residence hall activities. Suggests most institutions are only beginning to provide specific retention programs and few keep track of…

Surveyed college students about choice of residence. Results indicated students who chose residence halls felt more positive about their environment because of perceived emotional support and expression. Factors important to offcampus residents included better study atmosphere and new experiences. Suggests these needs be incorporated into…

This article explores nine myths. These include that what is done in residence halls cannot be measured, that student housing is auxiliary to the central university mission, that resource management is a function of a chosen few, that in loco parentis is dead, and that management and program interests conflict. (Author)