Residence Hall Retention - University of Delaware

Second-Year Retention in Residence Halls: Why the Decline?

Karen A. DeMonteAssociate Director, Housing Assignment Services

Heather A. KellyDirector, Office of Institutional Research

University of Delaware• Located in suburban Newark,

Delaware midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore

• Origins back to 1743, was chartered in 1833

• Public, State Assisted University

• Research University (very high research activity)

• UD offers 137 undergraduate and 167 graduate programs in 7 Colleges

• Fall 2010 Newark Campus enrollment totaled 15,887 undergraduate and 3,670 graduate students

• 1,126 full time faculty members of whom 841 are Tenured/Tenure Track (75%)

• On average, 92% of freshmen return sophomore year and more than 3 out of 4 students graduate in five years

• 92% of first-time freshmen and 44% of undergraduates live in university housing

Housing Assignment Services &Office of Institutional Research 1

The Issue

Housing Assignment Services &Office of Institutional Research

90.3% 90.4% 91.4% 91.2% 92.0%

67.6% 67.0%65.1% 64.1%

62.9%

50.0%

55.0%

60.0%

65.0%

70.0%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Freshmen Retention, 2005 - 2009Overall University vs. On-Campus Housing

UD Freshman Overall Unversity Retention to 2nd Fall UD Freshman On-Campus Housing Retention to 2nd Fall

2

2005 to 2009 On-campus Housing Retention decrease statistically significant ( p < .001)

Why the concern?

• Impact of student outcomes and success• Facilities under-utilized• Loss of revenue

Housing Assignment Services & Office of Institutional Research 3

What is our Goal?

Identify areas for improvement to help reverse the trend of second year

students moving off-campus and re-establish acceptable occupancy

rates.


Who are the Stakeholders?

• Housing Assignment Services• Residence Life• Dining Services• Facilities• Planning & Construction• Student Centers


Methodology

• Utilize existing information– Student Extracts– National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)– Educational Benchmarking, Inc. (EBI)– Undergraduate Student Satisfaction Survey

• Develop new instrument for further exploration• Housing Retention Survey developed by UD administered by

StudentVoice


Student Extracts

2008 2009 2010

Freshmen On Campus

Other Than Freshmen OnCampus

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

GPA

Year

Fall Cumulative GPAs

Freshmen On CampusFreshmen Off CampusOther Than Freshmen On CampusOther Than Freshmen Off Campus


Source: Official 10th Day Spring Extract


On Campus as of Spring TermSpring to Fall Attrition

0500

1,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000

Spring 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Fall 2010

Academic Term

Num

ber o

f Ful

l-tim

e St

uden

ts FreshmenSophomoreJuniorSenior

Off Campus as of Spring TermSpring to Fall Attrition

0500

1,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000

Spring 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Fall 2010

Academic Term

Num

ber o

f Ful

l-tim

e St

uden

ts FreshmenSophomoreJuniorSenior

Source: Official 10th Day Extracts

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)


Freshmen Significant NSSE Variables

Mean Scores

On Campus(n=600)

Off Campus(n=47)

Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions 2.64 2.89

Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in 2.55 2.87

Worked with classmates OUTSIDE OF CLASS to prepare class assignments 2.61 2.13

Exercised or participated in physical fitness activities 2.90 2.50

Participated in activities to enhance your spirituality (worship, meditation, prayer, etc.) 1.73 2.14

Work on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements 2.00 2.32

Independent study or self-designed major 1.79 2.13

Quality: Your relationships with other students 4.58 4.65

Institutional emphasis: Providing the support you need to thrive socially 2.60 2.25

Institutional emphasis: Attending campus events and activities (special speakers, cultural performances, athletic events, etc.) 3.00 2.67

Institutional contribution: Writing clearly and effectively 3.01 3.30

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)


Senior Significant NSSE Variables

Mean Scores

On Campus(n=100)

Off Campus(n=482)

Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with others outside of class (students, family members, co-workers, etc.) 2.11 2.00

Attended an art exhibit, play, dance, music, theater, or other performance 2.54 2.13

Exercised or participated in physical fitness activities 2.59 3.03

Examined the strengths and weaknesses of your own views on a topic or issue 2.75 2.55

Work on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements 2.89 2.56

Quality: Your relationships with other students 5.26 5.72

Institutional contribution: Acquiring a broad general education 3.15 3.33

Institutional contribution: Writing clearly and effectively 2.84 3.06

Institutional contribution: Speaking clearly and effectively 2.78 2.97

Institutional contribution: Voting in local, state (provincial), or national (federal) elections 1.63 1.84

Educational Benchmarking, Inc. (EBI)


2010 ACUHO-I/EBI Resident Study Overall Results

3.5000

4.0000

4.5000

5.0000

5.5000

6.0000

University Experience Residential Experience Overall Residential Value

Source: 2010 ACUHO-I/EBI Resident Study

Correlation between Overall Residential Experience with Intent to Remain Living On Campus = .299

Impact on Overall Satisfaction Ratings

• Which factors predict students’ Overall Satisfaction of the Full Residential Experience?



Regression Variables Performance of FactorsFactor R2 Description Mean Description

Top Priority:

Learning Outcomes: Personal Interactions 0.170 High Impact 5.29 Good

Satisfaction: Room Assignment or Change Process 0.314 High Impact 5.12 Good

Satisfaction: Room/Floor Environment 0.408 Moderate Impact 5.04 Good

Satisfaction: Dining Services 0.501 Moderate Impact 4.55 GoodLearning Outcomes: Manage Time, Study, Solve

Problems 0.578 Moderate Impact 4.85 Good

Maintain:

Climate: Sense of Community 0.642 Moderate Impact 5.63 Excellent

Impact on Overall Value Ratings

• Which factors predict students’ rating of the Overall Value of their Residence Hall Experience?


Regression Variables Performance

Factor R2 β Mean Descr.

Satisfaction: Dining Services Top Predictor 0.372 0.303 4.58 Good

Learning Outcomes: Manage Time, Study, Solve Problems 2nd Predictor 0.125 4.58 Good

Satisfaction: Room/Floor Environment 3rd Predictor 0.089 5.04 Good

Learning Outcomes: Personal Interactions 4th Predictor 0.120 5.38 Good

Satisfaction: Services Provided 5th Predictor 0.096 5.17 Good

Climate: Sense of Community 6th Predictor 0.068 5.64 Excellent

Satisfaction: Safety and Security 7th Predictor -0.058 5.83 Excellent

Satisfaction: Room Assignment or Change Process 8th Predictor 0.048 5.12 Good


Impact on Degree of Intent to Live On Campus

• Which factors predict students’ Degree of their Intent to Live On Campus the following year?


Regression Variables Performance

Factor R2 β Mean Descr.

Satisfaction: Dining Services Top Predictor 0.116 0.210 4.58 Good

Learning Outcomes: Personal Interactions 2nd Predictor 0.175 5.38 Good

Satisfaction:Facilities 3rd Predictor -0.085 5.14 Good

Satisfaction:Safety and Security 4th Predictor 0.088 5.83 Excellent

Learning Outcomes: Diverse Interactions 5th Predictor 0.065 5.36 Good

Climate: Fellow Residents are Respectful 6th Predictor -0.065 5.27 Good


Undergraduate Student Satisfaction Survey


Freshmen Significant Satisfaction Variables

Mean Scores

On Campus(n=546)

Off Campus(n=53)

College Advisement Center 3.55 3.83

Student Fitness Center(s) 3.56 4.03

University Dining Services 2.81 3.60

Parking Facilities and Services 2.55 3.16

Information Technologies Computing Help Center 3.64 4.08

University Honors Program 3.63 3.15

Student Wellness Center 3.44 3.76

Campus Public Safety 3.22 3.64

Quality of information from your advisor 3.28 3.73

Residence hall facilities at the University 3.45 2.85

The quality and variety of food served in University dining halls 2.65 3.02

The University offers excellent support services for students who find themselves in academic difficulty 3.51 3.80


Senior Significant Satisfaction Variables

Mean Scores

On Campus (n=108)

Off Campus(n=464)

Facilities and space allocated for activities and programs in Student Center(s) 3.38 3.64

Center for Counseling and Student Development 3.27 3.60

Academic Enrichment Center 3.36 3.64

Student Services Building 3.47 3.70

Intramural or Recreation Programs 3.43 3.72

University Dining Services 2.44 3.19

University Writing Center 3.51 3.85

Information Technologies Computing Help Center 3.44 3.73

University Bookstore 3.19 3.56

The quality of your orientation experience at DelaWorld 3.26 3.64

Laboratory facilities at the University 3.29 3.54

Computing sites at the University 3.62 3.81

The quality and variety of food served in University dining halls 2.36 3.06

Tuition billing and payment procedures 2.77 3.10

The manner in which I am treated by University administrative personnel 3.24 3.54

Opportunities for student input into University policies 2.60 2.97

The Student Judicial System at the University 3.03 2.76

The quality of your overall experience at the University of Delaware 3.81 4.08

Housing Retention Survey


0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Very dissatisfied

Moderately dissatisfied

Slightly dissatisfied

Neutral

Slightly satisfied

Moderately satisfied

Very satisfied

Overall, how satisfied are you with your experience living on campus this year?

Move Off Campus 11/12 Remain On-Campus 11/12

Intention to Remain Living On Campus Next Academic Year


Source: HAS Retention Survey, Student Voice 04/2011

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

First-Year Sophomore Junior Senior

Remain On Campus

Move Off Campus

Overall Satisfaction and Intention to Live on Campus• No Significant Correlation: Little Difference

– Housing Assignments: Flexibility of the room change policy

– Housing Assignments: Room assignment process

– Housing Assignments: Current room assignment

– Environment: Noise level of your floor– Facilities: Services provided by Custodial

Staff– Personal Values and Development:

Understand people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds

– Personal Values and Development: Understand yourself

• High Correlation; Significant Difference– Housing Assignments: Timeliness of process – Pers/Acad Growth: Balance time

commitments– Housing Assignments: Timeliness of room

changes – Pers/Acad Growth: Solve problems– Dining Services: Dining environment– Pers/Acad Growth: Manage time more

effectively– Pers/Acad Growth: - Improve personal

relationships– Pers/Acad Growth: Meet other people– Dining Services: Cleanliness of the dining

area– Dining Services: Variety of the dining plan

option– Dining Services: Quality of food




0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Intend to Remain On Campus

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Intend to Move Off Campus

Factors in Student Decision on Where to Live Fall ‘11


Overall Results

• Top Factors predicting students’ decision to move off campus– Learning Outcomes: Manage Time, Study, Solve

Problems– Learning Outcomes: Personal Interactions– Satisfaction: Dining Services

• Other Factors– Timeliness of Room Assignment Processes


Next Steps

• Perform Focus Groups• Analyze other demographic variables (gender, major,

honors/athletes, etc.)• Continue discussions with our Stakeholders• Communicate results of perceived value and student

satisfaction factors with our students• Enhance marketing efforts to parents• Make immediate changes where feasible


Changes to Date &Future Recommendations

• New marketing messages• Approval to purchase new on-line Housing Administration System• Change timing of our Housing Application Process



• Resident Life Living Learning Communities (LLC)



• Construction Projects - Planning and Recommendations– East Campus Freshmen Residence Complex– New Dining Hall Project


Source: New dorms to open in 2013, The Review, February 22, 2011.


• Follow up with Student Focus Groups



• Facility Improvements


References

Astin, A.W. (1993). What matters most in college: Four critical years revisited. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Hargrave, A., & Takimoto, M. (September 9, 2010). Strategically communicating housing’s contribution to student retention, attraction & success. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from http://www.acuho-i.org/Default.aspx?tabid=812.

Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Schuh, J. H., Whitt, E. J., & Associates. Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

Pascarella, E. T., & Terenzini, P. T. How College Affects Students: Volume 2 A Third Decade of Research. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

Housing Assignment Services & Office of Institutional Research 28

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QUESTIONS & COMMENTS


Contact Us…Karen DeMonteAssociate Director, Housing Assignment Services302.831.3676 [email protected]://www.udel.edu/has/

Heather A. KellyDirector, Office of Institutional [email protected]://www.udel.edu/IR/


mailto:[email protected]�

http://www.udel.edu/has/�

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Residence Hall Retention - University of Delaware

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