The decision, implementation and assessment of a credit-bearing activity class by faculty in residence: A case study

Issue title: Special Section: The Work of Faculty-in-Residence in North American Higher Education

Guest editors: C. Daryl Healea

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Callahan, Janet^{a; *} | Harrison, Geoff^{b; 1} | Humphrey, Michael^c | Sielaff, Cala^d | Wintrow, Melissa^e

Affiliations: [a] College of Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA | [b] School of Management, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand | [c] Department of Special Education, College of Education, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA | [d] Campus Recreation, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA | [e] Residential Education, University Housing, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Janet Callahan, Associate Dean College of Engineering, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-2100, USA. Tel.:+1 208 426 5983; Fax: +1 208 426 4466; E-mail: JanetCallahan@BoiseState.edu

Note: [1] Former Associate Director for Recreation and Education at Boise State University.

Abstract: This case study reports on a programmatic decision to require a credit-bearing course that was made by Faculty in Residence (FIR), including its implementation and results over a two-year period from 2010–2012. The focus is on FIR and on the impact of their decision upon the students enrolled in their Living Learning Communities (LLCs). The credit-bearing course was a Kinesiology Activities class taken by all seven LLCs at Boise State University. Anonymous feedback from students was obtained via end of semester surveys; results were used to improve the course. Survey feedback was analyzed to assess the value students perceived to have gained from the course. The majority of students reported gaining value from the class. Students noted that it positively affected their time management/personal accountability, that it decreased their stress level and that it increased their awareness of the Recreational Center offerings. Some students were critical of the course, reporting little to no value or even resentment about the course requirement. The decision, implementation and improvements of the course required faculty leadership and full participation of all LLCs; perceptions of the FIR in terms of the effects of adding the required course on their LLC are reported.

Keywords: Living learning communities, faculty in residence, residential life, kinesiology, case study, housing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152183

Journal: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 481-489, 2015