Using qualitative research methods, the researcher uses unstructured in-depth interviews in order to understand notions of community at a Midwest university. The researcher interviews students, resident advisors, resident hall coordinators, members of registered student organizations, and students who live both on and off campus in order to find out how people at the university view “community” and how it is or is not incorporated into their lives as members of the university. Findings suggest that a person’s notion of community is related to what stakes he or she has in the university. Students find and build community through personal and common interests, geographical location, and through the use of networking websites. The author also finds that there are disjunctions in community building on campus due to the physical landscape of the university and due to students competing commitments to work or live off-campus.
This collection examines ways in which the U.S. university and the American college experience are affected by diversity, and difference. In particular, these student projects examine experiences of diversity on campus, including important contemporary social, cultural, and political debates on equity and access to university resources.
The university offers an extraordinary opportunity to study and document student communities, life, and culture. This collection includes research on the activities, clubs, and durable social networks that comprise sometimes the greater portion of the university experience for students.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.