Combating the "Sophomore Slump": Investigating the Contributions of On-Campus Living

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional, Programmatic, and Student Service Support for Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Many second-year students experience the so-called “sophomore slump”, and although research finds on-campus living to promote positive student outcomes, little research examines the influence of on-campus living on sophomores specifically. The present study addresses this gap by exploring the relationship between on-campus living and sophomores’ experiences using survey data from a large residential campus. Analyses revealed that dimensions of residential experience were strong predictors of sophomores’ confidence in degree attainment, academic engagement, career plan, motivation, values, social integration and involvement, as well as overall satisfaction. Differential benefits for students of color, first-generation and LGBTQ students are also identified. Findings suggest residence life programming may be an important in addressing sophomore-specific challenges for students of all backgrounds.

Authors

• Ai Ye, Univerisity of Delaware

• Elizabeth N. Farley-Ripple, University of Delaware