Experiences and Outcomes Associated With Students Who Self Select into Living-Learning Communities at an R3 University

2:45-3:35 p.m.

Location: Pollock A

Type: Informative/panel

Audience: Living Learning Communities, Residential Colleges

Presenters: Linda Jena, Texas A&M University-Commerce

This will be an informative session where research findings from a concurrent mixed methods study exploring the experiences and outcomes of students who self-select into the various living-learning communities (LLCs) at a Carnegie-classified R3 university are presented. An LLC survey was administered to 220 participants over 21 weeks, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the impact of LLC participation. The data analysis revealed a positive influence on student experiences and outcomes, thereby confirming the study's hypotheses. Additionally, thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed key themes such as belonging and community, revealing the benefits of LLC participation even among students who self-select into these communities.