Residence Life

Change is inevitable… and necessary. Without it we fail to move forward. Higher education is not exempt from the need for change, if for no other reason than to respond to societal and economic trends, or the ever-changing needs and expectations of today’s student. It is not only pedagogy or program, but also the design of many campus buildings. One area where we have seen considerable change is in residence halls and the students who live therein! Here are just a few comparisons worth mentioning.

PRICE. A newspaper article on “dorm life” in 1936 at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College will help to put things in perspective. Back then, instructional fees were $27 for an 18-week semester. Necessary expenses were a post office box rental for 50 cents and a $5 incidental fee, which included library usage and admittance to athletic and cultural programs. Dormitory room rental ranged from $18 to $45 per semester depending on location, furnishings and number of roommates. Rooms were inspected weekly, and there was a $3 deposit to guarantee proper care of the room and the furnishings. Amenities included “heated by steam heat and lighted by electricity,” with hot and cold running water. According to the latest College Board Report on the trends in college pricing, the average published charges for undergraduates at a four-year public institution in 2013-14 were $8,893 for in-state tuition and fees, $22,203 for out-of-state tuition and fees, plus an additional $9,498 for room and board.

HOUSE RULES. A New York Times article on Education Life speaks to the changes we have seen in house rules. A 1960s women’s dormitory handbook talked about dorm hours (11 P.M. lights out and bed checks); permission to visit home (signing out with the housemother and paying her for a two-cent postcard to notify your parents); social standards, poise and good manners (for example, by standing when an older person enters the room or approaches to speak); and personal appearance (shorts may not be worn on campus except for P.E. classes). A 2012 residence contract spoke to the possession of weapons on campus; consumption, possession or use of alcohol; personal safety (including walking on roofs or ledges); and gender equity halls.

Residence halls have evolved from basic spaces to fully furnished homes away from home. On today’s campus, quality, safety and residence life programs offered play a huge role in recruiting and retaining students. To find out more about the changes happening in residence halls, turn to page 20, where you will find Living on Campus, our 13th annual survey on residence hall construction.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • School Construction Projects Boom as Education Systems Address Aging Facilities and Growth

    Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of inefficient classrooms, upgrades to lighting, technology, and security equipment, and adding new sports and cultural facilities.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

Digital Edition