The Residential Impact at a Glance
Data-Driven Living: Shaping the Residential Experience
4.2/5 ★
student rating for OVERALL RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE.
(Residence Hall Feedback Survey, 2025–26)
91.8%
of students feel a sense of safety in their residence hall rooms.
(SkyFactor Survey, Spring 2024)
74%
of students reported that Residence Life engagement helped them grow.
(Residence Hall Feedback Survey, 2025–26)
208
Distinct programs were offered within the residential communities.
(Fall ’25 Resident Engagement DATA)
Life in the residence halls is more than a place to live; it’s where community, learning, and belonging take shape.
Residence Life uses intentional assessment to understand what matters most to students and to improve connection, engagement, and belonging. Through surveys, program evaluations, and national benchmarking tools like SkyFactor, student feedback directly informs decisions that shape daily life in the residence halls.
Beyond the Room: Evaluating the On-Campus Living Experience
Residence Hall Feedback Survey
The Residence Hall Feedback Survey is a key tool used to evaluate students’ experiences living on campus. The survey gathers feedback on in-hall programming, residence hall processes, and the effectiveness of live-in student staff, including Resident Assistants (RAs) and Student Hall Coordinators (SHCs). It also assesses areas such as programming effectiveness, front desk operations, and the First-Year Neighborhood to inform ongoing improvements.
Student Engagment Data
In alignment with the Student Engagement Model, Residence Life collects engagement data through one-on-one resident meetings, engagement logs, staff updates, and program evaluations. These data help inform programming, staff development, and improvements to the residential experience.
H.O.M.E. Focus Groups
H.O.M.E. uses focus group discussions in each residence hall during January Term to gather feedback from residents about their experiences. Students engage with a Residence Life professional staff member to discuss topics such as room assignments, hall programming, relationships with staff, sense of belonging, and access to resources. This approach assesses satisfaction and learning outcomes while identifying ways to enhance the residential experience.
SkyFactor Benchworks Survey
The SkyFactor Benchworks Survey is a residence hall-wide assessment that measures students’ self-reported perceptions of their campus living experience. First administered in Spring 2024, the survey uses a 1–7 Likert scale to assess satisfaction, learning, and overall program effectiveness. SkyFactor allows Residence Life to compare results with 156 institutions nationwide and with 6 peer institutions identified by the College through Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment. The survey is administered on an irregular biennial or triennial cycle, depending on assessment needs.
From Data to Decisions
Connections Feedback: Resident Relationships with Live-In Student Staff
Student feedback shows the important role Resident Assistants (RAs) play in building connection, trust, and support in the residence halls.
- 80% of residents reported their RA is an ethical role model
- 72% said their RA cares about them personally
- 58% shared their RA helped them connect with other students
- 90% of first-year residents view their RA as a trusted source of information
Action Taken: This feedback helps Residence Life train RAs, enhance student-staff support, and create programming that strengthens community connections across all residence halls.
Residence Life Programming
- Based on responses from 206 students, 71.9% reported satisfaction with the quality of Residence Life programs, while 69.5% expressed satisfaction with the variety of programs offered. (Skyfactor Survey, Spring 2024)
- 65% of students indicated that living in the First-Year Neighborhood contributes to a strong sense of community and belonging. (2025–26 Residence Hall Feedback)
Action Taken: For the 2025–26 AY, Residence Life introduced the Hall Community Experience within the First-Year Neighborhood, featuring hall-specific programming designed to strengthen community, increase engagement, and support first-year students’ sense of belonging.
Learn more
Housing & Facilities Feedback
Room Assignment Process
- 32.8% of students found the original room assignment process difficult (Skyfactor Survey, Spring 2024).
- Action Taken: New communication plans, housing information sessions, and roommate connection opportunities have been implemented.
Laundry Facilities
- 35.5% of students were dissatisfied with laundry facilities (Skyfactor Survey; H.O.M.E. Focus Group, Jan 2025).
- Action Taken: As of January 2026, all washers and dryers in the residence halls have been replaced.