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Ramsey, Eric L.

College of Education and Social Services

2011

Ed. D.

The understanding of community on a college campus is often debated by students, faculty, and administrators. Whether in times of conflict caused by an act of intolerance or a dialogue facilitated in order to determine the common ground at an institution, consensus is rarely reached on the concept and role of community. Using the theoretical lens of Ernest Boyer's "Six Principles of Community" as described in his Campus Life monograph (1990), the purpose of this study was to understand how traditionally college-aged students (18-22) discuss community and to develop recommendations that colleges and universities can use to create a community of scholars with a shared set of values. Four questions guided this study.
A.) How do students discuss community? b.) How does the student understanding of community effect their connection to the institution? c.) How, if at all, is the definition of community expressed differently based on the students place in their academic career? d.) How might colleges better understand and use this information to be more international in their programs and policies?
Findings suggested that students receive intentional messages from the college through branding activities. This results in expectations that are sometimes unmet, leaving students struggling to find their sense of community. Through a theoretical analysis of data guided by Boyer several recommendations were developed to increase peer-to peer engagement, focus time with faculty, and evaluate institutional messaging.