Date of Award
Spring 5-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Health Science
First Advisor
Abigail Greiner
Second Advisor
Tristan Beck
Third Advisor
Melissa Tabke
Keywords
Housing, Programming, Residence, Community, Student Life, Engagement
Abstract
This honors thesis explores the impact that the University of South Dakota (USD) Housing Department sponsored Resident Assistant (RA) programming has on engagement. Programming has been proven by previous literature reviews as pivotal in building community-based environments on campus. This thesis will look at the way USD Housing has set up their programming to be implemented by student employees. This study aims to identify key components of programs that contribute to the success of the housing initiative, assess the cost and engagement in these activities, and provide recommendations for enhancing student programming within University Housing. Preliminary findings support the idea that campus housing covers the five determined categories of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. By shedding light on the impact of student programming, this research contributes to the broader discussion of the student experience and outcomes of living on-campus. It will also serve as a guide to future RA’s and professional housing staff members as they try to prepare appropriately budgeted and planned programming initiatives by reflecting on past data from their department.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Marissa J., "Creating A Home Away From Home: Enhancing Student Well-Being and Persistence through Student Programming in University Housing" (2025). Honors Thesis. 366.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/366