Assessment Practices and Highlights - UNCG Housing and Residence Life (2024)

The Office of Housing and Residence Life strives to cultivate a culture of evidence supporting our mission, vision, and values. In conjunction with UNC Greensboro’s strategic plan of “Taking Giant Steps” and the Division of Student Affairs strategic plan we strive to create and maintain healthy, vibrant residential communities conducive to student success.

A significant part of providing a quality on-campus residential experience is to engage in reflective practice through evaluating successes as well as opportunities for improvement. Housing and Residence Life (HRL) endeavors to create an environment where assessment is incorporated in every aspect of our program. Our staff work to make informed, data-driven decisions, based on intentional assessment of our programs, services, and operations. Our department participates in an external program review process every five years, sets yearly goals, and submits an annual report. Through these efforts, HRL is dedicated to continuous improvement.
This website is not comprehensive of all our efforts rather it provides a brief snapshot of our yearly assessment practices and highlights. Information shared is data from 2018-2019 academic year.

References & Resources

• UNCG Strategic Plan: Taking Giant Steps
• Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan
• Division of Student Affairs Assessment Newsletters

Housing and Residence Life promotes learning and personal growth through programs that enable students to acknowledge and appreciate diversity through open dialogue, establish a personal sense of interdependence, and prepare them for responsible service as members of the global community.

The Skyfactor Residential Assessment is administered every other year to all residential students. The Skyfactor Resident Assessment Instrument was developed in partnership with ACUHO-I and is designed to measure the impact of services including, hall programming, room assignments, food services, engagement with peers, and facilities. It is based on 20 years of research experience. This summary includes findings from Fall 2018.

RESIDENCE LIFE STAFF INTERACTIONS

One of the keys to the experience for students living in the residence halls are the educational and social programs provided. It represents one of the core values for residence life in conjunction with developing meaningful relationships. Of students surveyed,63.2%attended at least one resident hall program or event.

There were a series of questions asked about their satisfaction with the types of programs offered. Respondents were moderately/very satisfied with the following types of programs:

• 55.6%quality of programs
• 54%variety of programs
• 53%social/educational/cultural
• 39.8%athletic/recreational activities

Further 58.4% of students felt that living on campus positively contributed to their learning and 56.4% felt it contributed to their sense of belonging.

Specific to staff experience respondents reported the following:

• 70.6%promoting tolerance
• 67%were happy with ability to organize programs/activities
• 65%help with problems
• 62%getting to know them

An area of opportunity in their staff experience was RA contribution to community(22.8%).

CAMPUS SAFETY

The Skyfactor survey contains a series of questions with regards to safety. Respondents to the survey reported the following related to safety an security:

• 85%felt safe in their room
• 82.2%were satisfied with security and possessions in room
• 79.9%felt safe in residence hall
• 36.6%felt safe walking on campus at night

The campus level perception of security is in line with other instruments where students do not feel safe on campus at night NCHA(24.6%). The daytime statistic is significantly higher at74.9%.

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS

One of the outcomes for living on campus should be increasing the diversity of interactions students have with their peers. Residents reported the following in terms of their experience:

• 71.1%felt it contributed to their ability to live cooperatively
• 69.3%felt accepted by other students
• 62.6%felt it improved their interpersonal relationships
• 61.4%felt living on campus contributed to their ability to meet other people
• 57.9%felt it contributed to their ability to resolve conflicts

One specific area of focus in the survey is the contribution of housing with increased diverse interaction. Respondents to the survey reported the following with relationship to diverse interactions:

• 69.7%felt it contributed to their interaction with someone different than themselves (race, gender, beliefs)
• 65.7%felt they benefited from the interactions with residents different than themselves
• 50.8%felt it contributed to their understanding for putting themselves into another persons place/position

FACILITIES

The type of facilities available to students impacts their experience significantly. The Skyfactor survey also asks questions about the facilities and also support staff interactions. Respondents reported high satisfaction with support staff:

• 79.9%were satisfied with cleaning staff
• 68.3%were satisfied with timeliness of repairs
• 54.1%were satisfied with cleanliness of the floor/public spaces
• 52.6%satisfied with cleanliness of bathroom facilities

In terms of facilities:

• 69.1%were satisfied with their degree of privacy in their room
• 67.5%were satisfied with study facilities
• 62.6%satisfied with Internet connectivity
• 58.6%were satisfied with laundry facilities
• 45.7%were satisfied with cable TV options

The room sign up process represents another aspect of facilities interaction which can impact student experiences in the residence halls. Students reported the following:

• 62.6%were satisfied with the building
• 56.3%were satisfied with room type
• 50.6%felt the process was easy
• 49%were satisfied with quality of choices

CONCLUSIONS

The survey results indicate there are both areas of strength and opportunity in facilities and programs for residence life. Students express a very high degree of satisfaction with the quality of interactions with Residence Life staff but low satisfaction with programming.

Looking specifically at the contribution that housing plays on student interactions, students were mostly satisfied however there were lower levels of satisfaction specific to empathy and conflict management. Further students were moderately satisfied with the facilities but reported higher degrees of satisfaction with staff.

WHAT’S NEXT

In the next year, Housing and Residence Life will work to develop programs and make adjustments to improve students satisfaction in their experience. There are plans to develop social norming campaigns about safety, sustainability, peer interactions, alcohol and other drugs, among other priorities. The programming structure and model is also under consideration for revisions. Within the constraints of building design, facilities is focused on ways to improve quality of living experiences for students.

We actualize our mission to promote learning and encourage academic excellence by designing residential academic initiatives that integrate curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students. Housing and Residence Life intentionally dedicates a Senior Assistant Director for Academic Enhancement to provide leadership for this area in conjunction with a diverse group of live-in professionals, graduate assistants, and faculty. The following includes assessment data and highlights of significant initiatives implemented this year.

HOUSE CALLS

House Calls is a signature event developed by HRL to welcome new first year students to our residence halls with the help of campus volunteers during the start of Fall semester. Faculty, administrators, alumni and friends go door to door visiting new Spartans in their new home away from home ensuring they feel the culture of care at UNC Greensboro. Students get their questions answered and receive a customized drawstring bag with items to support their academic success.

Fall 2018 House Calls

Monday, August 20, 2018 marked the 10th annual House Calls to take place in residence halls across campus.

Snapshot

• 94 Volunteers Registered for House Calls
  Exceeded target goal of 80 volunteers
• 30% of total volunteers were faculty members
• 49% Returning Volunteers
• 40 different Offices & Departments
• Total 2306 new first year residents to visit the day of House Calls
• 1,642 residents were home when volunteers arrived

Fall 2018 Goal

A target goal of 60% residents at home was set in order to increase the average of 54% from over the past eight years of data collection.

In August 2018, we exceeded our target goal with 71.2 % residents at home which is a 12.5% increase from the previous year. This increase perhaps was due to the longevity of the House Calls program with new students arriving at summer orientation already knowing about this signature event. Marketing strategies and incentives were similar for the past few years except for the use of social media and an email blast and printed yard signs were posted as reminders the day of the event. We hope to continue to meet and exceed our target goal in the future.

HOUSE CALLS 2018 SURVEYS

Three surveys were administered electronically to target student population, resident advisors, and volunteers to gauge satisfaction and feedback for improvement.

Survey Results at a Glance

Total Response Rates

• 18% response rate (386 of 2306) Student Survey
• 54% response rate (51 of 94) Volunteer Survey
• Resident Advisor (RA) survey response did not yield significance
• 34% stated email was top communication for House Calls followed by residence life staff at 29.35%
• 83% were very satisfied to satisfied to meet members of the UNCG community during House Calls

STUDENTS

Categories below were created using participants wording in response to the question: What was the most enjoyable component of House Calls?

• Being able to meet people and interact with professors
• Someone to welcome me to UNCG
• Speaking with police officer(s)
• Getting free stuff (swag bags, scantrons, staplers, pens)
• Made me feel at home
• Friendly staff

The majority of respondents stated they did not have suggestions for improving the program. Suggestions given in summary:

• More free gifts include candy, snacks, coupons
• Timing of volunteers (too short, exact time of arrival desired, earlier)

Student Quotes

What was the most enjoyable component of House Calls?
“Feeling like I was home.”
“Talking to the police officer”
“I liked getting to speak with the assistant dean of the honors college! It felt very personal and was really cool to meet her ..to give me encouraging words.”
“The concern HRL showed about how I was assimilating to college life.”

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Quotes

Describe your most enjoyable component of House Calls or a “story” you wish to share.

“Seeing the excitement on the students’ faces was a great feeling. I think they appreciated that staff took the time out to welcome them.”

“Fantastic opportunity to interact with students, get some energy from them, and remind ourselves of why we are here. Everyone should take the opportunity to participate and to be reinvigorated by the great [students] that are coming to UNCG.”

“I am used to working with students in crisis or seeing them not always at their best; it was amazing to have the chance to see students within their living space who seemed excited and thriving so far at UNCG. Very energizing!”

“I loved the student interaction and hearing first hand where students were from and how they decided to come here. Their stories create pride in working for UNCG! They were all so excited, polite and appreciative. Super awesome experience! Happy students=happy alumni!”

Volunteer Survey Snapshot of Results

• 100% would participate in House Calls again
• 98% would recommend this first-year initiative to colleagues
• 94% rated overall experience with House Calls very good to excellent

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES (LLCS)

LLC’s are uniquely designed for new first-year/transfer undergraduate students with a growing focus on the sophom*ore experience. The HRL LLC program consists of seven communities that explore themes related to diversity/social justice, holistic wellness, service-learning, leadership development, career exploration, and global engagement.

HRL LLC 2018-19 Snapshot

• 112 Total Applications
• 78 Fall 2018 Enrolled

The program experienced a significant drop in enrollment from Fall 2017 of 158 LLC participants. There were a total of 9 LLC’s in 2017 compared to 7 for 2018-19 school year. Other reasons for decline can only be speculated. In lieu of this decline, we enhanced our marketing and recruitment strategy for the 2019–2020 recruitment cycle. As of May 2019, we are seeing an increase in the number of applications prior to new student orientation which begins in June 2019.

LLC END OF THE YEAR (18-19) PARTICIPANT SURVEY

Survey Results Highlight

The survey received a total of 31 responses out of the 70 enrolled as of Fall 2018. The LLCs represented in the responses were Connect, Global Village, Impact (FY/SO), Make A Difference House, Mosaic, and Spartan Wellness.

• 35.5% considered themselves first-generation college students (neither parent/guardian completed college)
• 26% were currently student employees at UNCG
• 39% worked off-campus during the academic year
• 45% stated the Housing Application was the primary mode of communication of learning about LLCs

Direct quotes from students when asked “why they joined a LLC”

“I joined Connect because I was worried about adjusting as a transfer students.”
“I wanted to make friends and serve my community at the same time”
“I joined Global Village to further study my language of interest and allow me to be active in the campus community.”
“I wanted to become more engaged as a leader, so I joined Impact”
“I joined Mosaic because I felt it was more in-tune with my beliefs and morals

Student engagement is one of the department’s core focal areas with Residence Life leading the charge to connect and interact with each resident ensuring students have an enriched college experience.

CONNECTIONS

As student affairs practitioners, we know the single most important factor in determining college success is whether or not a student feels connected in their university experience. This connection can come with peers, professors, a club or organization, or with their resident advisor (RA). For this reason, Residence Life focuses on creating one-on-one interactions between a resident and their RA. Connections is a qualitative, Resident Advisor-reported, resident-assessment program designed to meet the following goals:

• Ensure all on-campus residents have at least one intentional interaction with their Resident Advisor during the first two weeks of class in the fall and spring semesters.
• Provide large-scale qualitative data to aid in program development, staff training, and improving the overall student experience.
• Create closer relationships between Resident Advisors and their residents.

25,686 total documented connections

• Average of 6.2 per freshmen student
• 202 Connections per RA – Campus-wide

Showing the importance of full-time professional staff, in the three halls where professional staff members departed mid-year Connection reporting for these halls was 21% lower than halls where the professional staff members remained consistent throughout the 2018-2019 academic year.

Key Findings

• The majority of interaction between a resident and their RA happens within the hall.
• The most common issues RAs report discussing with students are:navigating campus and their academic experience, living with a roommate, and getting involved on campus.
• RAs find it harder to connect with upperclass students, and students living in apartments. These RAs are more likely to plan events or activities to draw residents out of their rooms for short periods of time, to make connections.

RESIDENCE HALL ASSESSMENT

One of the goals for Residence Life is to promote a culture of assessment by which each residential community and committee implement at least one assessment project for the academic year. The following are a few of the 2018-2019 projects:

Cone Hall

Focus Area
Resident Satisfaction / Community Interests

Target Population
Cone Residents (350)

Dates of Assessment

• August 8, 2018- Cone Hall Opening Survey
• March 27, 2019 – Studio 91 End of Year Survey

Response Rates
62 and 45 responses per survey

Executive Summary
This project aimed to assess the expectations of Cone Hall residents regarding level of engagement and resources provided by living in the theme community, Studio 91, for students interested in the Arts. To also, assess residents’ satisfaction with community programming.Earlier survey results were used in real-time to indicate adjustments to programming and Studio 91 management. Since this was the first year of Studio 91, trends indicated in the opening survey and use of Skyfactor results provided context for resident engagement and recommendations on how to address areas for improvement.

Key Findings
The following includes Cone Hall Skyfactor data collected in November 2018.

• 73.85% of one sample indicated interest in Studio 91, either due to personal interest in the arts (13.85%) or from belonging to a major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (60%) [Cone Hall Opening Survey].
• 88.71% of one sample indicated an anticipation of using Studio 91 dedicated spaces, including the Dance Floor Meeting Room (20.97%), the Music Composition Lab (11.29%), the Art Room (19.35%), and the Rehearsal Rooms (37.10%). [Cone Hall Opening Survey].
• Average satisfaction for programming in the building consistently fell significantly below the aggregate mean for satisfaction for programming for residential students on campus with deviations of -0.33 to -0.67 across a variety of and quality of programs. Most notably, the greatest negative difference for the building occurred with a -1.48 deviation below the aggregate mean for “As a result of your living-learning community, you are better able to: Connect with faculty/instructors”; However, for the one upper-class floor, the satisfaction with programming was greater than the aggregate mean (with the exception of athletic/recreational activities).” [SkyFactor/EBI Survey]
• At the end of the year, a resident sample indicated that within a week, 26% use the dance room, 40% use the practice rooms, 17.78% use the art room, indicating a greater percentage of use of the dance room and practice rooms from the anticipated use from the beginning of the year, and less use of the art room than was anticipated in the opening survey. [Studio 91 EOY Assessment SP 19]
• The sample’s most significant recommendation for programming next year was to do more CVPA programming (37.78%), and it’s 2nd greatest recommendation was to do more programs related to people of any major (26.67%), with the 3rd recommendation being more programs that show off students’ talents (20%). [Studio 91 EOY Assessment SP 19]
• 55.56% of the sample indicated that there was a time during the year where they considered initiating or hosting a program. [Studio 91 EOY Assessment SP 19]

Implications
Results from the Cone Hall Opening Survey and SkyFactor/EBI survey have been used to guide programmatic efforts in the Spring semester, including two CVPA Professor hosted programs. Pursue greater engagement of CVPA professors early in the year. Make resources available for resident-generated programming, particularly in Studio 91 spaces.

Grogan Hall

Focus Area
Resident Experience

Target Population
Grogan Hall Residents

Dates of Assessment
March 21 – March 29, 2019

Response Rate
24 responses

Executive Summary
Grogan Residence Hall is home to the Grogan Residential College (GRC) whose residents are on six of the eight floors leaving approximately 80 students who are non-GRC members. The Coordinator for Residence Life of Grogan Hall wanted to learn more about the similarities and differences in the experiences of GRC and non-GRC members. The survey was designed to gauge residents’ sense of inclusion and knowledge of the overall Grogan Hall experience. This was determined through a series of multiple-choice questions followed by an optional short answer question at the end to elaborate on any additional issues.

Key Findings

• 14 of the 24 responses were from non-GRC students
• 33.3% knew the Director of GRC and 37.5% knew the Associate Program Chair
• 100% could identify the Grogan Mascot
• 50% knew the GRC theme
• 62.5% felt included in Grogan activities and events

Potential Implications
To increase the non-GRC students’ exposure to the Grogan Residential College faculty and events Enhance the communication regarding the Grogan Hall experience to all residents.

Jefferson Suites

Focus Area
Academic Connections

Target Population
Jefferson Suites Residents (336)

Dates of Assessment
February – March 2019

Response Rate
99 responses

Executive Summary
During the February 1- March 15th Connections deadline, Jefferson Suites RAs asked four academic-related questions. The conversation questions centered around residents’ satisfaction with their academic performance in the Fall semester and what may have/have not contributed to their satisfaction. Residents were then asked to reflect on their current academic performance in the Spring 2019 semester and what may be contributing to their satisfaction in performance. A scale was created (not satisfied to satisfied) and then responses were coded.

Key Findings
51/336 students reported being somewhat satisfied with their academic performance.

• 4 had a 3.5 GPA or higher
• 15 had a 3.49 – 3.0 GPA
• 14 had 2.99-2.5 GPA
• 18 had a 2.49 GPA or lower
• Range:3.976 – 1.556 GPA
• Average:2.662 GPA

48/336 students reported not being satisfied with their academic performance

• 4 had a 3.5 GPA or higher
• 13 had a 3.49 – 3.0 GPA
• 14 had 2.99-2.5 GPA
• 17 had a 2.49 GPA or lower
• Range:3.805- 1.304 GPA
• Average:2.638 GPA

Mary Foust/Guilford

Target Population
Hall Council committee chairs and executive board

Focus Area
Student Leadership

Executive Summary
The 2018-2019 Ashby and Strong College Assessment Initiative focused on correlations between leadership development and student engagement. Specifically, each Hall Council Project Committee Chair had the opportunity for one-on-one leadership training with the Residential College Coordinator. The training included collecting processes and timelines for Hall Council signature events to create a Handbook for use by future Project Committee Chairs. The presumption was that Chairs who signed up for the leadership training would (a) develop clear, concrete action plans, (b) productively revise action plans during post-Project assessment, and (c) engage effectively with the Residential College community in terms of recruiting participants and overall satisfaction with the Project programming.

Dates of Assessment
September 21-March 31

Response Rate
6/11 (Ashby) & 4/7 (Strong): 54% & 57%

Key Findings
The Committee Chairs who participated had a clear advantage in terms of the positive production, reception, and impact of their projects. Production schedules ran relatively smoothly, challenges were caught in advance, attendance was strong, and Chairs were satisfied with their performances. Chairs who chose not to participate had less well planned and attended programs, and less overall engagement with their leadership opportunities.

Implications
The production of the Leadership Handbooks over the Summer of 2019 will provide tangible procedures for the Residential College co-curricula, and articulate the stakes of student leadership specific to the Colleges. Residential College faculty and staff will develop specific training and orientation for the Project Committees beyond that of the general Hall Council leadership training. This training will be standard, rather than optional, for student leadership positions.

North and South Spencer

Target Population
Spencer Hall Residents

Focus Area
Resident Experience

Executive Summary
North and South Spencer residence hall is the primary home of Lloyd International Honors College (LIHC). This residence hall has 325 bed spaces which majority Honors students occupy. The Coordinator for Residence Life (CRL) designed a survey to examine residents’ sense of belonging, familiarity with the hall staff, knowledge of resources, and programming within the Spencers. The CRL compared the experiences of students who are in and not in the LIHC.

Dates of Assessment
March 25-March 29

Response Rate
20 Students

Key Findings
Overall, residents reported knowing the CRL of the building, desired a more positive RA presence, and somewhat satisfied with the programming of the residence hall. In comparison, LIHC students felt more of a sense of belonging and connection to the community and LIHC and Hall staff.

Implications
More intentionality with program planning and marketing in the future. Develop a strategy to enhance the experience of non-LIHC students starting at move-in and throughout the academic year. The Spencer staff will enhance the interactions with students and specifically target students who are not rooming with a honors college student.

Ragsdale/Mendenhall

Target Population
Ragsdale/Mendenhall – All 318 residents

Executive Summary
Using the SkyFactor data results from Fall 2018, students shared in the open-ended section on programming that they would like to see more social programming within the hall. RA staff and Hall Council held various social building wide programs for Spring 2019 semester intentionally held in both Ragsdale Conference room and Mendenhall Parlor. A survey was conducted to determine impact of the increased programming efforts.

Dates of Assessment
March 20, 2019

Response Rate
67/318 = 21%

Important Results of Assessment
69% of residents were satisfied with social/educational/cultural programs, 76% were satisfied with the variety of programs, 75% satisfied with quality of programs; as a result of attending programs, 35% were able to relieve stress/anxiety, 32% were able to meet new people, 19% were able to get to know staff better, and 13% were able to learn something new; there were 45% of students did not attend any programs due to various reasons (32% studying, 23% eating a meal, 20% in class, 11% not interested/unaware, and 5% other)

Implications

• Holding programs at different times so students have more opportunities to attend programs including avoiding the typical dinner time hour
• Have students complete a poll on best day and time for programs to occur
• Increase academic support programming such as study sessions and tutoring

Student Leadership

Target Population
Advisors to Hall Councils

Focus Areas
Retention

Executive Summary
Student leadership within residential communities is a hallmark of the experience provided by HRL. Students involved in hall council develop key leadership skills that assist them with their growth and development. In order to better evaluate the effectiveness of hall council, the student leadership team developed a survey to assess the retention of hall council members for the 2018-19 academic year.

Dates of Assessment
February 25 – March 31

Key Findings
Out of the responses, 75% of hall councils saw turnover while 25% retained their entire hall council throughout the school year. While some CRLs were not sure why hall council members dropped out from their leadership positions, there was a trend of students dropping out due to wanting to focus on grades, studying abroad, or moved to another building. Most recruitment to fill these vacant positions post-elections happened internally by the hall councils through recommendations or moving the floor representatives into executive leadership positions.

Implications
Implement retention strategy of Residence Hall Association (RHA) being notified by Hall Council Advisors prior to and when they lose a member so RHA can offer additional support to the student and/or help the Hall Council recruit for the newly vacant position. RHA could also formalize an election process for post-election vacant positions.

The Quad

Target Population
All 552 residents

Focus Area
Awareness of Resources

Executive Summary
The Quad staff wanted to examine residents’ understanding and knowledge of resources available to them throughout The Quad community (i.e.. supplies, games, spaces, staff). The survey was designed with a series of yes and no questions aimed to capture the use of the desk assistants (DAs) and office during the day and the use of equipment/supplies checked out. Roompact software which is used to track supplies being checked out and times of lockouts was also examined along with the assessment results.

Dates of Assessment
March 26-March 29

Response Rate
98/552 = 18%

Key Findings
Many students did not realize the two different hall phone numbers to provide support to them during lock-outs, etc. In addition, these phone numbers were not saved in their phones. However, residents did know how to get a hold of their RA. Students knew the desk location, but not the hours of operation. Students were not aware of supplies available at the main desk. Lock-Outs: 33% of students surveyed do not utilize the Quad desk or RA when they are locked out and prefer to go to HRL or wait for their roommate to come home.

Implications
The Quad can have better signage listing office hours, duty phone number, desk phone number and determine other ways to communicate this information. The Quad can feature lists of items available to be checked out in each building and send out via email. Residents desire a better range of cooking supplies.

Weil/Winfield

Target Population
Weil-Winfield Residents (285)

Focus Area
Academic Support in the Residence Halls & Program Attendance

Executive Summary
A survey of 26 questions was administered to Weil-Winfield residents to assess their concepts/perceptions of the following:

• Overall Living Experience: Positive & Negative Contributions
• Preparedness for College Experience Prior to Arrival
• Ability of W&W to Prepare Residents
• Preparedness for Sophom*ore Experience
• Use of Academic Resources & Academic Support in Residence Hall
• Effectiveness of Residence Hall Theme
• Program Involvement

Response Rate
72 responses out of 285 residents

Dates of Assessment
April 2019

Key Findings

• 54% believed W&W was academically supportive
• 40% believed W&W was somewhat academically supportive
• 6% believed W&W was not academically supportive
• 82% did not know what the residence hall theme for the year was and received no perceived impact from it
• 73% attended a floor program
• 69% attended building-wide program
• 34% attended a hall council program
• 36% met with their RA once a month

Implications
The Professional Staff for Weil-Winfield will take the following actions to adjust their approach for the next academic year:

1. This year not enough focus/time was spent enhancing the academic skills and confidence of residents. Next year, more collaborations will be forged between FYE courses, and offices that focus on academic support and excellence. Inside the hall, more environments will be facilitated that include study groups and tutoring hours for assistance inside the hall.
2. In the beginning of the year, we hope to implement more initial building wide programs to allow residents to meet one another organically to develop relationships on their own from the beginning. Residents struggled with making friends and being “good” friends this year.
3. Develop RA staff to focus less on numbers/quotas, and more on an overall perception of being supportive and available for residents. Specifically with the Connections program; teaching RAs to truly connect with a resident first rather than the priority of completing a task.
4. If a building-wide theme is adopted next year, it will be incorporated from beginning of the academic year to the end, as well as intentionally woven into the functions of RAs and residents. It is also important that we receive buy-in from all residence hall staff.
5. Lastly, the priorities for next year will be reflected in the learning outcomes for the year and revolve around support through transition, self-efficacy, self-exploration, retention, academic support, and preparedness for sophom*ore experience.

Housing and Residence Life has adopted a goal to enhance our commitment to a socially just, diverse, and inclusive learning environment throughout the residential campus and general community. A key commitment includes a dedicated HRL Social Justice, Diversity and Inclusion committee which conducts signature programs such as “Breaking Barriers,” production of online newsletter, Tunnel of Oppression, and partnering with the campus community.

PARTNER SPOT LIGHT: UNIVERSITY POLICE

In 2018-2019, two residence halls invited campus police to implement a program and participate in an assessment effort.

University Policy Panel and Pizza in Jefferson Suites Residence Hall

On October 2, 2018, Officer Patrione Perry, Jefferson Suites’ Adopt-A-Cop, and Coordinator for Residence Life, Paige Thomas, hosted an event that invited four UNCG police officers and one communication dispatcher to interact with Jefferson Suites residents. Police Department staff held an honest conversation with over 35 residents and allowed them to ask questions regarding topics that matter to them. Topics included traffic stop protocol, the police department’s stance on drugs and alcohol, police training and equipment, and how current issues in America are impacting their jobs and lives.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: UNIVERSITY POLICE & MEN OF COLOR

Spring Garden Apartments Residence Hall

Executive Summary

The Spring Garden Apartments community facilitated a program on February 27, 2019 with university police to address reoccurring themes regarding interactions between law enforcement and young men of color. This program targeted residential students who identify as men of color and open to all residents. Topics of discussion consisted of men of color being scared to interact with the police based on societal trauma, not knowing the proper protocol during traffic stops, understanding how to build healthy relationships with police, and learning the day to day functions of law enforcement. During this program, police addressed an array of topics to unpack the answers to the listed concerns via a presentation facilitated by veteran UNCG police officers. Students engaged in an open dialogue and received answers to their questions.

Program Assessment

Pre & Post Questionnaire with 16 student responses

Key Findings

Students in attendance did in fact show a significant increase in comfortability with UNCG PD. Responses indicated that through an increase in conversations and interpersonal interactions between university police and students in the residence halls could continue to foster healthier relationships. Program attendees indicated excitement to begin interacting with campus police with significantly less fear following the program. The assessment also informed UNCG PD that prior to the program majority of students were not aware of the LiveSafe app.

BREAKING BARRIERS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT & ASSESSMENT

“The ‘60s: From Then to Now to Breaking Barriers for the Future”

Breaking Barriers is a social justice focused, a departmental initiative which touches on all six core values of Housing and Residence Life: Diversity and Inclusion, Teamwork, Community, Personal Growth and Safety and Security and Innovation. Breaking Barriers promotes social justice through the deconstruction of the barriers that prevent the interaction and growth of people, cultures, regions, neighborhoods, and campuses. Each residence hall planned a social justice oriented program during the Month of February focused on one of the four social issues outlined by the SJDI committee. This year’s thematic and programmatic topics: immigration, race relations, economic justice, women, gender and sexuality (LGBTQIA). UNCG campus and community were invited to attend and engage in our campus-wide signature programs. A few of the programs: “Face the Wall”, Breaking Barriers: The Reality of Living Pay Check to Pay Check,” “The House I Live In,” and “Freedom Writing.”

Assessment

One survey was designed to assess the Breaking Barrier program of 7 selected residence hall programs. Participants completed the survey at the conclusion of the event attended.

Key Findings

Safety

• 87.5%of Breaking Barriers attendees felt safe in the programming space
• 6.3%of Breaking Barriers attendees felt challenged in this space at times, but still felt safe
• 6.3%of Breaking Barriers attendees felt challenged in this space at times, and felt unsafe at times as well

Information Benefit (did participants feel that the information was beneficial to them)

• 68%of Breaking Barriers attendees said that the information was very beneficial
• 25%of Breaking Barriers attendees said that the information was somewhat beneficial
• 6.3%of Breaking Barriers attendees said that the information was not at all beneficial

Knowledge/Awareness Increase (Did participants knowledge increase after the program)

• 87.5%said that their knowledge regarding social justice awareness did increase
• 12.5%said that their knowledge regarding social justice awareness did not increase

FACILITY RENOVATION

The Cone residence hall renovation project began in May 2017 by taking the residence hall off-line for a year. With a tight deadline, this project was implemented and completed by August 2018. The thorough renovation of the nine-story residence hall included:

• Replacements of the heating
• Ventilation and air conditioning systems
• Electrical service
• New emergency generator
• Refurbishment of elevators
• Various ADA upgrades
• Bathroom updates

In addition, Cone would re-open with a new visual and performing arts themed community,Studio 91,as an exciting option for students interested in art, dance, music, or theater. Cone now offers a new wing of practice rooms for music and theater, a music composition computer lab, a drawing lounge, a dance practice room with a sprung floor and mirrors. These are just some of the new amenities built.

COMPLETION RATES

Housing and Residence Life strives to provide exceptional customer service, in doing so, the facility management team continues to track their progress. Since the implementation of TMA (Time Management) in summer of 2015, HRL facilities has increased the response time to work orders by 62.2% while continuing to add new and renovated facilities (Cone, Lexington & McCormick) and the number of corrective and PM work orders.

This particular report shows improvement from the entire Facilities team including the project office, IT, housekeeping, inventory management, and maintenance.

RESIDENCE HALL MOVE-IN PROCESS

Moving 5700 students into 25 residence halls requires a great deal of preparation and learning from each prior move-in process. Prior to the Fall 2018 move-in process, Housing and Residence Life adjusted the schedule for when each hall would move in. Buildings with smaller parking or unloading areas were also evaluated to see how the number of students could be spread out over multiple days. This involved working with student organizations such as Panhellenic Council to move-in early and help decrease congestion on later move-in days.

Housing and Residence Life also used previous year’s move-in numbers to determine where to provide volunteers to help with move-in assistance. HRL is able to provide the most resources to help students move-in between 8am and 5pm and encourages residents to come during this time. Knowing this does not work for all residents or their families, buildings staffs are available 24-hours a day from the first day of move-in until the first day of classes to check residents in to the hall.

Move In Traffic

OCCUPANCY 2018-19

Total Occupancy Fall 2018

Total Occupancy for Spring 2019

ROOM CHANGE

During the first two-three weeks of classes, HRL has an open room change period when students can make room changes with no reason required. After the open room change period ends, the students must work with their Coordinators for Residence Life and/or Assistant Directors for Residence Life to be approved for a room change.

In the Spring Semester, HRL allows Freshman admitted for the Fall Semester who have lived on campus, to room change into upperclassmen spaces. This results in almost one hundred more room changes completed during the Spring Semester.

We have seen a 22% decrease in room changes from 2017-18 to 2018-19. In addition, Roommate Satisfaction as assessed in the 2018 EBI/Skyfactor Assessment has shown an increase from 5.84 to 6.01, which is an almost 10% increase. As indicated in the chart below, the increase in satisfaction from 2015 has been even higher.

Innovation is one of the core values of Housing and Residence Life, staff are always on the lookout for ways to use technology to improve processes, create efficiency, and ultimately better serve our residents.

SPARTANTV

In July 2017, Philo was implemented and grants all on campus residents the ability to watch live television from a variety of devices anywhere on campus as long as they are connected to the campus wireless. Philo provides 96 live channels and DVR capabilities and allows streaming to phones, laptops, tablets and media streaming devices like Roku. In October 2017 we also started providing additional web services like HBO GO and Cinemax GO.

• Total Channels:96 including HBO and Cinemax Premium Suites
• Average Active Philo Users Per Month:1823
• Average Hours Per User Per Month:59

Top 5 Channels

2018

1. BET
2. MTV2
3. Cartoon Network
4. ESPN
5. VH1

2017

1. BET
2. VH1
3. MTV2
4. Cartoon Network
5. ESPN

MEDIACONNECT & DEVICES

UNC Greensboro now provides a mechanism (mediaconnect.uncg.edu) to connect some gaming consoles and Internet TV devices to the wireless network in the residence halls.

Through a self-service registration process, each resident can have up to three entertainment devices connected to UNC Greensboro’s network at a time.

MediaConnect & Device Comparison from 2017-2018

Typical Network Traffic

Typical network traffic in the Residence halls from April 7, 2019.

Active Philo Users

Typical number of active users on Philo on from April 8, 2019.

ROOMPACT

In July of 2018, Residence Life implemented a third-party digital education system calledRoompact.This system is designed to act as a “hub” of information for resident advisors (RA) and professional staff members. Several processes were streamlined and are now administered by one central system. With the support of this software, these processes include roommate agreements, Connections (intentional residential student interaction tracking), duty logs, lockouts, program proposals and evaluation, and room condition reports.

Roompact Totals

• 35 individual forms used in various residence halls
• Over 3,000 Roommate Agreements Completed
• Total Programs – 1,383
• Total Connections – 25,686
• Total Forms – 44,389
• Lockouts – 4,088

Roommate Agreements

No more paper here!In the past, residents would complete a paper copy of their roommate agreement, and give a copy to their RA. If changes needed to be made, the RA would have to give the agreement back to the residents, who would make the changes, and then return the form back to the RA.

With our new system, the process is entirely online. Residents receive email reminders letting them know to complete a roommate agreement at the beginning of the year. The form is fully customizable and allows HRL staff to provide prompts for students to discuss important topics. Once the agreement is finished, each resident submits with an electronic signature, then the RA is notified. Should changes be needed, residents simply log into the system and update the agreement.

• 70% OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS COMPLETED A ROOMMATE AGREEMENT.

Programming

A total of 1,383 programs were offered within the residence halls, with this new system allowing the program proposal, acceptance, and assessment all to be completed in one centralized location. The submission form was updated to include current measures of interest, such as faculty involvement and academic support.

Room-Condition Reporting

Developing a start-to-finish room condition reporting process has proven difficult in the past. This year was no different. While the Roompact software allowed for customizable room condition reports to be delivered to students based on the type of housing in which they reside, photos of any damages had to be emailed separately. This caused additional work on the staff, as they needed to sort, label and digitally store the photos in a separate location. Fortunately, Roompact was receptive to the concerns shared and have added the option to submit a photo with the RCR form in the 2019-2020 academic year. This will save a great deal of time for residence life staff and provide a more streamlined process for our residents.

Digital Entries by the Numbers

RoomPact Digital System

• 35 individual forms used in various residence halls
• Over 3,000 Roommate Agreements Completed
• Total Programs:1,383
• Total Connections:25,686
• Total Forms:44,389
• Lockouts:4,088

TMA Work Orders 2017-18

• Aug. 1-Nov. 1, 2017: 505
• Aug. 1-Nov. 1, 2018: 52

WEBSITE (HRL.UNCG.EDU)

Traffic

• Sessions =The number of visits to the site
• Users =The number of visitors to the site

Goal: The goal is to show steady improvement over time.

Site traffic is a basic measurement of a site’s reach and growth and can be studied over time as a general way of determining the effectiveness of marketing efforts. It shows an overall snapshot of the website’s performance. Since 2010, hrl.uncg.edu has seen an upward trend in the number of users, as well as the number of sessions on the site as follows:

Bounce Rate

The percentage of people who leave the site without looking at any other pages

Goal: Achieve a low bounce rate.

Bounce Rate is a general sign of user engagement and the quality of the content on the site. It is useful to identify when there are problems with the site, but should be considered alongside average session duration and pages per session (below). A high bounce rate means that users aren’t staying to check out other areas of the site. In a general sense, the goal is to keep the bounce rate low. Following are the bounce rates for hrl.uncg.edu. These rates have seen an almost steady decline since 2010, indicating that users are engaged and are checking out multiple areas of the site each time they visit.

Pages Per Session

How many web pages users view upon each visit to the site

Goal: The unofficial industry standard is 2 pages per session.

The goal is to keep users engaged in the site and to get them to explore next steps or further information. In a nutshell, pages per session indicates interest in UNCG’s housing and residence life information. Since 2011, the number of pages per session have more than doubled industry standards.
*Variability in this area may be a function of site redesign. Content was redesigned to maximize efficiency in finding content. In other words, users don’t have to search through as many pages to find the information they seek.

Average Session Duration

Average Session Duration =the average amount of time users stay on the site

Goal: For a good average session duration, the industry standard is 2 – 3 minutes.

Longer session durations indicate more engaged visits. Basically, how much time users are willing to give to the content. The website remains solidly within the industry standard with regard to the amount of time users stay on the site.

*Variability in this area may be a function of site redesign. Content was redesigned to maximize efficiency in finding sought content. In other words, it may take users much less time to find the information they seek.

Important Notes:

*Redesign and Site Consolidation Dates:

Summary of Findings

Since 2010, goals for the HRL website have been met consistently.

• Site traffic shows steady improvement over time.
• There has been an upward trend in the number of users, as well as the number of sessions on the site.
• Bounce rates have seen an almost steady decline, indicating that users are checking out multiple areas of the site each time they visit.
• The number of pages per session have consistently doubled industry standards.
• The website remains solidly within the industry standard with regard to the amount of time users stay on the site.

TWITTER

Impressions

Twitter impressions refer to the actual interaction or engagement generated once a tweet has been posted to various Twitter streams – the interaction or replies from others online. This chart compares the HRL Twitter impressions from 2016 to 2018. Twitter was used more aggressively to promote information beginning January 2017, based on the decreased interest in Facebook.

Engagement Rates

Engagements are the total number of times a user interacted with an HRL Tweet. (Clicks anywhere on the Tweet, including Retweets, replies, follows, likes, links, cards, hash tags, embedded media, user name, profile photo, or Tweet expansion.) Engagement rates represent the number of engagements divided by the number of Twitter impressions.

URL Clicks

URL clicks refer to the number of times users click on a URL (web address) in a Tweet that links to our HRL website content. This chart shows URL clicks from 2016 – 2018.

In 2018, Housing and Residence Life hosted 20 camps or conferences and nine SOAR (new student orientation) sessions which average 300 students and families to visit our residence halls between May 12 – July 22. Serving new groups as well as returning ones, HRL hosted more than 6700 guests, an increase of 8.7% from 2017 and generated nearly $515,000 in revenue for the department. In addition, in 2016, HRL started offering housing to non-UNCG students participating in internships in the Greensboro community. In 2018, 20 students from as far away as Michigan and Canada lived in Lee residence hall during the summer. Each year since, the number of interns requesting housing has grown.

Below is a chart comparing the data for Summer 2017 and Summer 2018: