Having a negative experience with a roommate creates a great degree of stress for first-year students. This can lead to poor adjustment to college life, lower GPAs and lower retention rates. Turning conflict into positive confrontation and open communication can be a critical experience. Residence Life Staff can play a key role in assisting their residents in conflict resolution.

This SIA project involved conducting a literature review on roommate conflict and surveyed Residence Life staff and Sheehan Hall residents. The project resulted in development of a two-page informative sheet for parents, which was distributed during June 2008 first-year student registration during a parent presentation. It also resulted in development of a conflict resolution training module and guidebook for residence life staff presented in August 2008. Finally, a new student guide was developed to educate students on conflict resolution and to advise them how to seek assistance from the residence hall staff.

   L-21 Project Information   

Administrative Service Faculty
Special Initiative Award
Amount: $5,000
Target audience: Residence Life staff and resident students