First-year student perceptions on academics in the community in residence halls at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Abstract

This study analyzed the perceptions of first-year students living in residence halls at the University of Wisconsin ? La Crosse had about academics and intellectuality within their communities. The study focused on first-year students living in Coate Hall, a first-year experience hall, and Hutchison Hall, a traditional residence hall. In December 2009, the University Residence Environment Scale (URES) was administered to participating residents from Coate and Hutchison Halls. One hundred and seventy-two residents participated in the study. The results showed that there was a significant difference in perceptions of academic achievement and no significant difference in perceptions on intellectuality between the first-year experience residence hall and the traditional residence hall. Additional findings and recommendations for future research were also discussed.