The Relationship Between Residential Learning Communities and Student Engagement

Residential learning communities (RLCs) are residence hall environments designed to deliver academic and social benefits. For decades, many have argued RLCs are an effective means for increasing student success. Yet substantial changes in the defining characteristics of campus housing and student diversity have led to new questions about the impact of living on campus and the benefits of RLCs in particular. Consequently, we investigated the continued efficacy of RLCs as an effective educational practice. Using data from a diverse, multi-institution sample of first-year and sophomore students, this study provides insight into the relationships between RLC participation, student engagement, and perceived gains in learning

NSSE & Coronavirus 2020: Preliminary Analysis Results and Recommendations

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Student Living Arrangements: An Exploration of Marginalized Identities

While past research found on-campus living to benefit student success, recent studies find mixed support, particularly for marginalized groups. This study focuses on first-year and sophomore students of color, LGBQ+ students, gender non-binary students, and students with disabilities, analyzing where they live as related to a variety of outcomes. Data come from 76 residential colleges and universities that participated in NSSE during 2018. Results show differences in where students report living and students’ engagement and perceptions of belongingness and safety in their living communities.This research was funded by the ACUHO-I Research and Educational Foundation

Pilots for Space Tourism

This article sheds light on the key player needed for any space tourism adventure: the pilot who flies the spacecraft. The paper addresses the potential benefits of including a pilot at the controls when designing a space tourism spacecraft. It examines the basic qualifications and advanced skills required of space tourism pilots and discusses key training requirements for selected pilots and space pilots’ pay and benefits. In addition, the research concludes that, just as the pioneers of passenger transport in aviation entertained and captured the interest of their passengers, the space pilot should have the skills of a tour guide

Cognitive frailty: rational and definition from an (I.A.N.A./I.A.G.G.) international consensus group.

The frailty syndrome has recently attracted attention of the scientific community and public health organizations as precursor and contributor of age-related conditions (particularly disability) in older persons. in parallel, dementia and cognitive disorders also represent major healthcare and social priorities. although physical frailty and cognitive impairment have shown to be related in epidemiological studies, their pathophysiological mechanisms have been usually studied separately. an international Consensus Group on “Cognitive Frailty” was organized by the international academy on nutrition and aging (i.a.n.a) and the international association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (i.a.G.G) on april 16th, 2013 in toulouse (France). the present report describes the results of the Consensus Group and provides the first definition of a “Cognitive Frailty” condition in older adults. specific aim of this approach was to facilitate the design of future personalized preventive interventions in older persons. Finally, the Group discussed the use of multidomain interventions focused on the physical, nutritional, cognitive and psychological domains for improving the well-being and quality of life in the elderly. the consensus panel proposed the identification of the so-called “cognitive frailty” as an heterogeneous clinical manifestation characterized by the simultaneous presence of both physical frailty and cognitive impairment. in particular, the key factors defining such a condition include: 1) presence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment (Cdr=0.5); and 2) exclusion of concurrent ad dementia or other dementias. under different circumstances, cognitive frailty may represent a precursor of neurodegenerative processes. a potential for reversibility may also characterize this entity. a psychological component of the condition is evident and concurs at increasing the vulnerability of the individual to stressors