title: The decision, implementation and assessment of a credit-bearing activity class by faculty in residence: A case study.
abstract: This case study reports on a programmatic decision to require a credit-bearing course that was made by Faculty in Residence (FIR), including its implementation and results over a two-year period from 2010-2012. The focus is on FIR and on the impact of their decision upon the students enrolled in their Living Learning Communities (LLCs). The credit-bearing course was a Kinesiology Activities class taken by all seven LLCs at Boise State University. Anonymous feedback from students was obtained via end of semester surveys; results were used to improve the course. Survey feedback was analyzed to assess the value students perceived to have gained from the course. The majority of students reported gaining value from the class. Students noted that it positively affected their time management/personal accountability, that it decreased their stress level and that it increased their awareness of the Recreational Center offerings. Some students were critical of the course, reporting little to no value or even resentment about the course requirement. The decision, implementation and improvements of the course required faculty leadership and full participation of all LLCs; perceptions of the FIR in terms of the effects of adding the required course on their LLC are reported.
authors.affiliation: College of Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.affiliation: School of Management, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: Department of Special Education, College of Education, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Humphrey
authors.affiliation: Campus Recreation, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Cala
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sielaff
authors.affiliation: Residential Education, University Housing, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wintrow
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise; D005178:Faculty; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D017748:Time Management; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: Living learning communities; case study; faculty in residence; housing; kinesiology; residential life