Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has reported that student satisfaction with its residential experience surpasses national averages in several categories. These include personal interactions, residential programming, roommate relationships, safety and security, sense of belonging, and student staff.

"Residence halls are about so much more than a place you sleep," stated Sean Stallings, vice president for student affairs. "There’s a high correlation between the quality of the residential experience and student success."

Tina Tormey, director of residential education and housing at TCNJ, emphasized the importance of hall/apartment staff in achieving this level of satisfaction. "I attribute this to how we train our staff and craft their roles. Emphasis is on building community, showing care and compassion, and helping students connect and engage with others," she explained.

Student staff members play an active role by conducting one-on-one meetings with residents to assess goals and provide assistance. These interactions range from accompanying first-year students to events like the Student Involvement Fair to guiding juniors or seniors to career events.

Tormey shared feedback from a resident who appreciated these personalized engagements: “One resident reported their favorite programmatic aspect of living on campus was the one-on-one with their community advisor because they make me feel like I matter on the floor and the CAs care about me.”

While community advisors (CAs) enforce policies and address violations, they also promote accountability among residents to foster healthy communities. Staff training focuses on community development and conflict navigation skills. This includes creating shared living agreements between roommates that set clear expectations.

"When students learn how to effectively navigate interpersonal relationships with a roommate," Tormey noted, "they can use those skills to navigate interpersonal relationships in their residential community, in their student organizations, and in academic and career settings."

Beyond structured programs, CAs offer casual activities designed to meet diverse interests. These include vision board creation for personal goal reflection or participating in trivia nights or karaoke sessions as stress-relief outlets.

"Sometimes students just need an opportunity to chill and do something relaxing together," said Tormey. "Other times they need a physical outlet like kickball."

These experiences contribute positively by providing students opportunities for peer connection which enhances confidence and personal growth.

The findings were based on data collected from approximately 2,000 students — representing 65% of TCNJ's residential population — during spring 2022 through the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International Benchworks Resident Assessment.

For further details about campus living at TCNJ visit housing.tcnj.edu.