Social Tone on College Campus: The Real Fit Factor

The social tone, or campus culture, can make or break a student’s happiness and success in college. It’s also one of the most difficult campus qualities to understand. Campus diversity, religious affiliation, degree of liberalism or conservatism and style of the learning environment “jell” together to create a unique campus experience. A student must feel comfortable in the environment in order to engage and receive the learning. A bad reaction to campus life could results in detachment, boredom or a feeling of isolation. You can help students be aware of the benefits and challenges of different cultural styles on campus, and help them find a good fit on this basis. In the classroom, the extent of student/faculty collaboration, and the level of student competitiveness, reflect the campus culture and is palpable. “Collaborative learning” is a result of the social experience of working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product. An indication of a college’s level of commitment to collaborative learning is the number of “interdisciplinary courses” offered. These courses allow students to enter and leave with very different technical skills, but to learn while developing collaboration skills. Teachers from different departments also often collaborate in creating the coursework. The best time to dig deep into a college’s culture is after the student has determined that the college meets their academic and financial and practical needs, and has visited. Here’s how students can dig deeper:
1. Read about the college’s mission statement and strategic plan, and look at the president’s message on the Web site. Ask to see the most recent student satisfaction survey, which should be on file in the president’s office or posted on the site.
2. Encourage your students to ask college representatives about the social tone, campus culture, and to provide examples of how they personally experience it.
3. After the student has been accepted but before the financial aid offer is accepted, encourage students to make a second visit and take advantage of any overnight stay programs that may be offered.
4. Encourage students to interview faculty members, especially those in their chosen field of study. Ask for specifics about:
• Activities in which students from different backgrounds meet and work together.
• How often students work in teams to complete assignments, solve problems or apply course content.
• How frequently students engage in service learning to fulfill class requirements.
• How students can collaborate on research with faculty.
• What interdisciplinary courses are offered and whether they are open to all students.
• How many students are involved with living and learning communities.
While you can discuss campus culture and make your students aware of its impact on their happiness and success, don’t expect tremendous insight from a young student. Coach parents to withhold their personal judgments about campus cultures and to listen for genuine enthusiasm from their child to help zero in on their final selection.