Learning Resources

Abstract: Book Review: Presidential Transitions by Patrick H. Sanaghan, Larry Goldstein, and Kathleen D. Gaval
Praeger 2008
207 pages
ISBN: 978-0-275-99408-2

Reviewed by Stephen Joel Trachtenberg

Abstract: The focus on the quality of a student’s entire academic experience has led to a greater emphasis on student life activities and facilities. In response, many campuses are renovating, expanding, or creating new buildings that support student life. While many of these are traditional stand-alone student dormitories, dining facilities, unions, and recreational facilities, there are examples where these historically separate program elements have been combined in new mixed-use buildings, known as “fusion” facilities. This article examines some of the historical precedents of this phenomenon, gives relevant examples, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of this new building type.

Abstract: College campuses across the United States are increasingly challenged to educate psychologically distressed students and to recognize that college student mental health is not only a counseling center issue, but also a campus issue. As such, many colleges and universities are moving toward campuswide prevention efforts designed to help identify and support students who need to manage their distress. Prior research has highlighted these issues and described ways to involve campus units in initiating campuswide prevention efforts. This article focuses on the key elements necessary to successfully foster prevention efforts and includes practical suggestions to improve prevention protocols on campus.

Abstract: The composition of the university campus is founded on the provision of formal education and the classrooms this has required. Traditionally, informal learning has been of secondary importance, and much less attention has been paid to the development of the campus to support this activity. This article traces the development of three key types of “learning centers” intended as the university’s primary support for informal learning and raises questions about the limitations of this approach to campus development.

Abstract: This article presents an overview of the rise of modern-day collegiate recreational sports and their relevance to student learning and quality of life. The author discusses planning considerations for collegiate recreational sports facilities and the importance of these facilities as a recruitment and retention tool.