Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)

Department

Engineering Management

First Advisor

Eva Andrijcic

Second Advisor

Diane Evans

Third Advisor

Erik Hayes

Abstract

The goal of this integrated project was to study factors that are causing a decline in residence hall occupancy at a small, private, STEM-focused institution in the Midwest, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Data was collected through a survey targeting students, and through follow-up interviews, in order to identify the most relevant factors that cause upper-class students to move off-campus. A total of 374 students responded to the survey and 10 students were interviewed.

Statistical analysis of data indicates, as originally hypothesized, that the cost of housing, as well as the cost and availability of on-campus dining options were the most important factors influencing students to live off-campus. Additional factors, including a desire for more privacy and independent living, as well as more diverse amenities, contributed to upper-class students moving off campus. These additional factors were largely driven by international students who overwhelmingly rated privacy and amenities as critically important in their decision to move off-campus after their first year.

In addition to exploring factors that cause upper-class students to move off-campus, the study also identified factors that are important to a student’s decision to stay on-campus after their first year. Convenience, proximity to classes, peers, and resources were identified as very important iii factors that students consider when deciding to live on-campus. The study also revealed that students who choose to live on-campus value the community aspect of Rose-Hulman far more than those who choose to live off-campus.

The results of this study were used to form recommendations to Rose-Hulman’s Office of Student Affairs which manages on-campus housing operations and retention efforts.

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