The UTC Graduate School is pleased to announce that Jason Harville will present Doctoral research titled, An Evaluation of the Effectiveness Of Living Learning Communities on Student Success, Retention, and Belonging on 10/06/2025 at 9:30 AM ET in https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/81506819003. Everyone is invited to attend.
Leadership and Instructional Practice
Chair: Dr. Jessica N. Taylor
Co-Chair:
Abstract:
This research project of practice evaluated the impact of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) on student success, retention, and sense of belonging at a regional public university. The program evaluation includes quantitative data comparing GPA and retention rates of LLC and non-LLC students, a sense of belonging scale, and qualitative data gathered from interviews and surveys with LLC participants and program partners. Findings indicate there is a relationship between participation and retention, but not between participation and GPA. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews revealed that intentional faculty-student interaction, tailored academic support, and early community-building efforts contribute to students’ overall satisfaction and connection to the university. Based on these results, recommendations are to strengthen recruitment processes, clarify partnership roles, increase academic integration, and enhance collaborative programming. These recommendations aim to improve LLCs’ structure, consistency, and long-term impact as a strategic initiative for student success and institutional retention efforts. The housing department and campus partners may utilize the data to look at ways to strengthen the program and increase the impact on student success, retention, and belonging at UTC.