The Role of Campus Traditions in Campus Life at Christian Colleges and Universities |
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| Authors: | Skip Trudeau Mike Hammond Drew Moser Danielle Eversole Austin Smith |
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| Institution: | 1. Taylor University, Upland, IN, USA;2. Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, USA;3. Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing Traditions Research Project (TRP) study on the impact of campus traditions on campus life within the context of Christian postsecondary institutions. In this initial phase, the researchers conducted 63 interviews with faculty, student development educators, and staff members, in addition to gathering data from 12 student focus groups at three institutional members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. In the future, the researchers intend to identify several additional colleges that have tradition-rich environments in order to expand the qualitative database related to this topic. The initial process of data analysis identified three major themes, along with several subthemes, regarding the role of traditions in contributing to campus life. These themes provide valuable information regarding the characteristics of campus traditions, the important role they play in creating and maintaining campus culture, and the role of these events in the lives of participants and institutions. In addition to presenting and discussing the themes and subthemes, the authors provide implications for practice that may be helpful to higher education leaders as they seek to provide meaningful campus traditions that foster students’ holistic development. |
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