New Series Uses Insights from University Presidents to Explore Ties Between Campus Living, Quality Of Life and Academic Performance

GAITHERSBURG, Md., October 17, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services today launches the 2016-2017 President to President Series offering perspectives from university presidents for university presidents on the challenges faced by colleges and universities and explore potential solutions. This year’s series, titled “Integrated Approaches to Student Living and Campus Housing—Enhancing Quality of Life and Performance,” will focus on issues related to living on campus, how they impact both students and institutions. Insights and perspectives will be accompanied by a discussion forum to share best practices and cultivate a community of conversation around select topics and issues in higher education.

“Life on campus is an important issue for students, parents, and institutions. Housing accommodations can affect students’ academic performance and even their ability to obtain a degree,” said President of Virginia Wesleyan College and President to President Co-Editor Dr. Scott D. Miller. “Many students consider housing a vital factor when deciding where to enroll, with 40 percent of prospective students ranking living accommodations as an important element in choosing a college. In addition to its impact on student recruitment and retention, campus housing also plays an important role in an institution’s operating budget, where 20 percent of campus revenue is driven by housing.”

This year’s President to President series focuses on how institutions are developing innovative campus life and integrated housing strategies that ensure positive business outcomes while enhancing the student experience on campus. The series is published by Sodexo.

The first chapter in this ten-part series was written by José Antonio Bowen, Ph.D., president of Goucher College in Baltimore, Md. Bowen explores ways in which colleges and universities can design residence halls to improve learning and provide space for social integration. During Bowen’s presidency, Goucher College completed a major renovation and expansion of its student housing accommodations. The article, “Designing for Integrative Learning,” describes how residence halls can provide excellent opportunities to integrate the experiences of a Living Learning Community. It also explains how Goucher College used the renovation process as a way to make conscious design choices that would increase student and faculty interaction, improve student satisfaction, and support retention.

Each month, a new chapter of President to President will be authored by a notable leader in higher education whose institution is at in the forefront of innovative philosophies and practices. Sodexo provides publishing support but exerts no editorial influence to the series. Chapters will be distributed and promoted electronically and posted on president2president.com. At the end of the series, all content will be published into a thought-provoking collection and made available online.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.