The Impacts of Green Space on Student Experience at an Urban Community College: An Exploration of Wellbeing, Belonging

Description

This book presents a rich case study examining physical and spatial factors of urban campus design that influence student experience and wellbeing. The text details important historical context illustrating the foundational concepts and purpose of college sites in the United States and maps economic reforms and policies which have driven the development of today’s inner-city campuses. Focusing on Bronx Community College, New York, and looking specifically at how the presence or absence of green space impacts students, the text then draws on diverse student voices to examine how students use open spaces, and how this influences their sense of belonging, stress reduction, and scholarly identities. The author’s historical and qualitative research presents original insights and relies on a rich body of textual and on-site investigation. This book will be a valuable resource for researchers and academics with an interest in urban education and higher education. It will be of particular interest to those with a focus on multicultural education and education policy. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Dedication Table of Contents Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Glossary 1 Introduction: Early Historical Context for the American Higher Education System and US Campus Design Defining the American Higher Education System Brief History of Higher Education in America The Birth of the Community College The Impact of the Truman Commission Defining the Community College How the College Functions Policy and Funding Policies of Space A Bronx Tale: The Community College The Master Plan Negotiation The Campus 2 The Interaction Between Learning Space and Experience: Wellbeing, Belonging, and Scholarly Identity Campus as Place Early U.S. Campus Formations Space for Intellectual Exchange Wellbeing Reactions and Perceptions Politics of Privacy Private Versus Public Belonging Belonging and Restorative Experience Mapping and Affordance of Space Scholarly Identity Characteristics of Space Symbolic Qualities of the Campus 3 A Study on Bronx Community College: Rationale and Methodology Research Questions Stage One (Survey) Survey Design and Campus Design Definitions of Natural Space Wellbeing in the Survey Design Belonging in the Survey Design Scholarly Identity in the Survey Design Stage Two (Focus Group) Campus Design in the Focus Group Wellbeing in the Focus Group Belonging in the Focus Group Scholarly Identity in the Focus Group A Brief History of CUNY New York and Higher Education Rationale for Study 4 Student Perception, Use, and Wellbeing on Campus Survey Analysis Profile of the Survey Participants Time Outside Comfort Social Interaction Wellbeing Scholarly Identity Campus Use Focus Group Analysis Scholarly Identity Social Interactions Belonging Wellbeing 5 Looking Forward: Outcomes and Implications for Future Campus Design and Development Time The Oasis Uses of Green Space Future Areas of Analysis On-Campus Housing Faculty and Staff Landmarks Demographics Community Campus as Place Green Spaces on Campus: Wellbeing, Belonging, and Scholarly Identity Wellbeing Belonging Scholarly Identity Looking Forward Afterword Appendix A: Survey Questions Appendix B: Focus Group Index