Abstract

College roommates significantly impact students' college experience. Universities have traditionally aimed to improve roommate satisfaction through pairing strategies, but evolving technology trends regarding students independently selecting roommates via social media have limited this application. This research proposes an alternative: equipping students with informal restorative justice training to independently manage roommate conflicts. Drawing on restorative justice principles, the training focuses on developing skills in active listening, framing dialogue, and crafting effective, non-transactional apologies. These methods foster accountability and empower students to collaboratively resolve conflicts without university intervention. This informal approach minimizes logistical burdens compared to formal restorative justice programs. The training is particularly suited for first-year students, whose vulnerability to peer influence heightens the potential impact. Implementing the program in existing freshman orientation or foundational courses ensures engagement and relevance while fostering self-efficacy among students. For ease, this training can additionally be adapted to an online medium. By addressing roommate conflicts proactively, this training not only enhances students' interpersonal skills but also supports universities' broader goals of retention and student satisfaction. This cost-effective model offers a framework for improving the quality of student life while preparing students for conflict resolution in broader contexts.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2024

Mentor

Kristen Wilson

Mentor Department Affiliation

Business

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Business

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