Project Background

For this project, I wanted to expand on my previous microlearning podcast on managing roommate conflicts. According to National College Health Assessment administered to 78,465 college students by the American College Health Association (2024), about 28% of respondents reported experiencing roommate problems. 56% of those reporting challenges said these challenges caused them moderate to high stress (American College Health Association, 2024). When roommate conflicts escalate, university housing departments must be ready to mediate conflicts or approve housing change requests. In the interest of fostering interpersonal skills development in young adults and avoiding the administrative backlog that results from managing housing changes, conflict mediation is preferred.  

At most American universities, resident assistants (RAs) are the first point of contact for students experiencing roommate challenges. Unfortunately, resident assistants are usually not sought out until after roommate conflicts have already escalated. Highly contentious situations are understandably intimidating for resident assistants who are new to the role and do not have background information on the feuding roommates or their living situations. Universities, specifically their student affairs or housing departments, must provide effective training to their resident assistants and equip them with the knowledge and strategies necessary to (1) proactively identify and mitigate roommate problems before they escalate or (2) successfully resolve them after they have escalated. 

Please Note: Beckman College is a fictional institution created to suit the aims of this project.