Proximity and Social Integration

Abstract

Research has linked integration to student persistence among college students. However, integration tends to be lower among commuter students, who make up a majority of college students. A separate body of research has linked schools to the formation of social ties. However, based on the role of proximity in shaping the likelihood of social tie formation, increased distance may decrease the formation of ties among students. Based on these findings, this study explores if physical proximity to campus influences integration into the campus community among college students. This study collected quantitative data about student participation, interaction, and proximity through a questionnaire distributed to students on a commuter campus. The findings did not support a correlation between proximity and integration. However, the data does show patterns related to these variables that may inform future research.