Students give take on campus location, class engagement

It’s safe to say that Roosevelt University students at the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses live in different academic cultures.

But does living on campus and being surrounded by countless people have an impact on student performance?

“I hear students at Schaumburg say that some teachers have told them that the Chicago students are more outgoing in class,” said student Aubrey Dougherty.

“I’ve heard it too,” added student Sarah Kuse, “but I don’t think it’s true.”

Both Dougherty and Kuse attend both the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses. They said it is unfair to judge Schaumburg students based on a few classes.

Still, is the difference between just a few classes or is there a clear distinction of student engagement between the two campuses? Some students say that it is actually Schaumburg students, not Chicago students, who are more engaged in class.

“Actually, in my experience, I enjoy Schaumburg classes more because the students are more involved in classes,” Dougherty said.  Kuse agreed.

“I go downtown twice a week and to Schaumburg twice a week and have made much more friends at Schaumburg,” she noted.

Student Ryan Lebrun only attends the Schaumburg campus, though he said he feels he is engaged in classes.

“I can see how [Chicago students] might be sociable because they live together and know each other in class,” he said, “but I’ve made lots of friends here and talk a lot in class.”

Chicago student Angie Briese lives downtown but used to attend only the Schaumburg campus.

“I feel Chicago students are less engaged in class,” she said. “They are more focused on what they are going to do after class, or on the weekend - or what’s for lunch.”

“I was more comfortable speaking in the Schaumburg classes, actually,” Briese added.

Social psychology instructor Tobias Kaemmerer teaches at both the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses. When asked if there was a difference in class participation Kaemmerer noted that has not been his experience.

“There’s palpable differences in the culture of both campuses,” he said. “However, the idea is a generalization, so it’s hard to make an argument.”

Approximately 6,600 students are enrolled at Roosevelt University, according to Roosevelt’s Office of Admissions. Approximately 56 percent of students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, while about 44 percent are enrolled in graduate programs.

“I have, overall, been very pleased with the level of engagement from students of both campuses,” Kaemmerer said. “I feel it is the responsibility of the teacher to engage students, no matter where you are.”

When it comes to student engagement, is it really all about location, location, location? Tweet us your thoughts @RUTORCH