Relation Communication in Education Environments
Northwest Christian University is a small school in the middle of a college town. With a well-known University right next to NCU and another small college a few minutes away we aim to understand how NCU is different than other schools both small and large. With a smaller student body, NCU’s faculty and staff have the opportunity to work with each student personally and develop a relational closeness. NCU has a different approach to leadership than secular universities. With the geographical closeness of our school we also foster a denser social network. Mainstream universities aim for community, but large student populations make that hard to accomplish. Northwest Christian University isn’t the only school with a small student population, therefore what sets NCU apart from other small schools?
Being at a small school has many pros the cons are just as evident. A big issue with fostering a strong sense of community happens when students get so involved that there becomes a bubble around the school. When there is an in-group there is an out-group. With being close to a large university is a part of NCU’s identity how does NCU maintain their identity while maintaining balance? Students at NCU can be both immersed in the community at NCU, but if they become suffocated they can retreat to the University of Oregon with the simple crossing of a street. Northwest Christian University is mix of many great aspects of a small university and a large university.
COMM 240, Communication Theory
Doyle Srader
Banquet Room
1:00 – 3:00 PM