The importance of living on campus is well established, but extant research that examines administrator perceptions of what comprises the best educational experience for students living on campus is generally

unavailable. This study reports the development of a psychometric instrument designed to uncover underlying

paradigms and attitudes of administrators toward residential living and learning. With a focus on four areas - the importance of students living on campus, the role of residence life professionals as educators, student-faculty

interaction outside of the classroom, and the design of facilities - the Campus Residential Experience Survey is used to conduct a cultural audit that reveals perceptions of where a campus currently stands and attitudes of ideal campus goals. The purpose of this instrument is to help campuses begin critical conversations around how to best promote student learning.