Twenty-Year Review of Campus Life and Student Growth

<p>　 This study examined university student culture based mainly on four large-scale university/ college student surveys conducted between 1997 and 2013. The “University Student Culture Research Study Group (Daigakusei Bunka Kenkyu-kai),” of which the author is a member, sought to examine more than the achievement of learning outcomes by focusing on student socialization growth, such as class attendance and on-campus time (becoming obedient), peer groups, club/circle activities, part-time jobs, and reading customs. It was found that as the university reform policy prioritized educational effects in the university/colleges, some had lost sight of the wholeness of campus life and university student culture.</p><p>　 Therefore, in addition to quantitative statistical data, qualitative data, such as participant observation (autoethnography), could be useful in understanding university student culture. It is suggested that each university/college investigate the consciousness and behavior of their respective students in detail using either or both quantitative or qualitative methods to provide solutions to the difficulties students face on campus.</p><p>　 Further, because university/college student cultural research plays a role in protecting students from the COVID-19 effects, each university/college needs to provide their specific responses to coping with the current COVID-19 crisis. In general, it is necessary to conduct a further survey to assess the campus life support needed post-COVID-19 after 2021 to ensure competent responsive organizations.</p>