The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 45, No. 3 - 60

Pamela Altmaier

METHOD

One interesting fact emerging from

Qualitative research served as a framework
throughout this study, particularly with a lens
informed by phenomenological methodology and semi-structured individual interviews.
Qualitative research provides a deeper and
richer understanding of the experiences of the
participants, while a lens informed by phenomenological methodology offers insight into the
phenomenon of the decision process (Moustakas, 1994). This study attempted to capture
and better understand the phenomenon of
deciding to disclose bias-related incidents by
targeted students. The researcher used semistructured individual interview techniques for
this study to allow for authentic individualistic
reflection while maintaining focus, order, and
direction throughout the interviews (Holstein
& Gubrium, 1995).

this study was that every individual

Participants and Study Site
Potential participants were recruited through
three methods. First, the researcher met with
various faculty and staff members to promote
the study. These faculty and staff members
were provided an email to send to any individual they would recommend for the study.
Second, the researcher presented to various
classes across a variety of disciplines to inform
potential participants about the opportunity to
participate. Third, the researcher sent a recruitment email to the participants of two social
justice retreats.
Participants were required to meet the following criteria: to be currently enrolled at the
study site as either domestic or international
students; to be proficient in conversational
English; and to self-identify as having experienced a bias-related incident based on an

who chose to disclose his or her
experience of being targeted by
a bias-related incident did so to
professional and student housing
staff members.

actual or perceived social identity during their
time at the study site. Only students who were
enrolled in class at the study site were selected
as a way to eliminate discrepancies based on
various disclosure protocols and campus climates. The study included eight participants;
all participants met specified criteria.
The study site was a large public university
in the Pacific Northwest. At this university at
the time the study was conducted, approximately 21.7% of students self-identified as domestic students of color; 46.8% self-identified
as women; and 11.7% were international students. Cultural centers on this campus exist
serving students from various historically
marginalized populations, including students
from traditionally underrepresented racial,
sexual orientation, and gender identities. Approximately 16.5% of enrolled students at this
campus lived in the residence halls at the time
of the study.
The study was conducted in 2015. At this
time, students had limited options for reporting bias-related incidents. If disclosures were
received by staff and/or faculty, there were no
formal expectations to report these to a single

THE JOURNAL OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENT HOUSING

The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 45, No. 3

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