Campus environment refers to the collection of environmental factors that influence students’ learning experiences at IHEs. It encapsulates campus facilities, campus-based health services ,and disciplinary policies and practices. These external elements lay the physical foundations for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
A positive higher education campus environment is defined as an institution of higher education (IHE) having appropriate facilities, well-managed lecture halls and learning spaces, available campus-based health supports, including sustaining mental health services, and a clear, fair, and inclusive disciplinary policy. In a positive environment, the well-being and safety of faculty/staff and students is paramount, and the access and functional needs of all students are considered. For some students, campus environment can be one of the biggest factors that shapes their college experience and can affect their decision when selecting a college or university.
Positive campus environments must feel welcoming, inclusive, and supportive to students of all backgrounds. Inclusive campus environments significantly enhance student motivation and success and play a key role in fulfilling higher education's potential to address educational and societal equity gaps.
