Popping the Student Bubble: Engaging the UO Millennial Student in City of Eugene Cultural Services Opportunities

Abstract

The research lens used by this professional project team – comprised of four master’s degree students and one faculty member – was focused on understanding perceived barriers to University of Oregon students’ participation in City of Eugene Cultural Services programs and services. The team concentrated on understanding cultural engagement of UO students within Eugene, as well as local cross-cultural engagement of the significant international student body. An additional key focus of the study was on curation and programming across City of Eugene cultural institutions and services, exploring in particular how programming decisions may affect UO students’ participation in and consumption of arts and culture. In this qualitative study completed during the 2013-2014 academic year, a case study strategy of inquiry was supported by an extensive review of existing scholarship and other documents, key informant interviews, and student intercept surveys.