Physical proximity appears to enhance student retention and achievement by minimizing perceived psychological distance. For instance, research involving students who live on-campus during their first year in college has demonstrated higher levels of retention than for those students who live off-campus during the same period (St. John, Hu, Simmons, & Musoba, 2001). Additionally, Braxton, Johnson, and Shaw-Sullivan (1997) have suggested that higher degrees of social integration lead to corresponding levels of commitment to the institution. In other words, students with clear social involvement on-campus were found to persist at a higher rate than those who are socially isolated for one reason or another.