Faculty on Facebook: Confirm or Deny?

Since its creation in 2004, Facebook has become one of the most frequently visited websites on college campuses. Because of this rise in popularity, the subject of social networking has grown as an idea and concern for both faculty members and students. At Lee University, it has been observed that a growing number of faculty members have indeed created Facebook profiles. According to Pascarella and Terrenzini (1991), some of the most effective faculty members are those that create an informal relationship with their students. Over recent decades, numerous studies have suggested that student and faculty interaction has a notable impact on students "outcome, both in the intellectual and the social realm" (Endo & Harpel; 1982). This study examines the opinions and reactions of faculty members and students at Lee University in Cleveland, TN in reference to their use of Facebook and how it affects ones education, directly or indirectly. (Contains 6 figures and 3 tables.)