Residence Life Information

Vision/Mission Statement

Students Teaching Students

Within the broad context of Principles and Practices the Residence Life program is shaped by a view of residence halls and houses as learning environments. The most important learning that occurs outside the classroom takes place between students (Schroeder and Mable, 1994). The nature of the residential program is interactive and integrated to support strong community development. The priority is on student leadership and involvement. Students living out their daily experience in reflective dialogue with peers will support connections as they learn from one another. Students guiding the nature of the program are at the heart of this learning mission.

Hall Governance

Residence Halls have vibrant and interactive communities. Students partner with the staff to provide leadership, decision making and program planning. Students volunteer for hall committees such as programming and recycling. Each hall holds monthly meetings to keep all its residents informed and involved in the living unit.

Housing Lottery

Resident Assistants

A Resident Assistant's (RA) primary responsibilities are to develop the floor community and the community of the building and be available for residents. The resident assistant also acts a facilitator for the residence hall during floor and hall consensus meetings. Other major responsibilities of the RA position include academic/personal advising and referral of students to campus and other information resources; development of floor and hall community through various types of programming and activities; support of hall governance; explanation and enforcement of College regulations and policies; and liaison between students and College personnel.

Roommate Agreement

Before they arrive, first-year students are asked to fill out an in-depth housing questionnaire. With the help of the Admissions Office and the information provided on the questionnaire, Residence Life staff members match each student with a roommate. When students arrive on campus, they are asked to have a conversation with their roommate to establish guidelines for their living environment. This conversation is to assist students to learn about each other and their styles of living. The guideline also allows them a chance to develop a relationship in which they will be able to communicate honestly any concerns they may have with each other as the year progresses. After the first year, students are able to choose their room and roommate through the lottery process.

Storage

Residence Life provides limited space for students to store items during the summer or while on a study-abroad program. NOTE: This space is extremely limited. Currently students are allowed to store six 20x20x20 boxes. Hours to be let into storage are offered at the beginning and end of each semester. Other times must be arranged with the Area Director.

Theme Houses

There are currently 15 theme houses on campus; they are listed on the lottery Web pages. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are eligible to live in Theme Houses. Different houses have different eligibility requirement for applicants. Each house has an adviser who works actively with the house.

Residence Life Policies