Residential curricula are focused on student learning. Ultimately, curricular approaches primarily concern themselves with what we hope students will know and be able to do once their time with us comes to an end. Community building falls outside the learning-focus of the curriculum but it is critically important for its effectiveness. A switch to a... Continue Reading →
ResLife Myth #3: Community Happens… Magically
Roompact "Perspective" posts are opportunities for individual staff members to work out ideas and provide their individual thoughts and opinions on a given topic. Believing that community building happens naturally and doesn't require intervention is a myth. This "myth" is often not one that is widely believed by most professionals that work in residence life,... Continue Reading →
Closing Time… Reflection and Closure Activities for Residence Life
As May approaches at colleges and universities across the United States, the end of the academic year brings a number of rites of passage and end-of-the-year celebrations--from banquets to award ceremonies to graduations. Students are preparing for finals, saying goodbye to friends, planning for summer work and internships, and, for some, leaving the university for the... Continue Reading →