With housing decisions quickly approaching, Residence Life hosted a Campus Housing information night in the Legacy Hall classroom on Monday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. The session was led by Eli Pruneda, director of Residence Life, Mindy Eckert, assistant housing coordinator, Ginny Fuentes, residence director of Kremmeter and Legacy Hall and John Kenney, residence director of St. Gabriel Hall.
The Campus Houses are a housing option available to rising juniors and seniors who want an alternative to traditional dorms.
Over the course of a year, each house will complete one community service project and host three programs, similar to those of a residence assistant in the dorms. Funding is provided for these events.
This year, the program changed from having faculty advisors to a residential life staff advisor. Pruneda explained that faculty members often struggle to connect with a house’s mission, while a resident life staff member is familiar with their goals and would be better able to offer guidance and support.
When asked by a student whether there was an ideal applicant, staff replied that they were looking for community oriented people who have a strong mindset towards building community.
“What we’re looking for more, I would say, is intentionality with community rather than some kind of specific type of person,” Fuentes said.
Pruneda wrote three words on a white board: Identity, Mission, Vision.
Identity asks who the group is and what they care about.
A house’s mission emerges out of what the members hope to contribute.
Pruneda offered an example: “We definitely are interested in seeing ways that upperclassmen get to know and mentor the freshmen. Any way we can get freshmen involved in the houses in a healthy way so they get to know some upperclassmen is a huge win. That would be your mission.”
A house’s vision is simply the plan for carrying that mission out.
“We are open and hungry to see what you guys and your creativity can do. And like I said, we have money to throw at you. So if you’ve got something that would be cool, we’re probably going to say yes,” Pruneda said.
“Is class standing considered?” a student asked. “Are seniors a higher priority?”
Staff explained that juniors and seniors are equally eligible and decisions are based on the group’s ideas and enthusiasm rather than age.
They also clarified that students must commit to living in The Campus Houses for the full academic year. Pruneda explained that the change comes after past issues with students studying abroad or graduating early.
Students can list their preferred houses and staff will try to honor those choices. Some houses are requested more than others, so groups may not always receive their top choice, but they will receive an alternative option that they can either decline or accept.
While groups may also apply with more people than the listed capacity, Pruneda advises staying close to the recommended number since many of the houses are older and smaller.
Students were encouraged to speak with the Residence Directors for specific details about room layouts.
Pruneda added that the college is likely to add one more student house to the system next year, and it is expected to house four students. There are currently eleven available.
“We would love your help in filling these houses with awesome people and making it fun,” said Pruneda.
