Walsh University Office of Residence Life is a featured program.
Residence Life’s Philosophy of Programming
We program in order to:
- Promote and assist learning outside the classroom
- Foster interaction between faculty, staff, and students
- Provide opportunities for social interaction and recreation
- Provide opportunities cultural learning and expression
- Foster growth and development
- Provide residents with opportunities to work with each other, to develop leadership and to gain recognition.
- Help residents develop a sense of belonging on campus
- Assist in community building
- Provide activities that are enjoyable and fun
S.H.A.P.E.S. – Resident Assistant Programming Model
Guidelines – 3 “SHAPES” components must be completed per semester; every “SHAPES” component must be completed by the end of the year. Programs can be completed in the following formats:
- Individual Program (on your own)
- Co-sponsored Program (with another RA/Peacemaker/Staff/Faculty)
- All Hall (Entire Hall staff-only 1 per semester)
Resident Assistants are further required to have at least 4 community builders per semester; at least one community builder per month.
S.H.A.P.E.S.
Self-Responsibility: Engaging students in developing their values and how this correlates with their community
- Examples of Programming: Healthy Relationships (i.e. family, friends, or significant other); Alcohol and Drug use/abuse; Managing finances; Career planning
Holistic Wellness: Opportunities that challenge students to develop mind, body and spirit
- Examples of Programming: Diabetes Education; Eating Disorders Awareness; Getting fit/Staying Active; Healthy Eating; Stress Relief/Management; Sleep habits
Academic Success: Creating an environment that equips students with the tools for attaining their academic goals
- Examples of Programming: GRE/GMAT/MCAT Testing Prep; Tutoring/Study Groups; Study Skills; Majors fairs (Discovering what your major has to offer); Academic Recovery; Class 101: Communicating with Professors; After Graduation Options
Professional Development and Leadership: Programs that help students navigate what it means to be a professional and skills that help them develop their leadership abilities for the future. Student leadership programs should provide students with opportunities that encourage the building of critical thinking skills necessary to be leaders in action.
- Examples of Programming: Professional Feedback Sessions; Personality/Leadership Programs (i.e. What Color are You?); Etiquette (dining, resumes, interviews, etc.); Networking – how to network as a college student; Finding the Leader within-Introspective
Engaged in Community and Social Consciousness: Developing Opportunities for students to build relationships that promote citizenship and serve in the Walsh community, the greater community, and the global community. These programs should also challenge students to be active advocates for social justice, promote civic responsibility, and cultivate intercultural competencies.
- Examples of Programming: Service Opportunities; Cultural Perspective Programs; Social Justice Awareness; Connecting with Alumni; Communication between Communities; Community Service; Looking at the Global Perspective; Sustainability
Spirituality in Action: Programming that assists students in developing their faith. Opportunities to examine, challenge, and reconcile feelings about spirituality. Programs that help students to learn how to authentically live out their faith. Opportunities to create interfaith understanding.
- Examples of Programming: “What do I value?” discussion; Religions of the World; Religions Expert Panel; Spirituality and the Movies; Religion Views of the Role of Women in Society; Spirituality and Sports; Community Service; Spiritual exploration exercises; Organized Prayer and Meditation; Food for the Soul Programs