What Is Special Interest Housing?
Randolph-Macon's Special Interest Housing Program provides opportunities for students with special educational interests in common to live together in college-owned houses on campus. The Office of Residence Life & Housing sponsors the houses and will work with students and their advisors throughout the year. All sophomores, juniors and seniors in good standing are eligible to participate in this unique housing opportunity.
Students who are interested must apply to the program. During this process students - with the help of their advisor - will set specific learning goals, and articulate a plan or project for achieving those goals. The application process will include documentation of how the group will teach or share what they are learning with the College community, as well as how they will record, report and evaluate their accomplishments with Residence Life professional staff. Evaluation instruments including interviews of each participant will be used to measure the success of each project.
What do I need to do if I am Interested? Find a group of people who share your same interests and apply to the program. The same accompanying documents may be used, but each participant must complete an individual statement of interest and commitment. Beyond gender, groups should work to achieve as much diversity as possible. The Office of Residence Life& Housing encourages diversity of racial, religious, and or ethnic backgrounds in the program participants.
What is the process? As a group, with an advisor, you must set specific learning goals, and present a plan for achieving these goals. You will have to document how the group will share what you've learned with the College community through programs, theme nights, round table discussions, etc. And finally, there is an evaluation process that everyone in the house will participate in along with your advisor and Residence Life professional staff. The final part of the process is an interview with the selection committee. After that all accepted groups are notified and assigned a house! Check out the Office of Residence Life and Housing Forms webpage for more information.
If a group is successful are they guaranteed a second year in a special interest house? No, a new proposal must be submitted each year. Groups will not be allowed to continue along for a second year without reapplying.
Does it matter who we pick as an advisor? Yes, your advisor should want to take part in this project. He/she will be expected to assist you and be available should you want that person to take part in any of your programming.
What will be considered a special interest? Special interest groups can range from academic interests ~ those who are involved in research, those who speak a foreign language, environmental concern group, political science club, etc.; wellness issues ~ substance free housing, those interested in physical fitness, holistic living, etc.; women's/men's issues; multicultural interest groups; and many more!
The Perks ...
 |
Full Kitchens; |
|
More living space; |
|
An educational environment in a beautifully renovated house; and |
|
An opportunity to study and live with students who have similar interests and concerns! |