Theme Housing
2008-2009

What is Theme Housing?
Theme houses are an opportunity for students with similar interests or academic pursuits to live together. Through theme housing, Residential Life is providing students with alternative opportunities to develop interests, enhance personal relationships, and create connections with faculty and staff through a residential setting. This is another way in which students can complement their education though their community living experience.

What types of “themes” are possible?

• Academic themes-- working in conjunction with an academic department or faculty member
• Service project themes—committing to an on-going service project that enhances the Hope College or Holland communities.
• Personal Enhancement themes – developing a project around an area of shared interest. Some examples might include themes such as environmental awareness, personal wellness, or career exploration
• Organizational theme – recognized college organizations, clubs and sports can create an organizational house

What is the role of faculty and staff in the theme house?
One of the goals for theme housing is to encourage students to interact with faculty and staff outside of the classroom. Each theme house must have a faculty or staff advisor. Students working with a service project in the Holland community must also work with a site supervisor at the service agency. Advisor and site supervisor expectations will be outlined in the application.

What about staff in the theme houses?
Each theme house will have a Resident Assistant. The RA would be responsible for organizing house meetings and working with the Neighborhood Coordinator, who lives outside the house to be sure all the residents’ needs are met.

How many students can live in a theme house?
A group of 4-7 students may apply for a theme house.

Who is eligible to live in a theme house?

• Theme housing is available to students with a minimum of sophomore status with 2 years college housing experience. Off-campus study/study abroad programs are considered as a semester of on-campus living experience.
• Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
• Good judicial standing.

What is the application process?
Students will be asked to complete a theme housing application. This application will require interested students to outline the theme, purpose, and goals of their project as well as list of monthly activities for the house. Advisors and site supervisor (if necessary) will also need to complete a portion of the application. One student also must apply for the RA position (separate application).

What is the timeline for application and selection of theme houses?

• December 1, 2007 -theme housing applications become available
• January 14, 2008- theme housing applications are due to Sara Dickey in Student Development
• January 28, 2008- final decisions are completed and the students or organizations are notified

What are the responsibilities of the theme house members throughout the year?
Each theme house will establish a minimum of three goals and four programs for each semester. The goals and programs will serve as a guideline to ensure the theme house members are supporting the established purpose and mission of the theme cottage. Throughout the semester, theme house members will work together to meet their goals and complete programs. At the end of the semester, each theme community will work together to evaluate their progress.

Will the Students be able to remain in the theme house for the next academic year?
If the theme house community members meet the goals and stated expectations, they will be able to reapply for another year of the theme house. However, theme house members will not be able to squat house space within the theme house. All theme houses must submit an application each year.