Reflection on Residential Education

Introduction

The essence of Residential Education is that learning should be integrated with living; that formal teaching, informal learning, and personal support in Residence Halls is integral to a education. Residential Education programs build Residential Learning Communities within the larger University by extending the classroom into the Residence Halls. Residential Learning Communities complement the academic curriculum with activities and experiences essential to students' preparation for a life of leadership, intellectual engagement, citizenship and service.

Goals of Residential Education

Establish an integrated academic and residential learning experience.

Create a climate and culture within the Residential Learning Communities that is conducive to academic success.

Personalize the first year student experience.

Provide clear expectations to students regarding academic achievement.

Provide clear expectations to students regarding community standards in the Residential

Learning Communities.

Encourage high quality faculty, staff and student interaction in all Residential Learning

Communities.

Promote safety and security within the Residential Learning Communities.

Create a framework for life-long learning skills.

Foster the development of critical thinking skills.

Encourage and support student involvement and leadership.

Encourage responsible decision-making and accountability.

Encourage healthy choices and personal well-being.

Assist the University in recruiting and retaining quality students, faculty, and staff.

First Theme: Counselling

Typical Responsibilities of a Senior Counsellor

Student Support/Supervision

Senior Counsellors will provide support to their residents around personal and academic issues and also serve as mediators helping students establish roommate agreements and resolve roommate conflicts and personal disputes.

Keeping in mind that the students are minors, the Senior Counsellors will act as a supervisor for an assigned group of 15-25 Pre-College students helping them to become independent, grow socially, academically and psychologically in a safe and comfortable living environment. (While all Counsellors are responsible for the well-being of the students, they are not expected to handle serious counselling situations. In many cases, Pre-College Counsellors work with Counselling and Psychological Services to get their residents connected with the professional resources available on campus.)

Community Role Model

All Pre-College Counsellors will be expected to be a role-model to the students enrolled in the Program as well as in the broader sense by being an example of students who are involved on campus and living well-balanced life-styles. Will be trained to be informed about Pre-College and the Carnegie Mellon community standards and policies, model these policies, educate others, enforce policies and confront violations.

Educator/Program & Event Planning

All Counsellors are required to assist with procedures such as the opening and closing of the residence halls and contribute to every aspect of the Pre-College Student Life program as assigned. Counsellors will have the opportunity to take days off and will have incredible amounts of support and help along the way in this endeavour. Create, plan and facilitate social and educational programs that fit into the mission/vision of the Pre-College Program for their floors, small areas and larger communities. In coordination with the ADs, carry out program/event planning and execution:

Facilitate major Programs as assigned by ADs and Director (i.e. Opening Day, Orientation, Closing Ceremonies/Banquet, Closing Day, Clippership, Family Weekend)

Lead a club activity (be creative and ...