The Residential Commons (RC) is a concept based on the residential college system of Oxford University and Cambridge University in England. The RC model at SMU is designed to create an academically-engaged residential community that promotes faculty/student interaction and a sense of belonging on campus. In the fall of 2014, Residential Life & Student Housing will transform current housing options into the Residential Commons model. Students will live in their RC for two years and continue their affiliation with their RC through the rest of their time at SMU and beyond.
Between now and 2014, there will be several changes on campus including the renovations of residence halls, the addition of classroom and multi-purpose spaces, Faculty in Residence housing, and the opening of five new residential commons.
Currently there are two main leadership opportunities for the Residential Commons. The Residential Commons Ambassadors are appointed and market and disseminate information about the Residential Commons to campus constituents. The Residential Commons Leadership Corps. will create programmatic aspects of the Residential Commons. More information below.
Residential Commons Leadership Corps
Overview of “The Leadership Corps.”
“Create Community through a Common Experience and Identity” is one of the guiding principles for the Residential Commons. The Residential Commons Leadership Corps (The Corps.) will be the primary student voice in creating the future Residential Commons program. Up to 22 corps members will work through the first year of the Residential Commons implementation to build and promote the program to the SMU community.
First or second year students will be selected in the fall of 2012 to begin working on creating specific programming aspects of the Residential Commons (utilization of classroom space, leadership roles, etc.). In the fall of 2013 students will work with faculty, staff, and fellow students to create traditions and identity for a specific RC. The same small group of faculty, staff, and Corps members will then reside and work in their specific RC for the 2014-2015 academic year.
Qualifications
- Currently a first or second year student in the fall of 2012
- Currently live on campus (residence life or fraternity/sorority house)
- Willing to live in on campus housing through the spring of 2015
- Passionately interested in shaping the Residential Commons at SMU
- Commit to working on RC projects at least 2 hours/week
- Role model being a positive community member
Role Description
The role will evolve along with the Residential Commons, but currently we see
Spring 2013
- Meet once a month as an entire Corps.
- Meet bi-weekly in programmatic committee
- Other duties as assigned
2013-2014 Academic Year
- Meet bi-weekly with RC Leadership Team (Faculty, Staff, Students) to discuss tradition
- Meet as “The Corps.” Monthly to discuss upcoming events and programs
- Other duties as assigned
Selection Timeline:
| Applications Available: |
Application period is closed. |
| Applications Due: |
December 18, 2012 by 12 pm
|
| Interviews: |
Mid-January 2013 |
| Selection notified: |
End of January 2013
|
Looking for more information?
Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions, and check back periodically as we update and report on how the Residential Commons program is developing or email Jeff Grim, jgrim@smu.edu.