Student Housing Services

Residential Learning Programs

One of the ways to enhance your on-campus living experience is by being a resident in a Residential Learning Program. Student Housing Services is partnering with academic departments to establish Residential Learning Programs that foster a greater connection between the in-class learning experience and the out of class experience. Research has shown that residential learning experiences provide positive impacts on student satisfaction, connection to the university and academic performance. Ultimately, we believe these communities can help you develop long lasting connections while also focusing on your academic aspirations.

Students with similar majors or interests will live together on selected residential floors. Residents will be able to study together, work together and learn from each other. In addition, the Resident Advisor selected for the community will be majoring in the same field as the community members or a related field. Hall staff will focus programming elements to connect classroom learning with your out of class experience. Specific activities may include:

• Social programming focused on bringing students and communities together
• Inviting faculty or outside practitioners to the halls for events, lectures or community programs
• Study, tutor or advising sessions presented by department staff or students to aid students in their academic pursuits.
• Programming focused on experiential learning such as film series, cultural experiences and off-campus excursions

The following Residential Learning Programs are being offered for 2009-2010:

Residential Learning Programs- Academic Programs	Environment Offered
	Frear	Freshman Hall	Other
Japanese Culture and Language	X
Future in Teaching (Get FIT)	X
Honors	X	X
Spanish	X
French	X
Hawaiian Culture		X
First Year Experience		X
Explore Program		X
Outdoor Recreation		X
Substance Free	X	X	X
Sustainability		X

Specific Program Information

Japanese Culture and Language ("J-Floor")

J-Floor residents will have opportunities to participate in activities that complement their interest and study of Japanese Culture and Language through participating in language exchanges, practicing simple everyday greetings and conversations, learning about opportunities for studying in Japan, and other events such as film showings and special lectures/demonstrations. Students will be able to explore and expand their academic interest in a friendly and supportive environment. Although the only requirement is enthusiasm for learning about Japan, students should expect to devote at least two hours/week to activities in order to maximize the benefits of living in the J-Floor Residential Learning Program.

Get FIT (Future in Teaching)

This program will encourage the exploration of the field of teaching by offering special courses, service learning opportunities within the K-12 environment, lectures, faculty mentors, and other activities which focus on teaching as a profession. In addition, students will be taught information literacy skills and will be encouraged to use those skills to further investigate education topics. Students also will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and inquiry based learning projects. The Future in Teaching Program will be located in Frear Hall.

Program Components

• Monthly programming focused on education will be provided. These programs may include field trips to schools, guest speakers, student-faculty discussions, media presentations, etc.
• Students will be given service learning and tutoring opportunities in either the lab school or nearby K-12 schools. Relevant research and experiential opportunities will be offered to students as appropriate.
• Students will be given service learning and tutoring opportunities in either the lab school or nearby K-12 schools. Relevant research and experiential opportunities will be offered to students as appropriate.
• Faculty advisors will be assigned to the program and other faculty will facilitate workshops, lectures, and field trips.
• Advising to help students prepare applications to a College of Education program.

The Future in Teaching Residential Learning Program is open to any student interested in considering teaching as a career. In addition, students must sign a contract agreeing to:

• participate in at least three activities per semester
• participate in a tutoring or service learning activity annually

Honors Program

The Honors Program offers select students the opportunity to experience a living and learning environment with a group of new friends as ready as you are to meet the challenges of a stimulating and rewarding academic program.

In order to qualify to live in this residential program, you must already be admitted to the Honors Program, fill out the Honors dorm request form, and submit the Student Housing Application form.

Honors Program applications and recommendation forms for entering the Honors Program, plus additional information, are available at www.honors.hawaii.edu.

Spanish

The Spanish Residential Learning Program is for students studying Spanish or students just interested in Spanish. The program will focus on language and cultural appreciation through programming, language exchanges, lectures and cultural events. Students will be able to explore and expand their academic interest while connecting with other students with similar interests.

French

The French Residential Learning Program is for students studying French or students just interested in French language and culture. The program will focus on language and cultural appreciation through programming, language exchanges, lectures and cultural events. Students will be able to explore and expand their academic interest while connecting with other students with similar interests.

Hawaiian Culture

Would you like to learn more about Hawaiian Culture and Language? The Hawaiian Culture Residential Learning Community will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the culture and rich history of Hawaii.

Program Components

• Learn about the music, histories, language and culture of Hawaii
• Explore your own cultural identity and how it relates to others in the world
• Special conversation sessions with faculty, students, and staff
• Presentations and social programming
• Opportunities for participation in field trips

First Year Experience

Leaving home, making new friends and learning how to study for college classes are just a few of the challenges that face first-year students. The First Year Residential Learning Program is designed to assist students in their transition to university life. Programs and activities are developed to enhance the residents’ first-year college experience.

Program Components
• Residence Halls with the highest staff to student ratios
• Focus on the social and academic needs of 1st year students
• Opportunities to interact with faculty
• Social events

Students that participate in the First Year Experience can also participate in other Residential Learning Programs that are located in the First Year Environments.

Explore Program

The Explore program is designed for 1st year students that are still unsure of what path or major they wish to select while in college. The program will focus on study skills, academic success and connecting students to various programs on campus to further the understanding of majors and careers available.

Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Recreation program connects 1st year students of various majors who share an interest in outdoor activities (hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping, surfing, etc.). The Outdoor Recreation Learning Program will be located in a Freshman Environment.

Substance Free

Although Student Housing Services expects that all resident rooms and public spaces comply with federal and state regulations related to the use of alcohol and other drugs, the Substance-Free environments offer an additional measure of support for individuals who choose not to drink or use other drugs. Substance-Free communities will be located in First Year Environments, Frear Hall and other residential environments depending on student interest.

Program Components

Programming initiatives will involve residents and focus on wellness, healthy living and alternatives. In addition, students participating in Substance-Free communities agree to the following conditions:

• Students will not consume alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal drugs, prescription drugs that are not prescribed for me, or other related unhealthy substances at any time, on or off campus.
• Students agree to participate in the development of a Floor Agreement during the fall semester, outlining acceptable community standards as they relate to substance use.
• Students using or consuming alcohol or other drugs understand that they will be asked to leave the community.

Sustainability

Looking to save the world or just be a better steward of our resources? The Sustainability Residential Learning Program will allow students with a passion for all things green to take an active role in running their community and help educate themselves and other students about our impact on the environment.