Programming efforts respond to the transition needs of residents, as well as the needs of the overall floor community. We have identified focus areas to assist students in finding a balance among their academics and the many other facets of their lives.

These areas include social relationships, safety/security, personal health and wellness, spirituality, cultural backgrounds, and sexuality. A library of resources for each of these areas is available in the Residence Education and Programs Office at Sydenham Hall. Residence advisors and residence dons assess the needs of their floor and respond to these needs with the support of academic programmers, residence managers, assistant managers, and the assistant director of residence education and programs. The following sections outline examples of common challenges students, in general, may face throughout the academic year, as well as the various programming responses that take place.

Academics

In the transition to university, students may experience a drop in grades, problems studying for tests or exams, or a lack of understanding of important study skills and habits. They often need support in planning courses toward their desired careers and developing job search strategies for their summer jobs. Residence staff bring a number of programs to each floor and invite speakers from the Student Development Centre and other study-skills experts to make presentations in residence. The staff also provide further information about resources on campus and make referrals when needed. Academic programmers are available in each residence to provide programming that focuses on specific academic issues and areas of interest.

Diversity/Cultural Needs

The students and staff of the residences at the University of Western Ontario live together within an agreement to a Commitment to Diversity. The diverse racial, ethnic, class backgrounds and national origins of residents offer a rich opportunity to learn from one another in an atmosphere of positive contact and mutual respect. Staffs are supported in providing opportunities to learn about our similarities and differences.

Interpersonal Relationships

In your first year at a university, you may find that many of your relationships with parents and friends are evolving and changing. In some cases, intimate relationships are ending, while other new relationships are beginning. The interpersonal relationship focus also addresses roommate and floor community relations.

Personal Health and Wellness

Perhaps you follow a particular diet and need to better understand how to manage your nutrition needs in the dining hall. Or you need support learning to balance social activities with study time, manage stress better or become more aware of responsible drinking habits. A multitude of programs are offered throughout the year that address many of these issues. Or for more information, resources are available to all residents in the Residence Education and Programs Office at Sydenham Hall in room I001.

Safety/Security

Personal safety within residences is an important aspect of campus life. There are many areas of managing personal safety in residence that are addressed through residence life programs, including personal safety, alcohol use, theft prevention, sexual assault, self-defense, and neighborhood watch programs.

Sexuality

In residence, students are at an age where they are further defining their sexual identity. They are making decisions about what constitutes a healthy and unhealthy relationship, gender roles and relationship values. If heterosexual, they may be discovering what is important for them to be a man or a woman in an egalitarian relationship. For at least one in 10 students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, they may find, for the first time, that they are in an environment that accepts diversity and can find others who are accepting of differences amongst people. Direct and open programs are designed to promote safe-sex practices and healthy relationships. Student Health Services works in partnership with the residence life program to provide up-to-date information a fun and helpful way.

Social Needs

While there is no shortage of social activities on campus, students are often in need of ways to manage their social needs, make sound and independent choices, and have alternative options available to them. We strive to social activities that address a broad range of interests and that promote at atmosphere of inclusion.

Spiritual Needs

Creating awareness and comfort of expression for different spiritual beliefs and pursuits is one of the aims of a culturally diverse community. Beyond the physical and mental needs of residents, it is important to nourish the creative, emotional and soulful aspect of individuals in residence, and our residence life program is geared toward recognizing and supporting the spiritual needs of all residents.