Student Life 48 residential halls head toward a new community style STORY BY NIKKI DABNEY DESIGN BY CATHERINE FOX In August 2014, SMU will unveil its Residential Commons system. This system is an amalgamation of the best aspects of the residential models of other universities, such as Rice University, Vanderbilt University and Penn State. Every residential hall will be completely mixed with first years, sophomores and upperclassmen, as space permits. There will no longer be halls solely for groups such as Hilltop Scholars, Honors and Fine Arts. Each Residential Commons will enhance a community feel. There will be more group events, including a campus-wide Olympics and formal dining experiences. Also, each community will create its own crest, motto and traditions. Students will not be able to select a hall preference, but will have preference for a roommate. Five new buildings are being added for the Residential Commons system and the existing buildings will be renovated to include faculty apartments and offices. A main feature of the Residential Commons is the faculty- in-residence. Faculty members as well as a peer academic leader will engage with the students, and the Residential Commons will contain more resources to help students have a more well-rounded academic experience. “Students will be more engaged and more likely to retain their learning experiences,” said Jeff Grim, assistant director of residence life for academic initiatives. “SMU has an amazing faculty with passions outside of their professional interest, which they get to explore and model for students. The new University Curriculum allows credit for out-of-class learning, and the residential commons just provides the living experience to do so.” one hundred years of residence halls and counting 1916 1920s 1940s Female students sit on the roof of the Women’s Dormitory, now known as Clements Hall. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY Students and faculty help to try extinguish a fire in 1926. The fire burned three dormitories down in less than an hour. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY Female students knit, read and study in one of the dorm rooms. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY THE TIMES ARE A-CHANGIN’
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Student Life48
residential halls head toward a new community styleSTORY BY NIKKI DABNEYDESIGN BY CATHERINE FOX
In August 2014, SMU will unveil its Residential Commons system. This system is an amalgamation of the best aspects of the residential models of other universities, such as Rice University, Vanderbilt University and Penn State.
Every residential hall will be completely mixed with first years, sophomores and upperclassmen, as space permits. There will no longer be halls solely for groups such as Hilltop Scholars, Honors and Fine Arts.
Each Residential Commons will enhance a community feel. There will be more group events, including a campus-wide Olympics and formal dining experiences. Also, each community will create its own crest, motto and traditions.
Students will not be able to select a hall preference, but will have preference for a roommate.
Five new buildings are being added for the Residential Commons system and the existing buildings will be renovated to include faculty apartments and offices. A main feature of the Residential Commons is the faculty-in-residence. Faculty members as well as a peer academic leader will engage with the students, and the Residential Commons will contain more resources to help students have a more well-rounded academic experience.
“Students will be more engaged and more likely to retain their learning experiences,” said Jeff Grim, assistant director of residence life for academic initiatives. “SMU has an amazing faculty with passions outside of their professional interest, which they get to explore and model for students. The new University Curriculum allows credit for out-of-class learning, and the residential commons just provides the living experience to do so.”
one hundred years of residence halls and counting1916 1920s 1940s
Female students sit on the roof of the Women’s Dormitory, now known as Clements Hall.PHOTO PROvIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY
Students and faculty help to try extinguish a fire in 1926. The fire burned three dormitories down in less than an hour. PHOTO PROvIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY
Female students knit, read and study in one of the dorm rooms.PHOTO PROvIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY
THE TImES ARE A-CHANGIN’
Dorm Life49
1950s 1970s today
Male students do laundry as an instructor looks on to make sure they are doing it correctly.PHOTO PROvIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY
Male students hang out in one of the dorm rooms. PHOTO PROvIDED BY DEGOLYER LIBRARY
Two students laugh while enjoying snacks at an event in Shuttles Hall.PHOTO BY RYAN BLITZER
THE TImES ARE A-CHANGIN’
1. The new Residential Commons located next to the Doak Walker Memorial Plaza nears completion during the spring semester. The new complex will feature five new halls expected to house 1,250 students, a new dining facility, classrooms, seminar space and residences for faculty.PHOTO BY RYAN BLITZER2. From left, Residential Community Director Lauren Cove and junior Julius Henderson have a fun discussion at an event in Shuttles Hall.PHOTO BY RYAN BLITZER3. Two students study in one of the lounges in a residential hall.PHOTO BY vICTORIA mCKAY
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