February 2, 2012

Wellness and Development

Residential Programs developed a set of core values in 2011 which guide how we conduct our work with individuals and communities.  Through our programs, services, and University partnerships, we strive to instill the values of engagement, development, responsibility, inclusivity, and learning in all of our residential communities.  

In our efforts to develop, we endorse healthy life balance that encompasses nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in order to maximize potential. Throughout our residential communities, RAs/CAs and Fraternity and Sorority leaders and members offer programs to foster connection, encourage wellness, and provide breaks from the rigors of your academic life.  Each Faculty-in-Residence (Professor Harrist in East Campus, Professor Smyth in the LLC, and Professor Roberts in West Campus) offers informal study breaks, in addition to more structured, thought-provoking dialogue outside the classroom throughout the year.  Special Interest Communities (SICs) also are known to host social opportunities for a particular residential community to relax and unwind at fun events centered around their theme or identity.   

During the fall ’11 semester, students formed a coalition (aka The Wellness Project) to come together “in making Columbia a better, healthier, and more fulfilling place to live.”  Residents, members and leaders of clubs and organizations, and RAs are working as a broad-based coalition to enhance and improve our community.  We look forward to shared work in creating and sustaining a healthy community in which each student will thrive.

Celebrate the Residential Community

Monthly, by implementing Of-The-Month (OTM) Awards, Residential Programs celebrates the valuable contributions of the people and programs in our community.  We encourage every member of our community to participate by submitting a nomination.  “If you think it’s great, nominate.”