Theme Housing
Theme housing should reflect the mission of the college, enhance learning opportunities for program participants, and increase the awareness of the campus community around the theme (quiet /study, or athletics are examples of ideas that are not themes).
Theme House Proposal should include:
- Clear statement of the theme/idea around which the program will be constructed.
- A proposed list of activities for the year with a tentative calendar.
- A budget for any expenses that the programs might require and where the resources will come from.
- Staff/Faculty support is required. The proposal should identify who will be involved and how.
- A plan for introduction to new students.
- A proposed plan to evaluate the program.
- The number of students you would like to accommodate (minimum size is one suite of 8 students).
All proposals should try to meet the “Castleton theme” of mixing all classes. We currently strive for a 60/40 (returner/new) split in all buildings. Proposals would be best to reflect this model. Consideration for an all “new” or all “returner” community of students would be less desirable. (Exception: 1 or 2 suites) Theme housing units must maintain an occupancy rate equal to the average occupancy rate of the rest of campus housing.
All proposals are for one academic year but can be renewed with good reviews and continuing student interest. Summers are not available.
The program must reflect and integrate with our current administrative structures.
- CA support is provided and integrated with our student leadership/training structures. CAs in theme housing should be seen as teammates of those in non-theme housing areas. Extra support, pay, training may be warranted if extra duties are assigned.
- AC support is recognized. Judicial action is taken through AC with consultation with Faculty/Staff sponsorship. This must reflect the same due process procedures as we currently use.
- Community Standards are reflected in the Student Handbook no less stringent rules can be expected. Changes in policy for themes must be pre-approved by the Dean of Students and/or Director of Residence Life and cannot set a double standard for students in non-themed housing. An addendum to our handbook could be used, and be part of the student’s housing contract.
- Students being released from Theme Housing for judicial matters or non-conformity will be offered space in the non-themed housing if available. Replacements must be identified to maintain equivalent occupancy rates as all other areas.
Decision of the exact housing space to be used will be determined by Residence Life in conjunction with the program leadership.
Timeline:
1. Proposal must be received by Residence life by April 2, 2008 to be considered for fall 2008.
2. Decisions will be made by April 10, 2008.
3. Returning Students who will be part of the program must meet eligibility criteria, and be
 identified one week before Room Draw. (Full occupancy of space less first year students is required.)
4. Plans and materials for Admissions to market theme housing completed by April 15, 2008.
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