For Castleton University students with a passion for helping others and giving back to the community, North House is the perfect place to live on campus.
North House is open to all students, but residents sign an agreement to participate in Service Housing programming and must complete 15 hours of community service each semester. Residents are also required to complete a house-wide service project each year.
Junior Frank Wan, who works as a community advisor for North House, said residents coordinate with him and other CA’s for service opportunities. He said that when opportunities are found, he posts them on a community service board where residents can sign up for events and run completed events by him for approval. Additionally, he said he coordinates with other organizations on campus and in the area, which increases the number of opportunities and allows residents to connect with other members of the Castleton community.
“I want to help students build their resumes and experience,” Wan said.
North House, which was built in 2006 in the northwestern section of Castleton’s campus, is one of three “Pod-Style” housing options, along with Audet and South Houses. Each house is made up of six pods containing three double rooms with shared bathrooms. All three houses have a large shared kitchen and common area as well.
The community service program was introduced in the 2016-17 academic year. Audet and South Houses follow a specific theme as well, providing honors and wellness housing, respectively.
Cora Churchill, area coordinator for North House, said the service concept is conducive with The Castleton Way. She explained that the university already upholds a commitment to give back to the community and students from other residential buildings will participate in events with North House residents.
“Having a community service house on our campus just made sense because we have a lot of students that just really care about being engaged within the community,” Churchill said.
Churchill added that some residents will complete upwards of 90 hours. She said that overall, it is satisfying that they go above and beyond their requirement.
“I think it just shows that our students are really committed and engaged, and it’s really cool to see that,” Churchill said.
Residents can also fulfill their hours by volunteering at events in their hometowns. They bring service sheets with them for site supervisors to sign, which are returned to their CA’s for approval.
There is no application process for living in North House. Interested students may contact Cora Churchill before housing selection.