Residential Programs and Services makes its debut

By DeAnna Hines

Photo by Chris Meyer
The Career Development Center and the IU Health Center hosted the first FUTURE FEST Aug. 29. Billed as a lawn party, the gathering was designed to introduce IUB students to important services available on campus. The event attracted more than 800 students, primarily freshmen, in just over two hours. Robin Sullivan (above), an IUB graduate student, invited participants to the grounds for fun, food, music and information.

A new unit, Residential Programs and Services, has been formed on the IUB campus, combining the former Halls of Residence and Residence Life departments. Bruce Jacobs, currently coordinator of the master's program in student affairs and head of Residence Life, directs the new unit. He has been named assistant vice chancellor.

The merger is being made to develop residential environments that support the academic experience, said Robert L. Cochran, executive assistant chancellor. "Students who live on campus achieve better academically, graduate at a higher percentage and, in general, have more successful college careers," Jacobs said. He added that Halls of Residence programs and services should involve students in the life of the university.

Jacobs plans to appoint a small group of staff members to write a mission statement for the new division. He will then meet with groups of staff for input as the draft is considered. From the statement that is eventually adopted, an appropriate organizational structure will be designed.

William Smith will serve as executive director of Residential Programs and Services.

"I believe IU is on the verge of a new and vibrant organization directed toward the 21st century," Smith said.

"If students are not satisfied with their living environment, it is difficult for them to grow and mature. It is the job of the operational staff to create an environment as stress-free as possible."

The reorganization comes at a time when the residence halls have been retooling to meet the needs and desires of current students. Changes during the last year have included:

Expanded meal choices
Introduction of national food franchises and food courts on campus
Establishment of a single wholesale food supplier
Closing of Willkie Quad for renovation and reconfiguration.

"While living in a residence hall, students should have an opportunity to learn -- learn about themselves, learn about the people around them and learn about the world they live in," Jacobs said.

George Kuh, professor of education, has researched the characteristics of successful colleges. "In our study several years ago," he said, "one of the defining characteristics of exceptional institutions was a high degree of collaboration -- between faculty and administrators, between academic and student affairs, and between the various offices and programs that provide front-line services to students. The merger of the halls and Residence Life will increase collaboration in these areas."