Residence Life Community

Community

The critical difference for students living off campus versus those living in residence is the services that residence personnel provide and the genuine sense of community. Housing and Residence Life Staff are committed to supporting students making the transition to living in residence by creating a healthy living and learning community that supports an academic lifestyle.  We build community by meeting educational and social objectives throughout the academic year. The staff also support students and build community by upholding community standards to ensure a safe and respectful environment.

For more information on Residence Life staff visit http://reslife.yorku.ca/residence-experience/residence-life-staff

The First-Year Experience

Residence Life is committed to the successful transition of first year students into university life. While each new academic year brings new challenges, a student’s first year experience is comprised of many changes in all areas of student life. New academic, financial, social and lifestyle environments bring new choices for new students.

We offer programs and initiatives designed to support the first-year student transition. Our commitment to first year students employs the framework of Dr. Alf Lizzio’s (2006) Five Senses Model. Our programs are flexibly designed around the following shared language and concepts:

• SENSE OF CONNECTION: Helping commencing students develop the relationships and connections that will support their success and enhance their satisfaction at university

• SENSE OF CAPABILITY: Helping commencing students develop the skills and attitudes needed to be successful learners

• SENSE OF PURPOSE: Helping commencing students be clear about and committed to their educational and career choices

• SENSE OF RESOURCEFULNESS: Helping commencing students develop the resources they will need to support their success at university

• SENSE OF ACADEMIC CULTURE: Helping commencing students understand the core scholarly values and ethical principles of the university (Lizzio, 2006)

Residence Life programs and services not only support students, but propel them to become the successful student, leader and community member they want to be. It is our belief that when students are better prepared for the changes ahead, connected to and supported in their environment and aware of their own capabilities, the transition process is easier.

A Lizzio. (2006). Designing an orientation and transition strategy for commencing students: Applying the five senses model. Retrieved from here 

Getting Involved

There are many ways to participate in your residence community, including volunteer, elected, and paid opportunities.  Visit http://reslife.yorku.ca/get-involved or speak to your Don about ways to get involved. It’s a great way to connect with others in your residence and at the same time get experience and develop leadership skills.

Residence Life Activity & Administrative Fee (RLAAF)

Programming opportunities are created by student leaders using the RLAAF funding for materials and programs. Everyone in residence pays the RLAAF as part of their Residence Fee, so plan to take advantage of what’s being offered by attending programs in your residence. You’ll increase your sense of community, feel connected in your new home, have fun and experience new things.