Updates from the Office of Residence Life

As we look ahead to the second half of this semester, and beyond, there is a lot on the horizon for Residence Life. In the following paragraphs, you can learn more about the Residence Life Diversity Education series, the Resident Student Association, and some important dates and information regarding living on campus at Dominican.

This semester, we have implemented a new Diversity Education series for our resident students. In September, students were invited to attend performances of Erasing the Distance, a theater production aimed at exploring and understanding mental illness. The program for October was titled Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium, and focused on hate crimes and the impact of those crimes on a community. The final presentation for the semester will be held in November, and is called White Privilege. This programming series is presented by Residence Life, the Dean of Students office, and the Diversity Committee.

A great way to get involved in the residence halls is by joining the Resident Student Association, or RSA. RSA is a recognized student organization that has two main focuses: creating a sense of community within the residence halls, and acting as a voice or advocate for resident students. RSA meets every other Wednesday night at 10:00p.m. At meetings, students can learn about upcoming events and programs, and ways to get involved in RSA and at Dominican. Additionally, this is the place where students can voice their concerns and ask questions about living on campus. RSA represents resident students at Student Government Association meetings, and also meets regularly with the Residence Life Staff. Some of RSA's past programs have included Rock Band tournaments, a Labor Day picnic, and monthly road trips off campus to places like Lincoln Park Zoo, local apple orchards, museums, or area haunted houses. RSA also has some great upcoming events, like the annual Battle of the Bands this spring, a road trip into the city for the holiday-themed Parade of Lights, and the always popular Roommate Game, which is similar to the Newlywed Game. RSA is a great way to get connected and involved on campus. For more information, email RSA@dom.edu.

Is your son or daughter graduating, studying abroad, student teaching, or thinking of moving off campus? If so, an important date for him or her to remember is December 1. Any student who is not planning on living on campus second semester must complete a Contract Cancellation Form. This form is available on the Residence Life myDU page, and can be completed online when the student is logged in. If a student is graduating, student teaching, or studying abroad the $350 contract cancellation fee will be waived if they pay before December 1. Anyone who cancels their contract after December 1 will pay the $350 contract cancellation fee and an additional $50 late fee, regardless if they are graduating, studying abroad, or student teaching. Students will be contacted by Residence Life later this fall with more detailed information regarding this and other semester transition details.

The Residence Halls will remain open during Thanksgiving Break (November 25- 29). During these times, there will be limited desk availability. In terms of Winter Break, the Residence Halls will close at noon on December 19, and will reopen at noon on January 10.

Should you have any questions or would like more information regarding living on campus, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are available via email at reslife@dom.edu, or call us at 708-524-6217. Our Residence Life myDU page also has a great deal of additional information, and is a great resource for both residents and parents!