Residence Life

Mission Statement

The Department of Residence Life supports the academic mission of the College by fostering a diverse and inclusive residential community in which we are committed to providing social, educational and leadership initiatives to promote students' personal growth and development. We strive to achieve this mission through effective housing management and fiscal responsibility.

Statement on Diversity

The Department of Residence Life at Salem State College is dedicated to developing inclusive and affirming communities in which all residents feel welcomed, validated, and appreciated for their uniqueness. Regardless of race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, ability, socioeconomic status, marital status, culture, veteran status, national origin, and age, every member of the residential community has the right to live in an environment in which sensitivity, respect, and understanding are paramount.

Diversity within our residential communities is integral to fulfilling our mission to enhance the education our residents receive within the classroom. Without differences of opinion, experience, belief, perspective, background, and identity, our interactions are less than they could otherwise be. We strive to reflect diversity within both staff and leadership positions in the department to ensure that decisions and initiatives implemented are inclusive and just.

As a department, we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, particularly as it may relate to an individual's identity. When one individual or a group of individuals acts to destroy the essence of our diverse community, or shows a lack of respect to an individual, we will respond appropriately. We will not tolerate behavior that is not in line with the belief that each individual is a valued member of our community and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Like diversity itself, our efforts to create this vision of a diverse community will continue to evolve as we learn alongside our residents.

Focal Points:

Community

Community is the cornerstone of the residential experience at Salem State College. We believe in fostering diverse and inclusive communities where residents are valued for their uniqueness. Our residential areas provide opportunities for active involvement and leadership on a variety of levels, and are arenas for developing meaningful social relationships. This involvement allows residents to learn and demonstrate respect for one another and their living environment. The department is focused on maintaining safe, secure, and well-maintained residential areas where residents and staff alike take pride in their community.

Learning

A large part of the college residential experience involves learning outside the classroom. We believe in developing both structured and unstructured learning opportunities for our residents, in an environment that recognizes different learning styles. Through a variety of academic, life skill, experiential, and developmental programs, our staff provide opportunities for residents to gain a new understanding of issues affecting them. Through our various processes and procedures, residents are able to learn how to take responsibility, gain self-sufficiency, and develop the skills necessary to operate in the larger communities outside of the College.

Awareness

College is an opportunity for students to explore who they are and what they believe and value, as well as how those values impact their vocational and avocational aspirations. The spiritual, cultural, emotional, sexual, and general identity development of our residents is supported through formal and informal initiatives. It is the department's goal that our residents will leave their experience with a greater understanding of who they are and how they relate to a global community.

Empowerment

An important aspect of the collegiate experience is taking knowledge and turning it into action. We believe in encouraging students to take responsibility for promoting awareness, questioning decisions and processes appropriately, and advocating for change. Through involvement in service learning opportunities and leadership roles, we believe that students can demonstrate their responsibility and respect for one another, the campus, and the surrounding environment.

Goals

1. Provide residents with safe, clean, well-maintained, and comfortable housing at the best price possible.
2. Maintain technology standards within the Department to meet the needs of residents.
3. Provide educational and developmental opportunities for residents.
4. Use student development theory in assessing systems and areas within Residence Life to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
5. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within all departmental initiatives, policies, and services.
6. Provide quality opportunities and resources for staff development and training.
7. Improve and encourage collaboration between Residence Life, campus departments, and the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA) for the benefit of our residents.
8. Improve and expand the summer conference program.
9. Partner with the MSCBA to advocate for the improvement of Residence Life through capital improvement and preventive maintenance.