A Letter From the Director of Residence Life
Dear resident student,
On behalf of the residence life staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you as a new or returning member of our residential community! Salem State University affords you numerous opportunities to enjoy a complete and fulfilling university experience when you live in one of our residence facilities. We encourage you to take full advantage of this experience and the many opportunities to get involved in campus life.
All of our residential areas are communities where learning and development occur through a combination of academic initiatives, resident governance, and programming. Living with other students, some just like you and others quite different will provide you many opportunities to learn new ways of thinking and interacting.
A true collegiate experience involves more than just going to classes and receiving a diploma. Attending a concert, participating in intramural sports, holding a position within student government or the residence hall association, and volunteering for a service learning project are but a few of the opportunities that can make your university career more exciting and worthwhile.
A part of any residential experience includes learning about those who live with you, participating in programs and activities, and exploring who you are as an individual, and as a member of the university community. The residence life staff understands the importance of helping you in your development and plans activities designed to meet your varied needs.
Recently, through the efforts of our nationally-recognized Residence Hall Association (RHA), Salem State was awarded the 2007 Commitment to Diversity Award by the North East Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. We are extremely proud of this honor and hope that you will take every opportunity to learn and grow from being a part of our diverse community.
The information in this guide will assist you in making your residential experience a positive one.
It includes information about the residence life staff, suggestions for living with roommates, residence hall association information, important policies and procedures, and housing. Please read it carefully, as you are expected to be familiar with and understand its contents. The residence life staff is happy to answer any questions you have.
Once again, welcome! We wish you a successful, happy and productive year!
Rebecca “Becky” Jimenez
Director, Residence Life
Additional Information
Mission Statement
The mission of Residence Life is to provide a safe and supportive living environment which fosters the personal growth and development of our students. Through our interdependent community intentional learning opportunities are designed to support the mission of the university.
Departmental Goals
Through collaboration with campus partners, the residence life office will:
- Provide residents with a safe and secure living-learning environment
- Create an engaged community in which students feel a sense of pride while fostering a diverse and inclusive residential experience
- Support the academic mission of the university by promoting holistic student development through social, educational and leadership experiences
- Maximize efficiency and intentionality through the sustainable use of resources
- Continuously assess, evaluate and enhance departmental initiatives
Statement on Diversity
Residence life at Salem State University 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 residence life to ensure that decisions and initiatives implemented are inclusive and just.
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.