Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Residence Life is to provide a foundation that encourages an environment of safety, health, comfort, and inclusive residential living and learning. We promote successful transitions to the Grinnell College community by facilitating a residential education curriculum designed to introduce students to self-governance, responsible decision-making, engagement in a diverse community, and knowledge of wellness, harm reduction, and sexual respect. The department provides developmental opportunities to cultivate meaningful relationships and instill a commitment to learning and social responsibility. We pledge to accomplish this in a way that supports the mission of Grinnell College and meets the ethical performance guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards.
Department Learning Outcomes
- As a result of actively participating in a self-governing residential community, students will identify their values, identities, principles, and personal decision-making in the context of the self-governing community.
- Utilize conflict resolution strategies effectively, and be able to appropriately confront unjust or uncivil behavior of other groups or individuals.
- As a result of engaging with others in a diverse residential community, students will be asked to be self-aware and recognize diverse perspectives.
- First-year and transfer students who engage in residential programming will discover and learn to navigate the resources available to them as well as gain institutional and personal support during their transition and adjustment to Grinnell College.
- Students involved in residence life programming will establish a sense of community and further their learning in the residential environment.
- Students will have the opportunity to participate in programming around topics including but not limited to diversity and inclusion, harm reduction and wellness, sexual respect and sexual misconduct, social responsibility, self-governance, history of higher education, professionalism, career development, leadership development, sustainability, social justice, and effective skills that help in the transition to college.
- Through their positions, student staff will learn to employ leadership & mediation, develop inclusive communities, and improve interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in their residential communities and beyond the College campus.
- Through their positions, student staff will learn and practice professional concepts, which are transferable to future positions and opportunities. Including but not limited to time management, event planning, budget allocation, administrative skills, effective communication, and crisis response.
- The Department of Residence Life will utilize and uphold the College-wide learning outcomes in our work with student leaders and the overall residential community.
Contact Information
reslife@grinnell.edu
Phone: 641-269-3700
Fax: 641-269-3710
Rosenfield Center
1115 Eighth Ave
Grinnell, IA 50112
United States