Residence Hall Information

RATIONALE

It could be said that approximately 80% of the learning by students during their college years takes place outside of the classroom. Much of this happens during interactions taking place between residents in a residence hall.

Diversity is the heart of Gallaudet's community. People with diverse backgrounds bring with them differing styles of communication and living and new perspectives. In the residence halls at a small university such as Gallaudet, you will find a number of people with interests similar to your own. You will also find people who are more different than you expect. The diversity of appearances, beliefs, communication, and expectations is captivating, brilliant, and sometimes intimidating. Diversity offers a wide ‘curriculum' of situations and occasions that fosters personal growth. This is why we, at the Office of Residence Life and Housing, work hard to create an environment in which friendships with all people, similar and dissimilar, can flourish. The aspiration of the Residence Life staff is to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, where a student's rights to a safe, clean, and comfortable home are respected.

We realize, of course, that even with these statements in place, conflicts may occur. While the residence hall environment can be a place that offers great opportunities for growth, it can also be challenging. The Office of Residence Life and Housing attempts to create and cultivate an environment which allows room for growth in the wake of conflict. We do this by encouraging respect for the rights of the individual weighed against the rights and interests of the community as a whole. Our preferred approach to developing responsible behavior by and among residents is through balanced participation of all involved. We work to enhance student learning that offers creative opportunities for growth and empower those involved to resolve the immediate situation and make better future choices. Additionally, we work to develop the capacity of the community to collectively solve its problems. The more you as a resident can get involved with the people in your hall, fellow students, and staff, the more you will grow with your peers and have a positive experience in the residence hall and with the University.

This handbook provides guidelines to make your stay in the residence halls comfortable. Included in this handbook you will find two sections of hall information. The first section consists of housing information that all students should be aware of and the second section lists policies and procedures as well as the disciplinary action that may be taken for not following them. You will also find a list of people who play key roles and a list of offices to contact for more information or assistance in a variety of situations.

RESIDENCE HALLS

Benson Hall - Built in August of 1972, Benson Hall was the second residence hall designed for co-ed living. Dedicated on March 30, 1973, it boasts nine floors that offer predominantly double rooms arranged along two U-shaped corridors. There are a few single rooms on each floor. Approximately 32 students live in each corridor, making a building-wide occupancy of 235 residents. Community bathrooms are located in each corridor. Public areas include a large lobby and TV and study lounges.

Clerc Hall - Built in 1969-71, Clerc Hall was the first co-ed building to boast suites. Eight floors high, it has 39 suites and 7 apartments. Each suite houses four students and contains two double rooms, a combined living and study room, and a bathroom. There are study and TV lounges on some floors. Clerc Hall houses a total of 177 residents.

Carlin Hall - Built in 1979, this is the largest residence hall on campus. Carlin Hall is an eight-floor structure of single and multiple-person suites. A unique feature is that on odd-numbered floors there is a lounge with TVs and study tables with even numbered floors having a balcony, which looks down upon the lounge. Carlin houses a total of 256 residents.

Ballard North - Built in 1965, Ballard North was the designated women's residence hall. Along with Ballard West, this was one of the first buildings to have built-in central air conditioning. It has four floors with a central atrium and an open stairwell. One indication of Ballard North's former status as a women's residence hall is the metal panels mounted on the banisters to protect women's modesty. An elevator was constructed in Ballard North's atrium in 1995. Ballard North houses 140 residents. Ballard North is temporarily being used as a Model Secondary School for the Deaf residence hall.

Ballard West - Built in 1965, this residence hall was designated for men. The twin of Ballard North, it also has four floors and a central atrium. It houses 178 residents. Both Ballard North and Ballard West have designated rooms for a computer laboratory and video viewing.

Peet Hall - Built in 1957, Peet Hall was designed as a women's residence hall, later becoming co-ed in 1980. It has five floors, plus a basement from which one may exit to a large, brick terrace at the rear. Peet Hall houses 167 students.

RESIDENCE HALL STAFF

All residence halls are staffed by the following:

Coordinator of Residence Education (CRE) - professional staff that have the ultimate administrative responsibility for residence hall management, resident discipline, budget management, hall programming, and paraprofessional program coordination.

Team Leader (TL) - full time staff whose primary responsibilities are to maintain communication between Residence Life and the SRAs, ensure office coverage for SRA shifts, resolving minor issues not requiring the Residence Life Staff on Call, and cover residence hall offices when needed.

Staff Residential Assistant (SRA) - full or part-time staff whose primary responsibilities involve monitoring entry into the residence hall and performing other office functions. SRAs work closely with fellow Residence Life staff members and the Department of Public Safety in maintaining the security of residence halls.

Graduate Assistant (GA) - GAs are paraprofessional staff who report to the CRE. GAs have the overall administrative responsibility for the management of one residence hall, resident discipline, hall programming, and supervision of Resident Advisors.

Resident Advisors (RA) - paraprofessional staff who report directly to the GA. RAs assist the GA in residence hall programming, administrative work, emergency procedures, and community development in all six residence halls.