Our vision for Student Life programming is based on the premise that we desire and expect students to change during their years of college and we want to influence that change, to the extent we are able. We believe it prudent to focus on programming areas that we can do well from our strategic position within the college. In addition to the social programs offered we currently require each RA staff to program on four of the six following topics during the academic year.
- Multicultural competence
- Emotional Wellness
- Alcohol/substance use amongst college students
- Relationships (friendship, dating, marriage)
- Spiritual Formation
- Web-life (looking at the benefits and costs of on-line “communities”)
We also expect them to actively promote at least 4 other campus programs (such as Unlearn Week, Sexuality Series, etc.). We believe these efforts promote learning in all phases of a student’s experience.
Within each residence hall the Resident Assistants and Resident Director work with other student leaders in the Activities Council (AC) and in several focus positions that form the Community Life Council (CLC).
The Activities Council is a group of students who plan and organize activities for residents of their complex. The Council consists of two officers (a president and treasurer) and one representative from each floor of the complex. These students are elected in the spring.
The Focus Position Leaders are involved in planning more focused and recurring
programs. Under the direction of the Barnabas Team, students will plan weekly times of worship and singing, organize Bible studies and small group opportunities, and plan student led devotional programs in the evenings. Cultural Discerners (CDs) facilitate discussion around popular cultural events such as movies, concerts, and recorded music. They work closely with the Director of Student Activities. Community Partnerships Coordinators (CPCs) facilitate service-learning opportunities and work closely with the Director of the Service-Learning Center. Multicultural Activities Coordinators (MACs) work closely with the Assistant Dean of Multicultural Student Development in planning programs and discussions on issues of diversity. Each hall may have additional focus positions depending on the interest and desires of the residents.
The Floor Board is a group of students on each floor who plan events and work toward the development of a Christian community on the floor. Members include the Activities Council floor representative, the Resident Assistant, and two representatives elected by the floor at the beginning of each semester.
Here is a sampling of all-hall programming:
The Morning After
The purpose of this program was to discuss and analyze the question "What's the hype around alcohol?" We addressed the media's portrayal of alcohol and glamorization of alcohol use, and address how students can talk to friends about alcohol use and abuse. This program had several components including a video, skit, small group discussions, and a game show.
Mental Health Week: Depression
This program was intended to create awareness and acceptance of: depression, the breakaway stigma, resources on campus, and how many people use the resources. This program taught residents how to support people with depression, and informed them of ways that people cope with depression- both healthy and unhealthy.
Jesus Bus
The purpose of this program was to get a broader view of the body of Christ. This program provided an avenue for students to explore different churches with the goal that they will select a home church. Also this program gave people a ride to church who wouldn't otherwise get one. The Jesus Bus visited a different church every Sunday over the course of the fall semester. After the service the group would have lunch together and discuss the church they just visited.
Relationship Series
The purpose of this series was to inform and create awareness and conversation about relationships between males and females within the Calvin community. It created a space for honest and open discussion about homosexuality and how a Christian community should respond. Also the programming inform students about sexual assault prevention, statistics, awareness, and how to get help. The series had three parts: 1. Dating, Mating and Relating, 2. Homoesexuality, and 3. 1 in 9 (a presentation on sexual assault).
International Bazaar
This programming was an opportunity for those in the dorm with experience in other cultures to share what they know and care about with regard to that culture with the rest of the dorm by setting up and sitting at a table with pictures, items, food, and information concerning that area. At their displays they engaged with others in conversation about issues affecting their culture while looking at pictures of it, enjoying food from that culture etc...
Weblife Coffee Talk
This programming focused around the discussion on the ramifications, both positive and negative, of the various forms of weblife (facebook, email, instant messaging, etc...) on our relationships.
