Theme Communities at IIT
Reserving A Room In a Theme CommunityIIT students reserve campus housing through the Room Reservation process. Students will also be able to choose to live in theme communities. More information about the general Room Reservation process can be viewed here. Below is information about living in theme communities and how to apply.
Residence and Greek Life is offering unique living environments through the theme communities program. Residents who choose to live in theme communities will benefit from building close relationships with other residents who share similar interests. Residents will have opportunities to develop leadership skills through active participation in the community. By selecting a room in the designated community, first year students who agree to the expectations may participate in the service learning, sustainability, or recreation and wellness theme communities. Returning students may participate in any of the theme community offerings by reserving a room on the designated residence hall floor.
Theme Communities for 2011-2012
In 2011-2012, residents will be able choose between four theme communities. They are:
Service Learning – This community is designed for energetic students who are passionate about giving back to and making a difference within their community. Partnering with the Office of Service Learning, residents in the service learning community will develop and participate in service activities in and around the campus community to enrich the lives of others. Residents are encouraged to take an active leadership role within the community and incorporate personal interests into projects and programs for their floor and the larger MSV community. Through discussion, service, and reflection, students develop a personal philosophy about their role in our world. Students also assess how they can contribute to a more civil society while becoming more active and positive role models within university life and beyond. This community is hosted on the 3rd floor of East Hall in MSV.
Recreation and Wellness – Looking to maintain an active lifestyle once you arrive on campus? Residents in the Recreation and Wellness community will be regular participants in campus recreation and intramural events. Tips for staying healthy and support for staying active will be incorporated into community programming, and students will actively participate with staff from Intramural & Recreation. The community promotes respect and understanding of each other, creating an environment that values, encourages, and facilitates the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. This community is hosted on the 2nd floor of East Hall in MSV.
Global Village – Housing a diverse group of domestic and international students, this Global Village community encourages students to become global citizens as they explore the many connections among language, art and culture on regional, national, and international scales. Residents are encouraged to learn about other cultures as well as share their own heritage through community discussions, programs and activities. This community is hosted on the 1st floor of Gunsaulus Hall.
Sustainable Living Community- This community is designed with environmentally conscious students in mind. By living together with fellow students who share common interests and ideals, the individual student becomes part of a true community, a community that is also tied to the greater world beyond the confines of IIT. Residents of this community will engage in service projects focused on sustainability, develop and participate in residence hall programming and consciously incorporate conservation practices into their everyday life. This community is hosted on the 1st floor of Lewis Hall in MSV.
Student Choice Theme Community- Are you and 5 friends interested in: Cooking? Anime? Classical Jazz? Knitting? Anything at all?? Residence and Greek Life is seeking proposals for more Student Choice Theme Communities and YOU could write one! These communities will be housed in the 6 person apartments in SSV South (co-ed apartment options available!) For further information, attend the info session on January 19 at 1:00 in the MSV Fishbowl or email: housing@iit.edu.
Theme Community Resident Expectations
Academic and Judicial Standing:
From the time of application through the conclusion of membership in the community, residents must be in good academic and judicial standing.
Active Community Membership:
• Theme community residents are expected to attend meetings related to the community on a regular basis.
• Theme communities will select a Theme Community Leader to serve on the Floor Leadership Team.
• Assist the Resident Advisor/Theme Community Leader with planning at least one floor activity each semester.
• Participate in planning of a campus-wide program related to the theme of the community at least once per semester.
• Participate in assessment and evaluation efforts of the theme community program.
Student’s Choice Proposal Process and Guidelines
• All residents must be in good judicial and academic standing from the time of the proposal and while a member of the community.
• Each group must have an advisor from Residence and Greek Life.
• Theme communities will be approved for one academic year. Community members may choose to reapply to continue the community for additional years. Along with the application process, data from the previous year will be used in the reapplication process.
Student's Choice Theme Community Application Timeline
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 1 pm – Informational Meeting in the MSV Fishbowl Conference Room
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 5 pm – Online applications are due to Residence and Greek Life
Friday, February 4, 2011 – Residence and Greek Life staff will inform candidates of their status
Monday, February 14, 2011 – Student’s Choice Theme Community candidates will present their proposals
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 – Residence and Greek Life staff will inform candidates if their proposal was accepted
Application Phase One: Online Proposal
For each participant: name, student ID, major, class standing, current cumulative GPA, e-mail
Residence and Greek Life staff advisor: name
Proposed name of the community
Please describe the community you are proposing. Include information such as the purpose and goals; how the community aligns with the mission or vision of IIT and Residence and Greek Life; planned activities; guidelines for membership; how the community will benefit those participating; how the community will benefit the greater IIT community.
Online application is available here.
Phase Two: Presentation
Prepare a 10 minute presentation about your community for the Residence and Greek Life staff. There will be a question and answer period following the presentation.
The presentation will be assessed by the Residence and Greek Life staff based on the following criteria: purpose, goals, alignment of Residence and Greek Life and IIT goals, planned activities, guidelines for membership, benefit to participants, benefits to greater IIT community, quality of presentation, level of preparation for presentation, ability to answer questions, number of participants interested.