student success - Johnson C. Smith University

Student housing and residential life are important parts of the student’s educational
experience. The “living and learning” focus emphasizes student growth through
residence hall programs, students’ development of personal, recreational, social, and
interpersonal relationships. Students are also encouraged to participate fully in all hall
activities and in their respective hall governance by serving as officers, actively voicing
their concerns and opinions in residence hall matters, and engaging in programs and
services sponsored by the hall.
The Office of Residence Life is firmly committed to the concept that residence halls
are to provide a place where students grow, experience the richness of community
living, and engage in learning outside the classroom. Dynamic communities form
and contribute to each student’s overall learning—intellectually, culturally, socially,
emotionally, and spiritually. On-campus living provides the proper balance of
challenge and support for residents, which allows them to take responsibility for
themselves and for their development.
Staffing
The Director of Residence Life is responsible for the comprehensive administration
of student housing, which encompassed (a) the process of admission of students to
campus housing; (b) the application and assignment process; (c) residential hall staff
training and supervision; and (d) departmental decision-making. The Residence
Life Office is staffed by the Director, Coordinator of Housing Services and Business
Operations, and Administrative Assistant. Seven of the nine residence halls are staffed
by live-in Residence Hall Coordinators (RHC’s) and student Resident Assistants
(RA’s) who also reside in the residence halls. Each RHC is a full-time professional and
is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations and programming for the living
area. A substantial portion of the RHC’s time is spent planning and coordinating
educational, cultural, and social activities, responding to emergencies, counseling,
responding to building and maintenance needs, and serving as a resource person to
the Hall Council, RA’s, and residents.
Mandatory Housing
All freshman and sophomore students whose permanent residence is outside a 30-
mile radius of Charlotte are required to reside in the residence halls. Students living in
the city of Charlotte are usually assigned at a later stage to give out-of-state students
a priority.
Room Furnishings
All of the residence hall rooms are furnished with beds, mattresses (and mattress
covers as appropriate), desks, dressers, chairs and blinds. All of the furniture in the
room must remain in the room. The University will hold students liable for any
furniture removed from the room or any damage to the furnishings beyond usual
wear and tear.
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