RESIDENCE

Suite mates
Sharing a suite with someone is similar to other relationships; to be successful it requires
openness, flexibility, and respect. From the beginning, it is very important to communicate
openly with your suite mate. Learning to live with another person, to acknowledge and respect
your differences, and to allow one another the space to grow is one of the most valuable
parts of the residence experience. If you have a suite mate, your Don will assist you
in completing a “suite mate agreement” form.
Should a conflict occur, your Don will meet with you and your suite mate. He/she will facilitate
a discussion between you and your suite mate so that you may complete a mutually agreed
upon suite mate contract outlining guidelines for your shared living space.
The following pages, “A Guide to Suite Mate Relations”, give you some helpful information
to read and consider before you arrive. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can pave
the way to a happy and healthy relationship with your suite mate.
A Guide to Suite Mate Relations
Your Room
It’s a place to sleep, study and live and yet, it can be much more. Your room might be
a gathering place for your floor, a haven for intellectual thought, or a place to relax. In part,
the quality of life in your room will depend on the relationship developed between you and
your suite mate.
You
You are an individual possessing a wide range of characteristics and interests.
You have your own habits, opinions, likes and dislikes. Your family background, career
plans, cultural and ethnic identity, religious convictions, and personal abilities add up
to your unique individuality.
Your Suite Mate
Like you, your suite mate is a unique individual. The same elements that make you
unique, apply to your suite mate. We all have our own opinions and attitudes. Some of your
attributes and values may be challenged. Think about your own values and how they affect
your behaviour. Your suite mate may have diverse values which impact differently on
his/her behaviour.
Background
Huron is a place of great diversity. You must strive to understand the individual differences
of those around you, especially your suite mate. As you engage in daily activities and
interaction, you must be open to new ideas and experiences. Talk to each other about
your backgrounds, so that you may understand where your suite mate is coming from.
Some areas you might discuss:
Family: You may be from a large, boisterous family; your suite mate may be used to living
in a quieter environment and may be from a small family.
Geographic Origin: You are either from a rural, urban, suburban, or international community
and probably quite accustomed to that way of living; your suite mate may have grown up
under very different circumstances.
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