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Home >  Residence Life >  Residential Education

Residential Education

Residential education is the program and services within the residential community that provide an enriching experience for students. By living on campus, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse community where they can form lasting friendships and engage in meaningful interactions with their peers. Living in a residential community encourages collaboration, empathy, and the development of strong interpersonal skills for use in the workforce and greater community after their time at Neumann.

Neumann's residential education program contributes to co-curricular learning by preparing students to become compassionate servant leaders who positively impact their communities and the world. The following are the learning goals of the residential education programs:

  • Students will engage in an intentional community that fosters academic success.
  • Students will develop an understanding of campus resources to support them while at Neumann.
  • Students will abide by community expectations outlined in the Student Handbook, Residential Student Handbook, and other university policies.
  • Students will develop leadership skills to assist them in becoming strong community members in society.
  • Students will utilize effective communication to resolve conflicts in the community.
  • Students will apply their understanding of our Catholic Franciscan tradition by animating our core values of Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship in their interactions with the residential community.

 

The Residence Life team employs more than 30 undergraduate student leaders annually to support the residential experience. Below is a summary of the various roles that support students in the residence halls.

  • Head Resident Assistant (HRAs): An HRA is an experienced RA who has typically served in the role for multiple years and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to the residential community. HRAs provide mentorship and training opportunities for RAs, participate in departmental communities, and serve as key liaisons between Residence Life and other university resources. Hiring for HRAs occurs in the early spring semester, and eligible candidates must have at least 1 year as an RA to apply.
  • Resident Assistants (RAs): RAs create a sense of community within the residence halls. They organize and facilitate community-building activities, such as community dinners, game nights, and educational workshops featuring various campus partners. These events encourage social interaction, promote inclusivity, and help residents develop meaningful connections with their peers. RAs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the residential community. They serve on a nightly duty rotation in one of three areas on campus as part of the Student Affairs emergency response team and also assist with campus policy enforcement, health and safety inspections, assist with lockouts, and document maintenance and facility concerns for follow-up. Hiring for the RAs position occurs early in the spring semester each year. Students must have completed at least 30 credits and have a 2.5 gpa to be eligible for the position.
  • Community Peer Ministers (CPMs): The Community Peer Minister role is a collaboration between the Mission & Ministry and Residence Life team. CPMs are live-in student leaders who provide mentorship and facilitate programs to support student faith and spiritual development. Programs facilitated by the CPMs include those tied to Neumann's Catholic Franciscan tradition as well as interfaith programming. Hiring for CPMs occurs in the spring semester each year.
  • Desk Assistants (DAs): DAs are hourly student employees who assist with front desk operations in the residence halls on campus. DAs assist with guest registration, answering student questions, and enforcing community standards. One of the primary responsibilities of DAs is to provide customer services and assist residents with their concerns such as submitting work orders, connecting them with the RA on Duty, and answering questions. Hiring for DAs occurs at the end of spring semester and during the summer. New students can be hired as DAs and must maintain a 2.5 gpa during employment.

Neumann University divides its residential communities into three areas across campus. Within each area are several residence halls or residential houses led by Graduate Hall Directors. 

The smaller residential areas are designed to foster greater connection with residential students. With fewer residents in each area, students can recognize and know each other by name, creating a friendlier and more welcoming atmosphere. In addition, Graduate Hall Directors, Resident Assistants, and Community Peer Ministers can develop programming and connection opportunities that are more specific to the interests of their communities.

Additional Resources