CORE: Connection - Opportunity - Reflection - Empowerment
The Housing and Residence Life Department exists to provide an on-campus living experience that complements and enhances the academic life of our residents. We operate under a Community Development Model that is rooted in the University’s identity in offering Access & Excellence, supported by the theory and best practices of the Housing Profession, and continually evaluated by stated outcomes.

Our Community Development Model is built around four pillars: Connection, Opportunities, Reflection, and Empowerment. Students who live in University housing – regardless of class standing or building location – will find these pillars evident in their hall environment, community events, and relationships with each other and the residence life staff. Our Community Development Model pillars are described in detail below:

Connection

Description / Goal Statement

“Community” is the most important part of the MSUB experience for most of our students. We believe that in the residence halls, a connection to where you live or a sense of place is an important aspect of living in community. In Housing at MSUB, “connection” means that residents have an opportunity to find their place in this community.

Outcomes – Residents at MSUB will…

  • Be able to identify a time where they felt welcomed, appreciated, or supported as a member of the residence hall community.
  • Be able to describe a conversation they had with their RA.

Opportunity

Description / Goal Statement

“Community” by definition is not something that can be accomplished alone or created by an individual. We believe it is important that students have opportunities with others whose personalities, beliefs, and cultures, are different from their own. At MSUB “opportunity” means that residents will have intentional conversations with other students, residence life staff, and leaders in the MSUB community.

Outcomes – Residents at MSUB will…

  • Be able to recall a conversation they had with someone within the halls whose personalities, beliefs, culture, and life experiences are different than their own.
  • Be able to list three people whose role is to be a campus resource during their college experience.

Reflection

Description / Goal Statement

“Community” is continually impacted by individual decisions and actions. We believe that inquiry and critical thinking play an important role in shaping congruence between behaviors and beliefs. At MSUB “reflection” means that students will have an opportunity to process and make meaning of their on-campus living experience.

Outcomes – Residents at MSUB will…

  • Articulate a time when they had a conversation about their on-campus experience.
  • Articulate opportunities one has to reflect on the community development pillars: connection, interaction, and engagement

Empowerment

Description / Goal Statement

“Community” involves all of its members taking ownership and being invested in creating a space that is welcoming and inviting for all. We believe that being in relationship with others leads to communities of empowerment, meaningful dialogue, and a sense of belonging. At MSUB “empowerment” means that residents actively participate in the community.

Outcomes – Residents at MSUB will…

  • Describe a time where they held someone accountable or a time when they used values to hold themselves personally accountable
  • Attend an event facilitated by HRL (RA event, RHA program, joint community events, etc.)