2008 Woodie Awards
HRL may increase themed housing
Outdoor adventure, community service considered categories for next semester
Sharon Leff
News | 4/3/08
Housing and residence life may add themes to certain residence hall floors, including outdoor adventure and community services.
Jerry Dieringer, assistant vice president and director of housing and residence life, said HRL is looking at several options regarding living communities.
No start date has been selected, but the themes could begin in Fall 2009.
"One or two would be in the Glen Towers and possibly we would have the opportunity to be working something new into West Village," Dieringer said.
Themed floors aren't new to on-campus residences. There are presently alcohol-free floors in Tower A, Residence Tower has housing for international students, and Richmond Hall is for students in the Honors College.
"A lot of schools have living learning communities or thematic communities. It's a way to engage students in a way in which they live and learn in an environment [and it offers a] greater experience and exposure beyond living in a residence hall," Dieringer said.
He said the University is also considering academic programs as possible themes with courses potentially being taught in a given building. However, Dieringer said not all students with a specific major would live together.
"That's not our goal because you want people to be engaged from all majors and all opportunities because that's how you learn," he said.
Dieringer said the University has looked at similar models at other colleges and found they had success with themed floors.
Anybody can sign up for themed housing, but a lot of times it's freshmen who get involved.
"It can be anybody. Often, a lot of freshmen are involved because they're new to the University and want to be a part of something," he said.
Dieringer said the types of themes at Towson vary over the years based on student interest. One of the University's past themes included wellness.
"Thematic communities come in [at] different times…and it's a way to engage students," he said.
Jerry Dieringer, assistant vice president and director of housing and residence life, said HRL is looking at several options regarding living communities.
No start date has been selected, but the themes could begin in Fall 2009.
"One or two would be in the Glen Towers and possibly we would have the opportunity to be working something new into West Village," Dieringer said.
Themed floors aren't new to on-campus residences. There are presently alcohol-free floors in Tower A, Residence Tower has housing for international students, and Richmond Hall is for students in the Honors College.
"A lot of schools have living learning communities or thematic communities. It's a way to engage students in a way in which they live and learn in an environment [and it offers a] greater experience and exposure beyond living in a residence hall," Dieringer said.
He said the University is also considering academic programs as possible themes with courses potentially being taught in a given building. However, Dieringer said not all students with a specific major would live together.
"That's not our goal because you want people to be engaged from all majors and all opportunities because that's how you learn," he said.
Dieringer said the University has looked at similar models at other colleges and found they had success with themed floors.
Anybody can sign up for themed housing, but a lot of times it's freshmen who get involved.
"It can be anybody. Often, a lot of freshmen are involved because they're new to the University and want to be a part of something," he said.
Dieringer said the types of themes at Towson vary over the years based on student interest. One of the University's past themes included wellness.
"Thematic communities come in [at] different times…and it's a way to engage students," he said.
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