Residential life has changed policies for this year on dorm themes and renovations.
All front desks in residence halls are now staffed between 5 p.m. and midnight, and themed housing is used to assign students to residence areas.
This summer, all first-year students completed a survey that the staff hopes will build communities of like-minded students within the residences that focus on liberal arts themes such as wellness, the arts and exploration.
Evelyn Campbell, dean and vice president of student life, said the themed housing is not set in stone.
“As we experiment with themed housing this year, we may tweak some aspects in response to the constantly changing interests of our students,” said Campbell via email.
She thinks the themed housing will add value to the residential life experience, though, listing a paddle boarding event Seminary residents went on as an example.
“There’s no other office on campus that would motivate an opportunity to see the Mississippi up close in this manner and to bond with a group of people while engaging in a unique experience,” said Campbell.
“We are constantly evaluating what is working . . . seeing what institutions like us are doing, and looking to the college’s learning outcomes and at Augustana 2020, the college’s strategic plan, to make sure we are living up to our mission and values,” said Director of Residential Life Christina Lorge-Grover.
Westerlin Hall has also begun renovations. A recently gutted room is opening up possibilities for the administration to consider implementing cooling and heating systems as well as other services that will make Westerlin a more comfortable residence hall.
“We are always looking to serve our students to the best of our abilities and to help enhance the academic mission of the college,” said Lorge-Grover. “I feel we keep improving each year to give students a better and better experience.”