The
Savannah State University Office of Residence Life is dedicated to offering personal,
social and academic development to each residence hall student. Our office provides
comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing in residential communities where
academic success and the growth of our residents is encouraged and supported. The Office
of Residence Life exists to offer opportunities for personal and social development within
the framework of its programs and processes. We emphasize educational, recreational,
social and leadership opportunities while helping students mature into responsible adults.
To ensure that the
highest standards of living are achieved to allow all students access to the most updated
amenities while residing on campus.
1. Students requiring housing
2. Internal campus summer groups requiring housing (i.e. Upward Bound, HCOP Marine Biology Programs)
3. External campus summer groups requiring housing (i.e. Church groups, PREP)
4. Programs, Girl & Boy Scout Troops, etc)
Guiding Principles
1.
INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES: Beginning with the 1999-2000 academic year,
demographics suggest that there will be an increase of Georgia public and non-public high
school graduates. Depending on the university's desire to increase enrollment, there could
be an increased demand for on-campus housing.
2.
INCREASE IN AGE OF STUDENTS: Demographics suggest that there will be an
increase in older students. Consequently, resources will have to be added and expanded,
for example, year-round, furnished accommodations will be necessary as well as access to
such services as childcare.
3.
COST: Cost
must be competitive, but affordable. Given the snapshot of the present student's financial
profile, 90% of resident students are receiving financial aid. The Residence Life budget
(54%), which operates as an auxiliary budget, is generated by room and board revenue.
Yearly cost of living increases are to be expected. The Office of Residence Life must
remain competitive with local landlords and the surrounding campus community.
4.
ETHNIC AND CULTURAL CHANGES IN STUDENT POPULATION:
Demographics suggest that a change in cultural and ethnic shifts will occur within the
student population. It will be necessary for the Office of Residence Life to be mindful of
such changes and to develop programs and services to meet the needs of our changing
student population.
5.
TECHNOLOGY: It
will be necessary for the Office of Residence Life to recognize changes in technology in
order to provide facilities that offer state-of-the-art equipment.
6.
NEW RESIDENCE FACILITIES:
With a projected growth in the residential population, there will be a need
for additional housing. As a result of a student housing study conducted in 1996, housing
designs will focus primarily on apartment and suite-style arrangements. Programmatic
changes will include special interest housing (i.e. graduate and family housing,
international housing, learning communities and theme housing)
7.
RENOVATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES: Infrastructure renovations in present facilities
need to occur and include compliance with state and ADA codes, as well as upgrades such as
heating, ventilation, air conditioning, replacement of furniture and flooring.
8.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
The residence halls are a place where students learn to live cooperatively
within community standards. The environment needs to be one where students can live, learn
and socialize. Linkage with academic departments, increased faculty involvement,
commitment to community service initiatives and collaborative effort with the New Student
Experience initiatives will enhance the resident student's academic development outside of
the classroom.
9.
STAFFING PATTERNS: With
new residential facilities, additional staff will be needed at all levels. The
professional staff must be skilled in technology and in developing and promoting active
learning through various collaborative efforts.
10. TECHNOLOGY: Additional computer rooms need to be developed
within residence facilities with appropriate instructional support. Central office and
support offices must have upgraded technology.
11. RENEWAL/REPLACEMENT
PLAN: In conjunction with the housing study,
continue to renovate existing facilities through collaboration with Facilities Planner and
Physical Plant.
12. BUDGET: Develop budgets which allow for
renewal/replacement efforts and programmatic maintenance initiatives.
13. ENROLLMENT
MANAGEMENT: Participate on the enrollment
management team to plan for shifts in enrollments at undergraduate and graduate levels.
1. Distribute and process housing & meal applications
2. Maintain up-to-date student accounts in BANNER
3. Process miscellaneous fines/charges
4. Make I.D./Meal cards for students
5. Hire & train Residence Directors
6. Hire & train Residence Assistants
7. Provides referrals for off campus housing
8. Maintain residence halls facilities
9. Develop housing contract.
10. Collect Room Reservation/Damage Deposits
11. Process refunds/forfeits
12. Receive and distribute student packages via UPS and FedEx.
13. Develops campus outreach programs
14. Develops community outreach programs
15. Coordinate summer lodging
16. Develop plans and proposals for the renovation and/or expansion of Residence Life facilities
17. Develop office handbook for new staff members to insure that they are aware of the services, programs, and philosophy of Residence Life
18. Develop student handbook for new students to insure that they are aware of the services, programs and philosophy of Residence Life.
19.
Develop
and maintain a clear, comprehensive Residence Life section on the University’s web page
20. Develop budget
21. Work with Enrollment Management and others to develop strategies to improve student retention at the University
22. Provide staff development and training
23. Evaluate our services and programs on an on-going basis for the purpose of continuous quality improvement
24. Evaluate all current policies and procedures to determine effectiveness and relevance
25. Coordinate short range and long-range maintenance schedules with Physical Plant
26. Develop an annual awards program that recognizes academic excellence by male students
27. Appoint a cross-functional team to explore marketing strategies that will promote the Office of Residence Life
28. Develop and publish departmental newsletter
29. Develop Office of Residence Life brochure that summarizes the services and programs offered through the Office of Residence Life
30. Coordinate campus recycling program.
31. Established a means to periodically review and, if when necessary, improve the level of morale in the Office of Residence Life and in each residence hall
32. Established on-going relationships with Residence Life colleagues at other institutions in the system and area to discuss professional issues and topics of mutual interest
1. Student Satisfaction Survey
2. Student Retention Analysis
3. Technology Watch
4. Marketing of Innovation
5. Benchmarking
6. Value Analysis
7. Creativity Simulation Methods
8. Quality Techniques
9. Business Process Reengineering
A. Last SACS Accreditation Report (1990): Not Available!
B. Board of Regents' Strategic Goals (1996):
1. Without System and institutional enrollment planning, existing capacity will be underutilized at some institutions and oversubscribed at others.
2. While there will be substantial need for the modernization and continuous renovation of existing facilities and for new construction projects, there will be a greater demand than resources available.
4. The modernization or renovation of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities should occur at institutions according to planning priorities based on academic program needs, enrollment needs, and consideration of cost-effectiveness.
C. SSU's last Strategic Plan (1997):
When we look at the status of facilities, the first area of concern is the student housing. This area is the student’s first major consideration after choosing Savannah State for their educational endeavor. The institution has seven (7) residence halls that range from 25-42 years old.
The total capacity for these facilities is approximately 1165 students, and based on the trend over the pass several years we are at our maximum for providing livable space for students. If projects continue to increase over the next several years Savannah State will need to add residence halls for men and women. Furthermore, the condition of the existing facilities needs to be addressed. The institution is in the process of analyzing all residence halls at this time. Presently, the buildings are in need of renovations, and are ranked as follows:
Building Name |
Condition |
Constructed |
Student Type |
#/Students |
Wright Hall (off line) |
Poor |
1955 |
Women |
200 |
Lockette Hall |
Poor |
1965 |
Women |
180 |
Camilla Hubert (off line) |
Poor |
1937-78 |
Co-Ed |
35 Units |
Peacock Hall |
Poor |
1967 |
Men |
180 |
Bostic Hall |
Fair |
1971 |
Men |
180 |
Bowen-Smith |
Fair |
1971 |
Women |
180 |
Lester Hall |
Fair |
1962 |
Women |
90 |
Based on the on-going analyses the institution projects that the resident halls will be renovated and/or possibly some new construction will take place.
Planning Objectives
Action Steps:
1. Provide building Maps with all entrances and exits clearly identified
2. Complete routine fire drills
3. Complete regular monitoring of the security system
4. Coordinate disaster responses with College staff and other Campus units
5. Coordinate personal safety workshops for all Campus Residents
6. Provide escort services for students returning from on-campus activities
Expected Outcome(s):
1. The desired outcome of these efforts is to increase student personal
safety, while residing in on campus housing.
2. To demonstrate the University’s commitment to the safety and well-
being of student residents.
Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:
1. The Office of Residence Life will collaborate with the Public Safety
Department to determine the effectiveness of this goal.
Action Steps:
1. Provide regular residence hall meetings to address concerns and present resolutions
2. Provide workshops on Crisis Management/Conflict resolution
3. Elicit services from community agencies to address mediation
4. Display a grievance/suggestion box in all lobbies of the residence halls
5. Ensure confidentiality
6. Consult with Professionals to resolve violations
7. Create and distribute monthly Campus Living Newsletter
Expected Outcome(s):
1. To improve relations with Residence Life Staff and student residents.
2. To expand students’ understanding of effective communication through education.
Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:
1. Conduct student satisfaction surveys.
1. Demonstrates support for SSU Staff and Students;
2. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills;
3. Demonstrates ability to work with an ethnically/culturally diverse population;
4. Demonstrates ability to interface with various University components such as Food Services, Public Safety, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and other entities on-campus and off-campus regarding residential hall matters;
5. Capable of taking disciplinary action against residents who violate rules and regulations;
6. Possess strong written and oral communication skills;
7. Demonstrates supervisory and leadership skills;
8. Possesses personnel management experience;
9. Capable of budgeting time and resources effectively; and
10. Capable of prioritizing a large number of job responsibilities
Expected Outcome(s):
1. To demonstrate the University’s commitment to providing the student resident with highly qualified staff.
Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:
1. Semi-annual and annual personnel performance evaluations.
1. Ensures the Operational readiness, cleanliness and safety of facilities
2. Initiates work requests, repairs and/or replacement of furnishings
3. Assists in coordinating external utilization of residential facilities
4. Ensures that residents practice sanitary/hygienic living standards
5. Ensures proper climate control of residential facility
6. Ensures monthly pest control
Expected Outcome(s):
1. To demonstrate the University’s commitment to providing the student resident with high quality living conditions at all times.
2. To use assessment evidence to improve delivery of maintenance services to better address the needs of residential facilities.
Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:
1. The Office of Residence Life will collaborate with the Physical Plant
to determine the effectiveness of this goal.
2. Conduct student satisfaction surveys.
1. Assist with new student orientation
2. Provide list of supportive services for students
3. Develop activities for Better Living
4. Initiate “rap sessions” for students to share campus experiences
5. Coordinate services with the Center for Counseling & Student Development
6. Provide greater understanding of issues associated with student life
7. Increase student participation on issues concerning campus living
8. Increase student activities on campus
Expected Outcome(s):
1. To demonstrate the University’s commitment to provide a unique freshman experience to assist in campus wide student retention efforts.
2. To use assessment evidence to improve student services and to better address student needs.
3. To better foster a sense of community on campus.
4. An increase in student involvement in educationally purposeful student activities, programs, events, and facilities.
Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:
1. The College Student Experiences Questionnaire will be administered to students in the Spring Semester 2000 to assess levels of student involvement in numerous aspects of campus life. Results will be compared with national normative data and will help inform practice and policy within the Division.