An Idea That Works

"Catholic residence halls incorporate the 'whole person' formation concept: mind, body and spirit."

According to a 2004 study done by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, the most effective way to evangelize students on campus is through peer to peer relationships. Given this fact, a Catholic Residence Hall will develop leadership skills in hundreds of students that will, in turn, impact others on campus through one-on-one relationships with their peers.

Residential Colleges

Other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have developed the concept of Residential Colleges. A Residential College is less like a dorm and more like a living community. They are located on campus, but maintain an independence from the universities. They foster an atmosphere that promotes their own educational philosophy and values.

Public Universities with Residential Colleges

  • University of Toronto
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Melbourne
  • Oxford University
  • Manchester University

Residential college life is regarded as more than just a matter of accommodation; it is an integral part of the educating process, helping students to grow and mature as individuals. This has two important implications for those who wish to live on campus; 1. residents are asked to conduct themselves in a way which conforms to a college’s expectation of behavior; and 2. they are encouraged to participate in the community life of the college, including social events, sports and other organized activities.

The Residential College model provides a springboard for a venture that more aptly fits the needs and circumstances of Catholics enrolled in post-secondary programs in the United States.

Intentional Student Communities

"82% of those who participated in campus ministry when in college now attend Mass at least once a month and 44 percent attend at least weekly."

Center for Applied Research at Georgetown

Many institutions are now reserving traditional "dorm" spaces for intentional student communities, where students can commit themselves to pursuing certain types of activities; such as speaking a particular foreign language in preparation for or following study abroad; engagement in service learning; commitment to pursuing studies in the life sciences, engineering, social justice; and scholarship or study in a quiet atmosphere.

Some universities – private as well as public – have also engaged the services of for-profit corporations to manage their residence halls. Typically, these corporations hire the resident assistants, maintain the buildings and offer food and laundry services to the students.