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HALLS OF RESIDENCE, RESIDENCE LIFE MERGE AT IU'S BLOOMINGTON CAMPUS
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A new unit, Residential Programs and Services, has been formed at
the Indiana University Bloomington campus, combining the former Halls of Residence and
Residence Life departments. Bruce Jacobs, currently coordinator of the master's program in
student affairs and head of Residence Life, will direct the new unit. He has been named
assistant vice chancellor, effective Sept. 1.
The merger is being made to develop residential environments that support the academic
experience, said Robert L. Cochran, executive assistant chancellor.
"Students who live on campus achieve better academically, graduate at a higher percentage
and, in general, have more successful college careers," Jacobs said. He added that Halls of
Residence programs and services should involve students in the life of the university.
Jacobs plans to appoint a small group of staff members to write a mission statement for the
new division. He will then meet with groups of staff for input as the draft is considered. From
the statement that is eventually adopted, an appropriate organizational structure will be
designed.
William Smith will serve as executive director of Residential Programs and Services.
"I believe IU is on the verge of a new and vibrant organization directed toward the 21st
century," Smith said. "If students are not satisfied with their living environment, it is difficult
for them to grow and mature. It is the job of the operational staff to create an environment as
stress-free as possible."
The reorganization comes at a time when the residence halls have been retooling to meet the needs and desires of current students. Changes during the last year have included:
"While living in a residence hall, students should have an opportunity to learn -- learn about
themselves, learn about the people around them and learn about the world they live in," Jacobs
said.
George Kuh, professor of education, has researched the characteristics of successful colleges. "In our study several years ago," he said, "one of the defining characteristics of exceptional institutions was a high degree of collaboration -- between faculty and administrators, between academic and student affairs, and between the various offices and programs that provide front-line services to students. The merger of the Halls and Residence Life will increase collaboration in these areas."
For more information, contact DeAnna Hines, 812-855-3911, djhines@indiana.edu
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