Residential Curriculum

A “residential curriculum” is a specific method of delivering intentional education within residence halls.  There is a 10-step process institutions follow to create and implement their own unique RC on their campus.  Click HERE to learn more about the implementation process. Georgia Southern University has utilized a Residential Curriculum Model since the summer of 2012. It is important when using this model to utilize strategies which engage students/staff in diverse ways (communication styles, engagement methods, etc. ) to deliver the educational content. Because of this we incorporate Armstrong campus staff and values, as well as, our residents, student staff, graduate staff, and even professional staff to be trained on the goals /outcomes of the model.

We rely heavily on our Resident Directors to shape, implement, and assess our curriculum model.  Resident Directors focus on in-depth relationships with residents and Resident Advisors through a multitude of strategies/lesson plans. Additionally, there is a constant assessment and feedback process by which we measure the learning taking place in our residence halls, and much of that is facilitated by our Resident Directors.

OUR RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM MODEL

At Georgia Southern we utilize Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs model to frame our student success and learning goals. This mean you read our curriculum from the bottom up because the curriculum functions sequentially (i.e. the students must first have their physiological needs met before moving to the next set of needs). We accomplish these goals through passive and active strategies implemented by our staff.

Sample Curriculum Events Developed by Resident Directors

• Party House – This simulation welcomes residents to a house party where they observe scenes involving over-consumption of alcohol, drug use, and sexual assault. After each scene, residents are engaged in a conversation about whether or not they chose to intervene and their rationale behind that decision. After discussing each situation, residents are welcomed to a final dance party where they can dance the night away in a safe and fun location.
  • Through assessment we learned that 25% of the attendees knew what to do in a “bystander intervention situation” but were still struggling with decision making in the moment.
• BJs in your PJs – This program is quickly becoming a tradition in several halls due to the intrigue surrounding it. Residents are invited to join us to enjoy Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream (BJs) in their PJs as we engaged in a discussion about the norms around sex and sexual health.
  • Through assessment we learned that 84% of residents had a better understanding of their own feelings regarding sex and sexual choice after this event.
• Tell Me Why – This program invites residential students to join us on the Quad at the late night TV show stage we have created to be interviewed by our host. Rather than asking about the latest movies and pop-culture trends, residents are asked to share with us why they came to Georgia Southern, whether they are becoming the people they wanted to, and if they are meeting the expectations they have set for themselves. We further challenge them to reflect on their impact on their local and global community and how they contribute to it.
  • Through assessment we learned that our students are actively looking for information, and thinking about topics discussed, but just don’t know where and when to have conversations with their peers. The students appreciated being able to have deeper conversations with our staff.

Last updated: 4/5/2021