UF Department of Housing & Residence Education

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Faculty-in-Residence Communities

Overview

The Faculty-in-Residence Program at the University of Florida is a structured program that promotes interaction between students and faculty through out-of-classroom experiences. The Faculty-in-Residence lives in a specially designed apartment within or adjacent to a residence hall so that the faculty member and his/her family can share the residence hall living experience with students. The Faculty-in-Residence helps plan and implement educational, recreational, social and cultural programs while serving as a role model, mentor, adviser, teacher, and leader in the residential community.

Research has shown that faculty programs in residence halls benefit students and the university as a whole. Students who have contact with faculty outside the classroom have higher retention rates leading to graduation (Astin, 1977; Bean, 1980), are more satisfied with college (Astin, 1977; Pascarella, 1980), and exhibit higher levels of achievement (Centra and Rock, 1971). The faculty members involved with students in out-of-classroom experiences also benefit from the experience. Faculty gain a greater understanding of students’ needs, expectations, strengths and weaknesses that can lead to better structured academic expectations and challenges, and a reduction of misunderstandings (Pascarella, 1975).

The Faculty-in-Residence is interested in students and has the desire to relate to students in a residential setting, outside of the classroom or laboratory. He/she is able to articulate programming ideas and community development initiatives that will enhance the collegiate experience of students in the residence halls. This program is an excellent way to help students feel more comfortable around their professors and university administrators.

Program Goals

• To increase faculty presence and role modeling in the residence halls
• To provide opportunities for faculty and students to interact outside the classroom
• To provide a seamless transition between the classroom and the residence hall environment
• To increase personalization of the residence halls, and ultimately the university community, leading to higher student retention, satisfaction, and success

Faculty-in-Residence Staff

Travis Smith, PhD TLSmith@ufl.edu Broward/Yulee Area	Glenn Butler, EdD GlennB@housing.ufl.edu Lakeside Residential Complex	Anita Anantharam, PhD AAnita@ufl.edu Broward/Yulee Area
Kim Fugate-Roberts PhD, NCC KimF@housing.ufl.edu Tolbert Area	David Barber DBarber@housing.ufl.edu Honors Residential College at Hume Hall	Diane “DP” Porter-Roberts PhD DianeP@housing.ufl.edu Tolbert Area