Policies & Facility Information

It could be said that approximately 80% of the learning by students during their college years takes place outside of the classroom. Much of this happens during interactions taking place between residents in a residence hall.

Diversity is the heart of Gallaudet's community. People with diverse backgrounds bring with them differing styles of communication and living and new perspectives. In the residence halls at a small university such as Gallaudet, you will find a number of people with interests similar to your own. You will also find people who are more different than you expect. The diversity of appearances, beliefs, communication, and expectations is captivating, brilliant, and sometimes intimidating. Diversity offers a wide 'curriculum' of situations and occasions that fosters personal growth. This is why we, at the Office of Campus Life, work hard to create an environment in which friendships with all people, similar and dissimilar, can flourish. The aspiration of the Campus Life staff is to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, where a student's rights to a safe, clean, and comfortable home are respected.

We realize, of course, that even with these statements in place, conflicts may occur. While the residence hall environment can be a place that offers great opportunities for growth, it can also be challenging. The Office of Campus Life attempts to create and cultivate an environment which allows room for growth in the wake of conflict. We do this by encouraging respect for the rights of the individual weighed against the rights and interests of the community as a whole. Our preferred approach to developing responsible behavior by and among residents is through balanced participation of all involved. We work to enhance student learning that offers creative opportunities for growth and empower those involved to resolve the immediate situation and make better future choices. Additionally, we work to develop the capacity of the community to collectively solve its problems. The more you as a resident can get involved with the people in your hall, fellow students, and staff, the more you will grow with your peers and have a positive experience in the residence hall and with the University.

This handbook provides guidelines to make your stay in the residence halls comfortable. Included in this handbook you will find two sections of hall information. The first section consists of facilities that are provided to accommodate your needs in obtaining a comfortable environment in the residence halls. The second section lists policies and procedures as well as the disciplinary action that may be taken for not following them. You will also find a list of people who play key roles and a list of offices to contact for more information or assistance in a variety of situations.