Residence Life Program Model

The Mount Royal Residence Life Programming Model is a framework that guides all facets of programming in the residence system, including the Residence Activities Council (RAC) and Resident Advisors (RA). It has been created with students, student leaders, and paraprofessional staff in mind. The purpose of programming in residence is to build strong, supportive, inclusive and vibrant communities while providing students with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities to enhance their post-secondary learning in six focus areas: personal discovery and transition, wellness, citizenship, learning, diversity and interpersonal. These focus areas are the ‘Keys to Achievement.’

The Programming Model is symbolically represented by six keys on a single key chain. Each key embodies one of the six focus areas. Through residence programming initiatives each student will be offered the opportunity to participate each of the focus areas and representatively acquire all of the ‘keys to achievement.’ Programs may focus on one or more areas to broaden the scope of the student’s engagement, enriching their knowledge, skill sets, and confidence. The end result is a programming curriculum that exposes the residents to each aspect of the model and providing them the ability to use each of the ‘keys’ to open ‘doors’ to a successful future.

Our six key program areas

1. Discovery & Transition
   Discovery and transition includes many things important to college students, especially those entering a post-secondary institution for the first time. In this time of transition and often self-realization, discovery and transition programs provide opportunities for a student to step outside their comfort zone and discover more about themselves, their feelings and thoughts, as well as opinions and beliefs.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to teach the skills needed for independent adult living and open minds to new and improved ways of thinking, learning, and living. Programs with this focus can range from transitional activities, to self-awareness campaigns. Examples may include campus and city tours, laundry, housekeeping and living with a roommate “how to” programs. The creative limit to this area is limitless and programming in this area takes on many forms.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year each residence student will be able to:
   • Identify resources and services within the Mount Royal Community
   • Participate in activities outside of their comfort zone
   • Exercise independent adult living
2. Wellness
   Wellness includes all aspects of human health and behavior. Wellness addresses mental health, spiritual health, physical health and overall human well being.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to educate residents on how to balance the needs of the mind, body, and spirit. Programs with a wellness focus may include recreational activities, body image campaigns, stress relievers and sexual heath education.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year each residence student will be able to:
   • Differentiate between positive and negative lifestyle choices
   • Support wellness initiatives on campus
   • Apply a balanced lifestyle
3. Citizenship
   Mount Royal residence students are more than just citizens of a residence community, but also the larger school population, the City of Calgary, and the country of Canada. This focus helps to expand residents’ minds outside of their daily living environments, and contemplate their role in the larger world.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to educate students about good citizenship and provide opportunities to contribute to Residence Life and the greater Mount Royal community. Programs in this area may take the form of volunteerism, fundraising, and charitable work.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year each residence student will be able to: 
   • Recognize opportunities for community involvement
   • Question their role as a citizen of a community
   • Act in a manner that positively contributes to their community
4. Learning
   Residence offers the opportunity to conveniently live in the heart of campus while achieving a formal post-secondary education. Mount Royal is about more than just the academic material learned in class; it also includes learning the skills needed to be successful as a student.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to foster a healthy learning environment that compliments and supports a Mount Royal education outside of the classroom. Programs in this area may take the form of study skills workshops, time management sessions, and the organization of peer-study groups.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year each residence student will be able to:
   • Identify academic support services on campus
   • Support a healthy learning environment in residence
   • Employ positive time management and academic habits
5. Diversity
   One of the unique characteristics of Mount Royal is the diverse population of students who attend classes and live in residence. For many residence students, this will be their first experience living in such a diverse environment. This creates a critical need for an increased focus on diversity education in order to achieve a greater understanding and acceptance for the wide array of global citizens living and learning in our community.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to expose students to various aspects of life that make each person special and unique. Programs address such topics as race, age, sexual orientation, ethnic background, lifestyle and many other characteristics that create the individual. These programs may include awareness campaigns, guest speakers, ethnic food cook-offs, ribbon campaigns and safe space education.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year each residence student will be able to:
   • Recognize the diversity issues in residence
   • Accept a diverse array of opinions, values and lifestyles
   • Operate in a manner that is inclusive to all citizens of the Mount Royal community
6. Interpersonal
   Most students entering Residence are living in a community environment and sharing common space for the first time. The continued development of interpersonal skills will enable residents to live, work and communicate with others harmoniously and effectively.
   
   The goal of this focus area is to provide students with an opportunity to interact and socialize with their community in a fun, safe, comfortable setting. Programs address topics such as communication, community living, teamwork, relationships and understanding others. These programs may include social events such as pancake breakfasts and roommate challenges, or developmental programs such as personality assessments.
   
   Learning Outcomes: By the end of the year, each residence student will be able to:
   • Recognize the needs of others
   • Sensitive towards the needs of the community
   • Works cooperatively with others