Loyola University Chicago

Residence Life

Residential Curriculum

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"The Residential Curriculum has educated me on a variety of topics that I otherwise would not have been exposed to outside of the residence hall. I feel like I have grown socially and academically." Brad S.

Thriving @ College 101

The Residential Curriculum puts learning at the forefront of the residential experience at Loyola University Chicago. By living in the residence halls, students will have the opportunity to learn important skills and knowledge that enhance their experience at Loyola, such as: 
 
  • Doing laundry
  • Using public transportation
  • Defining healthy relationships and consent
  • Developing study skills
  • Identifying emotional wellness support strategies
  • Designing personal and professional goals
  • Identifying personal values and Jesuit values
Resident Assistants (RAs) will also build community on their floors through social programs and by getting to know their residents individually.  At least once per semester, RAs are expected to have an intentional one-on-one conversation with each of their residents, called Residential Connections.

Educational Priority Statement

The Department of Residence Life enhances the Loyola Experience by preparing our residents to live extraordinary lives, guided by Jesuit values. 
 
By engaging in the residential experience at Loyola, students will learn how to engage with community, develop independence, foster academic success, and "set the world on fire".

Learning Goals

1. Engage with Community

Residents will learn what it means to live in and contribute to a residential community, through Community Standards, civic engagement via Hall/Area Council, and communication with roommates.   

2. Develop Independence

Residents will develop greater independence by learning about residential living skills, public transportation, decision-making strategies around alcohol and drugs, and healthy relationships and consent.

3. Foster Academic Success

Residents will work toward greater academic success by focusing on emotional wellness, academic resources, using a calendar, seeking summer internships, and designing specific, realistic goals.

4. "Set the World on Fire"

Residents will engage in transformative education in the Jesuit tradition by learning about social justice, Jesuit values and their own personal values, and faith/spirituality/worldview formation.

Learning Strategies

Under the guidance of professional staff, Resident Assistants (RAs) create learning strategies in the halls that accomplish learning outcomes associated with these learning goals. RAs employ a variety of learning strategies, including some of the following:
 
  • RA Program: Facilitate structured activities in the residence hall 
  • Guest Program: Bring in campus partner/outside expert to facilitate program in the residence hall 
  • Dialogue Group: Lead discussion in residence hall
  • Lobby Talk: Set up table(s) in the lobby of the building and find ways to interact with students
  • Field Trip: Bring students to an off-campus event or location related to the learning outcome 
  • Door-to-Door: Intentional one-on-one conversations with residents in the hall/area 
  • Bulletin Board: Place visual elements on bulletin board
  • Visual Display: Create floor decorations, door hangers, or posters, placed prominently in community spaces
  • Digital Media: Create and share original multimedia (video, podcast, newsletter)
Questions? Contact Brandon Hinton, Assistant Director of Residence Life, at res-life@luc.edu.
 
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