Parent Handbook
Residence Life
Residence halls are a vital part of the total Southwestern campus community, complementing the educational program by providing an atmosphere conducive to meeting students’ academic, social and personal needs. Students who have completed less than four full semesters are required to live on campus. Students living in traditional residence halls are required to participate in the board plans provided by Southwestern’s Dining Services. Students who have completed at least four full semesters are not subject to a residential requirement; however, most juniors and seniors choose to live on campus. Overall, 86 percent of Southwestern students live on campus.
The Residence Life professional staff is responsible for the physical and educational programs in the halls, which include program development to enhance the growth of students, advising of students, counseling and referral, supervision of the student staff and administrative tasks.
FAQ
Is there an adult in the residence halls?
Yes. Nine full-time professional staff members live on campus. Although Southwestern considers its students young adults, it also recognizes the adjustments college students are attempting to manage, especially first-year students. An associate dean of student life and a residence life coordinator, as well as eight resident associates, are employed by the University to help with crisis management and to handle emergencies. The associate vice president and dean of students also lives near the University and is available as necessary.
What are the roles of resident assistants (RAs)?
Selected upperclass students hold positions of responsibility within the residence halls. These students, or “RAs,” provide direct assistance to the students in their living area (30 per RA in upperclass halls and 15 per RA in first-year halls) by providing information, helping to ensure that University community standards are met through brief counseling and/or referral, offering acquaintanceship, fulfilling basic administrative tasks and helping to organize interesting educational, social and recreational events and programs.
What is your alcohol policy?
Each individual and group within the Southwestern University community is required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the possession, use and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Students 21 and older are allowed to consume alcohol in their private rooms. Also, student organizations must register parties where alcohol will be allowed. These parties may be held in fraternity houses, the Dorothy Manning Lord Community Center, the Sharon Lord Caskey Center, the Julie Puett Howry Center and other locations with special approval, and measures must be in place to prevent use or consumption by underage persons.
Are there any curfews? What are the policies regarding coed visitation?
There are no curfews in the residence halls. In single-gender first-year halls, coed visitation ends at midnight Sunday through Thursday and at 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Students are required to have escorts in single gender halls.
How do you reconcile differences between roommates?
RAs, and sometimes professional staff, work with roommate contracts and sometimes through meetings between the two roommates. While this normally works, students are allowed to change roommates if an impossible situation exists. The Southwestern residence life philosophy is that no situation in the residence halls should be allowed to negatively affect a student’s academic experience.
What is the cost of laundry machines? How available are they?
The cost to use washers and dryers is $1 per load. Laundries are located in all residence halls and in The Grogan & Betty Lord Community Center.
Is there a small kitchen area in each residence hall? Ice machines, cending machines or microwaves? Microwaves?
Most residence halls have ice machines, vending machines (drinks and snacks) and microwaves. Some of the halls have kitchen facilities.
Should students get a small refrigerator for their room?
Students may bring small refrigerators no larger than 4.3 cubic feet in size.
Can we call our student directly on the phone? How does long distance work?
The University acknowledges that students rely on cell phones to stay connected to family and friends. Land line telephones are not provided in student residences on campus.
How do I address mail to my student? E-mail?
Each student is assigned a post office box and e-mail address as a first-year student; these remain the same until graduation. Mail is addressed to students at SU Box ____, Georgetown, TX 78626. E-mail addresses usually include the student’s last name (or, the first seven letters of the student’s last name) plus the first initial, followed by @southwestern.edu. E-mail service is coordinated through Information Technology Services.
Do you suggest that students have cars on campus?
This decision has to be made by students and their parents. About 70 percent of Southwestern students bring cars to campus. For those who do not, it is not a problem to find a ride to local businesses. Vehicle registration is handled by University Police.
Is any transportation available (bus, car or shuttle) to the Austin airport?
Yes. This service is available at approximately $65 one way. To save money and for convenience, students often have friends give them a ride to the airport.
Is there a place to cash a check on campus? An ATM?
Students may cash checks for up to $100 in the Business Office. An ATM machine is located in the Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center.
Residence Life Staff
Jaime J. Woody
Director of Residence Life and Dean of Students
Phone: 512-863-1624
Stephanie Alvarez
Assistant Director of Residence Life for Operations
Phone: 512-863-1624
Elliott Powell
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Phone: 512-863-1863
Magen Smith
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Phone: 512-863-1670
Fax: 512-863-1777
