RESIDENCE
LIFE
A residence is more than a large building with many bedrooms... Residence
is an experience. Now where else can you have the opportunity to live
with many people from many different backgrounds, cultures, life experiences,
and beliefs as you will in residence. If you allow yourself, you will
learn as much from res life as you will in university.”
Ashley Dill, 3rd year student
Community Living
Residence living is unique in the fact that each residence is composed
of a community of individuals with various backgrounds and needs.
In order to make residence life as enjoyable as possible for all residents,
certain guidelines and community standards have been established.
Although this handbook is dedicated to cataloguing the various community
standards and regulations surrounding Residence Life, the following
three basic all-encompassing rules are listed for the purpose of easy
reading, understanding, and remembering. If you can remember and practice
these three basic rules you will enjoy, not only a very successful
year at St. Thomas University Residence Community, but you will be
in the process of building a good solid character. The three rules
are Respect Self, Respect Others and Respect Your Surroundings.
Respect Self
Self respect is one of those characteristics which develop over time
but speaks volumes about a person every day. It relates to one's beliefs,
behaviour, thoughts, speech, choices, etc. Respecting yourself is
about taking responsibility for yourself in every area of life. Some
areas include maintaining a degree of cleanliness regarding personal
hygiene and personal space, like your room; making informed decisions
about personal care, such as, what you will eat and when you will
sleep, as well as making decisions regarding substance abuse, personal
safety and seeking out appropriate help for problems. As you become
more and more comfortable in Res, your self respect will shine through
so take care of yourself - You’re worth it!
Respect Others
Residence life can be very rewarding if every resident realizes that
they are not the only inhabitants of the house. Respect is a two-way
street and by behaving in a manner which respects both your roommate
and neighbours, you will greatly increase you chances for a successful
year in your personal life, in Res, and in University. Respecting
others can be accomplished by being sensitive to the effect of your
behaviours on others. Following the rules of Residence is the ultimate
method of demonstrating respect for others. A sure-fire way to determine
if you are respecting others is to determine if you would like to
be treated as you have just treated another. Respecting others has
a mirror effect in that it reflects who you really are so in your
life be mindful of your effect on others - it puts you in the spotlight!
Respect your Surroundings
Sometimes people do not link respect to property. As Residence living
is very much community living respecting the property is a very important
individual responsibility as well as that of the entire residence
population. When individuals decorate their rooms, put up posters,
etc. in the proper manner which is outlined in the Residence Handbook,
the property is not damaged but maintains a condition of which all
residents can be proud. Taking responsibility for your room's condition,
garbage disposal, and proper placement of bottles for recycling is
doing your part in respecting the property. The community's part is
for all the members to stand opposed to vandalism, defacing walls
,and even removal of furniture from common spaces. One person can
do much although a group can move mountains or make one awesome living
space!
Residences
All buildings are controlled access as well as equipped with study
areas, TV lounges, laundry facilities, snack machines, and storage
areas. All residences have single and double occupancy rooms. All
rooms have High Speed internet connections, cable and local phone
services as well.
Harrington Hall
In 1964 Harrington Hall was built and named in honour of the late
Reverend George Harrington, a former St. Thomas University Vice President
who served the University for over 40 years. Today one and one-half
of its floors are designated as female floors while the two other
floors accommodate males.
Holy Cross House
The Holy Cross Fathers were once responsible for teaching a number
of courses at St. Thomas. Originally their home, Holy Cross House
presently contains academic offices and classrooms and a residence
housing approximately 70 students. The academic offices and classrooms
are located in the centre of the building while the residents occupy
the side wings. There are three wings assigned to females and one
for males.
Chatham Hall, Forest Hill Property
Constructed in September, 2003, this residence is located adjacent
to Rigby Hall on the Forest Hill Property. It houses 152 students
with lots of amenities such as large rooms with private bathrooms,
a student lounge on each floor, a great view of the St. John River
and many more. Shuttle service moves students back and forth to campus
while food services are available in the adjacent Residence Hall.
This residence is also a secure building with a Security Officer present
every evening from 10pm - 6 am.
Rigby Hall, Forest Hill Property
Forest Hill Residence was purchased by St. Thomas University in August
1999. The east portion of Forest Hill residence is named Rigby Hall
in honour of Harry Rigby. Mr. Rigby is former Dean of Men of St. Thomas
from 1965 to 1995 and the founder of The Thomists, the University’s
dance band. Rigby Hall is located a short distance from campus. Shuttles
to/from campus are provided at no extra charge. It is a coed residence.
Amenities include larger rooms and private bathrooms. As with the
other residences, Rigby Hall is a secure building with a security
guard present every evening from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am.
Vanier Hall
Vanier Hall was named in honour of Pauline Vanier, wife of Georges
Vanier, Governor General of Canada in 1965. Vanier Hall is home to
approximately 200 women in both single and double rooms housed in
3 ½ floors.
Windsor Street Properties
St. Thomas University acquired several houses on Windsor Street which
are utilize as residence space. These houses are reserved for mature,
upper year students. The requirements for admission are listed in
the Windsor Street portion of this handbook.
Residence Availability
September, 2004
The Residence Staff will be prepared to greet you on:
OUT OF PROVINCE STUDENTS MAY ARRIVE ANYTIME AFTER
9:00 am on Sunday, September 5th , 2004
ALL OTHER STUDENTS MAY ARRIVE ANYTIME AFTER
9:00 am on Monday, September 6th , 2004
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS are permitted to arrive a few
days early and will be individually informed of that date.
Under no circumstance are student permitted
to check into residence prior to the above dates. Motel listings
are available upon request.
On arrival you should proceed directly to your assigned
residence for check-in. There you will be able to pick up your keys,
meet the proctor staff and move into your room. Arrangements for payment
of FEES MUST BE MADE BY September 15th , 2004 in order to maintain
your residence accommodations. However, in order to avoid lineups,
it is highly recommended that you make arrangements with the Business
Office prior to your coming in September.
Christmas Break
The University and Residence Community is closed for the Christmas
Break. This period is not included in your residence fees. Students
are expected to leave residence within 24 hours of their last exam.
Access to any residence hall during Christmas Break is prohibited.
Exterior locks are changed for this period only. If in the event you
have exams at UNB which are held beyond Residence closure dates, a
written request to stay must be submitted to the Residence Office
3 weeks prior to the exam date.
Students who have exhausted all other means, may arrange
to remain in their residence room over the Christmas Break for a nominal
fee as this period is not included in the Residence Agreement. Application
for permission must be submitted to Student Affairs office on or before
December 1st. Consent is at the discretion of Student Affairs. As
the University is closed for several days over the Christmas Season,
food services are not available from the last day of the exam period
to the Sunday before classes resume. Further details are available
from Student Affairs Office 452-0616.
March Break
The dining hall will operate, on a reduced service, during March Break
(March 7 - 11). Notices will be posted to advertise the service change.
Residents who wish to remain in residence during March Break may do
so. Proctors as well as Security Officers’ schedules will remain
constant.
April Departures
Students are expected to leave residence within 24 hours of their
last exam in April, 2005. Residences officially closes on April 21st,
2005. Special permission from the Student Affairs Office is required
if a resident must stay beyond the above dates. If you are not planning
to return to residence in the fall, please complete a Damage Deposit
Return Form and give it to your Proctor when you leave. You have up
to one year after your departure to request a damage deposit return.
Your damage deposit will be mailed to you less any required deductions
for damages. If you are returning to residence in the Fall, the fee
will be carried over to the next year.
