Special Interest Housing

Special Interest Housing (SIH) gives students a unique opportunity to collaborate with other students by creating affinity communities with common goals and purpose.  SIH creates the conditions for engaged citizenship and self-governance that enables self-directed living environments around a shared theme, issue or interest.  The SIH program encourages group and individual social and intellectual development while simultaneously contributing to the intellectual and social life of the College.  

Each SIH program must identify a student who will serve as a liaison between the Office of Campus Life and the program.  The House Manager helps administer the program outlined in the SIH charter and goals.  In addition the house manager participates in house opening and closing at the beginning and end of each semester, maintains an accurate and current roster of students enrolled in the program, and reports facility and safety concerns.

Each SIH group should identify and continually work with a faculty or staff advisor to execute programs, plan goals, and expectations and seek mentoring/advice relating to the House program.

Each SIH program is responsible for completing a House Charter, which reflects the values, core expectations and purpose of the program.  The charter acts as a guide for the SIH group and provides insight into the philosophy and character of the House.  

Current Special Interest Programs include:

Special Interest Houses may occupy a single building or a portion of a larger facility. They are reviewed annually by the Office of Campus Life.  Groups assigned housing in a Special Interest House are expected to fill their assigned spaces with group members. If a violation of the Community Standards occurs within a Special Interest House, the College will determine whether to bring charges against specific individuals and/or the organization as a whole. Failure to maintain occupancy may result in loss of housing. Special Interest Houses are available to upperclass students.

Students interested in learning about how to start a Special Interest House should be in contact with the Office of Campus Life.  The process for new house applications occurs each year in late February/early March.