Residence Life Philosophy

The Residence Life program at William Paterson University is based on the belief that residence hall living provides an opportunity for students to gain a variety of personal learning experiences that supplement and complement formal classroom learning.

As community members, residents have the opportunity to address desired community living outcomes on their floor. At a floor meeting, the Resident Assistant (RA) discusses expectations and living standards and together the group develops a set of Community Standards/Guidelines that will work for the residents on that floor. The goal of the Residence Life staff is to develop an environment that supports students’ academic endeavors and promotes individual development.

Involvement of students in the residence community is the key to making residence halls a place where students are able to:

•  meet a mix of individuals and successfully live in a community;

•  assume responsibility for their own actions and living environment;

•  participate in a variety of educational, social, and cultural activities;

•  celebrate and appreciate individual differences;

•  feel safe expressing those values and opinions;

• broaden their living and learning experiences; and

•  develop skills that enhance their University experiences and prepare them to become positive members of the outside communities in which they will live upon