Programming

Residence Life programming is a vital tool used by Resident Assistants to develop community and round out the Westhampton College co-curricular experience for residential students.  As a Residence Life operation at a university that embraces a coordinate college system, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to focus our efforts on the community of women who live in our halls.

An important aspect of our programming efforts is to ensure that students feel connected to the communities in which they live - the hall community, the UR community, and the city of Richmond community. We can aid in making such connections by encouraging and fostering healthy, exciting opportunities for people to come together in a variety of settings.

In practice, this co-curricular model reflects the importance of five areas: intellectual curiosity, career formation, women’s wellness, culture & diversity, and life skills.  By exposing residents to a variety of programs, we play an important role in their growth and development.

Intellectual Curiosity -These programs will encourage residents to foster relationships with faculty by bringing faculty members into the halls to continue discussions started in the classroom, educate students on community and world issues, and prepare students to lead informed, purposeful lives.  

Career Formation– Similar to intellectual curiosity, Resident Assistants will provide opportunities for students to interact with faculty and consider their career track.  Often Resident  Assistants work with the Career Development Center to plan activities that range from writing a resume to getting an internship.  This is a central focus of students and integral to their college experience.

Women’s Wellness- As a women’s college within a coeducational university, we have the unique opportunity to focus on gender-related issues.  The programs in the women’s wellness area will encourage women to be aware of and make choices regarding their physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. 

Culture & Diversity- Life in a global society, specifically life at the University of Richmond, demands citizens who value diversity.  Through diversity programming we are able to encourage residents to think outside of their comfort zones and learn about cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, etc. different from their own.  By encouraging conversation and providing activities for residents to learn about many forms of diversity, we hope to develop such citizens.

Life Skills– Programming in the residence halls will also focus on everyday life issues such as safety, alcohol & drugs, and financial management. In the past these programs have ranged from learning to change the oil in a car to tips on laundry.  Attention to these developmental tasks helps prepare women for life after the University.

We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities!