Residence Life
Keuka College is committed to the belief that residence hall living is an integral and dynamic part of each resident’s education. The individual attention and developmental programming available in the residence halls provide residents with a firm foundation for their college experience and their individual maturation.
The residence halls are supervised by Resident Directors (RDs), Graduate Assistants (GAs), Head Resident Assistants (HRAs), and by Resident Assistants (RAs). Resident Directors are professional members of the Residence Life staff who live in the campus residence halls and oversee the day-to-day operations of a residence hall or area. Head Resident Assistants (HRAs) are paraprofessional staff in either undergraduate or graduate programs and a Graduate Assistant (GA) is also a paraprofessional in one of our graduate programs. They directly report to the corresponding RD or Director of Residence Life and are another professional resource for both the RA’s and the residents. RDs, GAs and HRAs are often responsible for supervising Resident Assistant staff, maintaining the safety and security of the residence halls, enforcing and upholding college rules and regulations, and providing additional support for residents. RAs are carefully selected and trained undergraduate students who live on each residence hall floor/area. RAs are considered student paraprofessional staff and receive extensive training to meet the diverse needs of the resident population. RAs focus on building community and monitoring the safety, security and regulations of the residence halls.
Residence Life at Keuka College is structured around the philosophy of responsible independence. Residents are considered adults who have entered into a contract with the College. As part of this agreement, the College provides housing, food service, and learning opportunities. In return, residents are expected to act as members of an adult community, abide by the College's rules, and be considerate of other members of the College community.
Residence life staff members provide residents with information, assistance and guidance, and enforce campus behavioral standards. The purpose of these standards is to ensure a residence hall environment that is conducive to learning and student development.
The residence hall is much more than a place to sleep—it is an important living/learning center. Residence hall staff are responsible for the development of a well-rounded program consisting of social, cultural, life skills, campus and community engagement, identity development and exploration, recreational, and educational activities. They work in collaboration with Student Life offices and other student groups to develop and implement programs such as movies, fundraising activities, community service projects, workshops, and sports and recreational events. Through these activities, residents can develop skills in leadership, communication, planning, decision-making, conflict resolution, and evaluation.
Because the College considers residential living an integral part of a Keuka College education, traditional-age students who do not live with their parents or guardians within commuting distance are required to live in College residence halls for their entire time at Keuka College. Exceptions to this policy are made by the Office of Student Accessibility and under defined criteria, the Office of Residence Life, in accordance with the provisions established by the respective offices.
Residents are provided with many alternate living options from which to choose, including co-educational or all-female residence buildings, gender-neutral community living, special interest housing, and upper class areas and apartments.
Included in the living options are Special Interest Housing areas. There are five in the halls. Davis Hall has Creative Arts, Financial Assurance, and Multicultural and International. Space has Recreation. Health & Human Services reside in Harrington for upper class residents who are enrolled in specific community health majors.