University of Oregon Home Page  
Skip Navigation
room and board community tips and resources calendar apply
Skip Secondary Navigation
0   to main page 0
special interest halls
freshman interest
groups - (FIGs)
living-learning initiatives
roommates
building
communities
leadership
opportunities
diversity

Building Communities

Top things that CDs want you to know:
  • Your RA is there for you - they were first-year students, too, and know how to help.
  • A good roommate relationship takes a lot of effort, some give and take, and is well worth the time and energy.
  • Sleep is a necessity.
  • Professors are human, too, and you should really get to know them. Interact with them as much as possible. Invite one of your professors to lunch - ask your CD about this.
  • You cannot just live for yourself, you have neighbors.
  • You cannot just live for your neighbors, be an individual.
  • The space may be small, but the friendships you make will expand your horizon.
  • Get involved and be informed about what is going on around you.

Each residence hall/floor develops a community standards contract. This contract reflects the shared values and expected norms with regard to conduct and acceptable behavior, agreed upon by the members of each hall. The contract helps the floor members, RAs, and CDs maintain a positive community throughout the year, while empowering residents to have a say in the development of their communities.

Remember, courtesy for neighbors in the academic community prevails, and noise should be kept to a minimum at all times. Any resident's behavior, including disorderly conduct, that results in unreasonable noise, disrupts the community, or demonstrates an unwillingness to live in a group setting is prohibited. The right to sleep and study supersedes the right to make noise according to the Student Conduct Code. University of Oregon residence halls are also subject to the City of Eugene ordinance regarding excessive noise.

To help get settled in, you'll want to take advantage of social opportunities, explore your surroundings, and begin to create your own environment. One way many residents get comfortable is by decorating their rooms. Decorating is a way for you to express who you are and what you represent. From the walls to the doors of each room, students will display their personalities. Roommates are encouraged to communicate with each other about what they will be bringing with them prior to fall check-in.

We suggest using adhesive putty, not 3M products. This is to prevent undue billing charges, as students are charged for damages, including any holes in the walls at the end of the year.

University Housing Community Expectations

Living in a residence hall is a challenging and rewarding experience. However, any group living environment can sometimes be a difficult place to live. In order for every student to have a good experience, we must treat each other well and follow a set of basic principles. The following behaviors are expected of all community members:

Civility: Treat each other with kindness and courtesy. Use good manners and be a good neighbor.

Respect: Treat each other in a way that values each person’s worth and contributions, even if you dislike or disagree with them. Think about how your words and actions will impact those around you.

Communication: Listen; seek to understand where others are coming from; ask questions. Set aside judgment. Speak honestly from your own experience.

Inclusion: Help others participate. Ask about their experiences rather than making assumptions based on appearance or stereotypes. Remember that your words and actions will impact others: What type of impact do you want to have?

Participation: Be willing to engage. Have difficult conversations. This may be the most vibrant and diverse community you are ever part of. What will you do with the opportunity?

Copyright  © 2009 University of Oregon   |   General Housing Information • housing@uoregon.edu   |   Webmaster • houweb@uoregon.edu