Living in a respectful residence community
Welcome to residence at Ä¢¹½AV!Â
Each year, Ä¢¹½AV welcomes students from around the world to join a vibrant and exciting community on campus. Residence is a place where students meet lifelong friends and learn about themselves and others in a community setting.
Most of the students living in residence at Dal are away from home, living independently for the first time.Â
Living in a collective community-centered environment requires a shared commitment.Â
Core commitments
We have five (5) core commitments that create the foundation for what type of community and environment we want to promote and support on campus:
These core commitments that we stand by are visible in the approaches we take with students through supportive conversations, one-of-a-kind programs and events hosted in residence, and building spirit and engagement.Â
Residence Community Living Guide (RCLG)
The Residence Community Living Guide applies to all students living in residence. In accepting to stay in a Ä¢¹½AV residence for the applicable academic term, and signing the Ä¢¹½AV Residence Agreement, you (the Resident) are stating agreement to abide by the rules and regulations and understand that failure to do so will lead to the consequences set forth by the Residence Community Living Guide.
Building connections
Living in residence provides various opportunities to meet many different people. Throughout the year we have structured various chances for you to connect with fellow community members.Â
Community meetings
At least once a month, your Community Assistant / Community Housing Leader will host a community meeting to provide space for everyone to talk about any concerns or questions that may arise on the floor. This is a chance to meet other people who live on your floor or in your section, and an opportunity to hear about any upcoming Residence Life or Ä¢¹½AV events.Â
Programs and events
Throughout the months, all Community Assistants/Residence Assistants will be hosting a wide variety of events ranging from karaoke nights to plant pot painting, to study nights. In Halifax, other events in the past have included building-wide galas, and even a street carnival hosted by Residence Life at the DSU. If you have an idea or passion and would love to help plan events, don't hesitate to reach out to your Community Assistant or Residence Assistant!
The biggest piece of advice is to dive in and take chances while trying out new things at the events that are put on throughout the year. Also keep an eye out for student societies and groups throwing events and welcome sessions during the first term.Â
Living with roommates
For many who live on campus, you will be living with one or more other people whom you may or may not know before arriving. The idea of living with others who aren't family or friends can be quite scary; however, we are here to help provide you with support while you adjust to living in a strong community with others.Â
At the beginning of the year, Residence Life will provide you with an opportunity for you and your roommate to discuss a roommate agreement. Things that may be covered include: a cleaning schedule, respectful boundary setting, what you're willing to share, and what you aren't.Â
If you have any issues that come up when living in a shared space, and addressing them directly was not helpful, please reach out to your Community Assistant (CAT)/Community Housing Leader (CHL) or Residence Life Manager/Residence Don.Â
Diversity and inclusion
Living in one of the Ä¢¹½AV residence communities is a privilege. Ä¢¹½AV’s Residence Life team will support students’ personal and academic success in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. The safety, health and well-being of students and our community is our primary priority.Â
Commitment Statement
Everyone has a right to live peacefully in Residence regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and disability.
We all must commit to respecting that right and maintaining a safe and respectful Residence community.
