Community Service-Learning | Housing

Community-Service Learning 

Want to make a difference in your local, national, and global community? Take advantage of the awesome opportunities, events, and programs through Community Service-Learning (CSL). The mission of CSL is to “prepare the JMU community to be educated and enlightened citizens committed to positive social change by providing reflective experiential opportunities with diverse community partners”. So, what does that mean, exactly? Service-learning is different than community service and is an excellent way to apply what you’re learning in the classroom to what’s happening outside the classroom. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways in which you can learn, serve, and engage within the Harrisonburg community and beyond.

Alternative Break Program

The Alternative Break Program (ABP) facilitates and supports student-led groups to participate in short-term service trips to locations through the United States and abroad. Although the majority of these trips fall over Spring Break, trips are offered during every JMU academic break. If an extended traveling experience isn’t ideal for you, CSL also coordinates Alternative Weekend Break trips. To learn more about the ABP options and to sign up, check out the ABP website.

Community Service Placements 

If you’d like to make a commitment to a semester- or year-long opportunity to serve in the local Harrisonburg community, this is your chance! CSL has identified a variety of local community agencies in need and categorized them into areas: Aging and Health Services, Community Wellness and Environmental, Disability Services, Early and Elementary Education, Environmental Stewardship, Exceptional Education, Hunger and Housing, and Youth Education and Services.

Housing

Tuesday Tips: Where will you live next year?

Even though it seems like the year just started, it’s time to start planning for the 2015-2016 school year. 

1. If you are interested in living on campus next year, submit a Housing Application! Housing Applications go live on Monday, October 6 at 1:15 pm. By submitting a Housing Application, you are letting the Office of Residence Life know you are interested in living on campus next year, and you can be made a Housing Contract offer by our office. If you choose to sign a Housing Contract, you will be able to pick your room and your suitemates/roommates in the spring! Plus, there’s no security deposit to pay!

2. Check Out The Apartments on Grace Street. Our brand new apartment style building is a great option for students who want to experience apartment living with all the benefits of living on campus. Each apartment comes with a kitchen, fully furnished living room and bedroom(s), and either 1 or 2 bathrooms. Plus, all units are wifi and cable ready, and all utilities are included in your room rent! . Read more here: http://www.jmu.edu/orl/our-residence-halls/apartments-on-grace-street.shtml

3. Don't Rush Into a Lease. If you are unsure of where you want to live or if you are unsure of where to start contact Off Campus Life. OCL can answer your questions about all the housing options in Harrisonburg. 

4. Check out the Off-Campus Housing Fair taking place on October 6 from 11a-2pm in the Festival, Lower level to ask questions and learn about all the off-campus housing options in Harrisonburg. 

Housing Information & Roommate Advice

If you have not done so already, you can now sign into the One Book website to view your Housing Assignment and Roommate Information. Go to the “View Housing Assignment and Roommate Notification” step on the One Book website and you will see your move-in date, hall assignment and room number, and your roommate’s contact information. 

Living in a residence hall is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow Dukes!  Because the vast majority of residence hall rooms are doubles, you should expect to have a roommate when you live on campus. Sharing a living space may be an entirely new experience for you, so it makes sense that this sudden change in lifestyle may be a challenging transition. But, try not to worry; ninety-two percent of JMU first-year students report they are compatible with their assigned roommate. So, chances are great that you will have a positive experience, too! And, the Office of Residence Life is always available to help!  Each building has a staff of Resident Adviser (RAs) who can help you complete a Roommate Agreement, which will get you and your roommate talking about how you want to live together.  RAs are also trained in conflict resolution and mediation, so they can help if there’s a time that you and your roommate find yourself in a bad spot. If you have any questions related to your housing experience, email res-life@jmu.edu or call (540) 568-4663.

Tips for a Good Roommate Relationship

While you’re getting ready to come to JMU in a few weeks, I suggest you begin thinking about how to develop good relationship with your roommate. Ponder your likes, dislikes, and what really annoys you. Also, be mindful of the other person’s quirks and things he/she may request of you. Living with a college roommate is about setting boundaries so that everyone is comfortable to live, work, and play in the residence hall.

While living with a roommate inevitably has its challenges, it can also be a fabulous part of your college experience. Follow these tips for a supportive and positive roommate relationship. 

1. Call first, don’t click. Once you’ve found out your assigned roommate, don’t just rely on Facebook, Twitter, or texting to get to know someone. As they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover. People are more than the pictures they post on social networking sites. There’s nothing wrong with using these sites, but also give your roommate a call to simply introduce yourself and to discuss who is bringing what.

2. Be clear from the beginning. Don’t let problems pile up. Are you a neat freak? Do you need ten minutes to yourself before speaking to anyone right after waking up? Do you plan to use your room mainly for studying? Let your roommate know about your little quirks and preferences as soon as possible. People can’t read minds, so do your best to communicate what you need. This little effort can go a long way to help eliminate problems before they become problems. Addressing things that bug you when they’re little can help your roommate be aware of something he/she may not otherwise know. And, addressing things when they are still little is much easier than when they’ve become big. While the Office of Residence Life and your RA is there to help you with a roommate conflict, ultimately, the first one to know about the roommate conflict should be the roommate.
3. You don’t have to be best friends. Don’t go into this relationships expecting to be best friends for the next 4 years. It may happen, but expecting it may set you both up for trouble. Be friendly and respect your roommate and his/her space. And, you never know, you could become life-long friends!
4. Be open to new things. Your roommate may be from someplace you’ve never heard. She may have an accent that is hard to understand. He may have a different religion or lifestyle that is completely different than your own. You may have totally opposite values and interests. Being open to new ideas, experiences, and people is important as it relates to what your roommate brings into your life. College is a time to be open to new things, and that begins with your roommate relationship.
5. Be open to change. You should expect to learn, grow, develop, and change during your time at JMU. This is a time of great transition for you, and your roommate. As the year progresses, realize things will change for each of you. Be comfortable addressing things as they evolve and adapting to your changing environment. 
6. Respect your roommate’s stuff. This sounds simple, but it’s probably one of the biggest sources of roommate conflict. Don’t think he’ll mind if you borrow his cleats for the intramural soccer game? Don’t think she’ll mind if you borrow her sweater? Don’t borrow, use, or take anything without getting permission first. If nothing else, follow the Golden Rule. Treat your roommate like you’d like to be treated. 

If these tips weren’t enough, check out this great video created by students from Boston University about how to make the most of your roommate relationship.

When the video gets to the part that says, “Welcome to BU!”... Just think, “Welcome to JMU!” - and aren’t you glad to be here more?!?!