Theme Houses

Theme House Communities

Lookout House
  • Annual Themes
  • Mission Statements
  • House Information

Living in a theme house is a unique on-campus housing option for small groups of upperclass students encourages students to adopt an independent lifestyle while remaining active members of the campus life. Living in one of the dozen or more houses located on the perimeter of campus A competitive application process identifies theme house residents based upon selection criteria that emphasizes a commitment to engage in service learning and volunteer projects throughout the academic year.

Theme House Application

  • Applications procedures and time-line will be publicized during the fall semester.
  • Selection process occurs during the spring semester.
  • Groups my apply for only one theme house.
  • All members of a group must be the same sex.
  • Limit responses to application questions to three pages
  • Selection criteria is based entirely on the application - interviews are not a part of the selection process. A selection committee made up of faculty and staff will review applications without knowledge of names, gender or house applied for to ensure objectivity and impartiality.

Theme House Expectations and Responsiblities

Occupancy - Each house is required to maintain its' approved occupancy throughout the entire academic year. If a student will be studying abroad for a semester, or if a student withdraws from College, a replacement must be named on the application. Ultimately, hte group of students living in each house are responsible for identifying replacements.

Refunds - No financial adjustments will be made for any student(s) leaving their house (i.e., student teaching, study abroad) for any portion of the semester/year.

Mealplan - Third and fourth year students living in college housing have the option to accept or decline a meal plan.

Room Credits - Students who have been in college for four years qualify to recieve a $400 semester credit for the cost of room and board if they enroll in full residential meal plan.

Policies -The possession and use of alcoholic beverages in college-owned housing is prohibited, except in designated theme houses and apartments when students are 21 years of age or older. A detailed description of this alcohol policy is found in the Student Handbook, "Code of Student Conduct" section.

Tobacco Use - All theme houses are smoke-free.

Maintenance - Theme house residents are responsible for daily cleaning and trash removal.

Television and Internet Access - Cable television is available at each house for a fee. Wireless internet access is provided to each house at no additional charge.

Parking Permits - Students parking on college property will need to purchase a parking permit at a reduced rate for theme house residents.

Civic Responsibility - As representatives of the College, theme house residents are expected to be respectful of their neighbors in the community and to develop positive relationships with them.

Self-governance - With the independence of theme house living comes the responsibility of developing standards (i.e. quiet hours) for living together in a theme house community. It is expected that all students will abide by these standards and any student who chooses to adhere to College or theme community policies/standards may be reassigned to a residence hall.

Programming for Service - Theme house groups are expected to complete at least two community service projects each semester.

Open Houses - Theme houses are expected to be plan and participate open house events each semester for other members of the campus community.

Programming Funds - The Dean of Students Office will provide financial assistance for activities that are consistent with or support the house's theme.

Support for Campus Activities - Theme house residents are expected to attend and provide support for campus programs (i.e. Semester Shutdown).

Theme House Liaisons

Each house must select member of their group to serve as a liaison with the Dean of Students Office.

Liaisons are responsible to attend monthly meetings with the Associate Dean of Students and other theme house liaisons.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, serving as a spokesperson for his/her house, reporting maintenance issues, checking students in and out of the house, convening regularly scheduled house meetings, completing administrative paperwork, facilitating the process of developing community standards, and ensuring that house goals and community service projects are completed.

Liaisons are paid a $100 stipend each semester. Stipends are paid at the end of each semester to ensure all responsibilities have been met.