Dear Class of 2013:
Welcome to Drew University and greetings from the Office of Residence Life!
From Sycamore Cottage's modest accommodations for eight students in 1867, to the variety of room styles and living environments available today, life beyond the classroom continues to be an integral part of the education afforded to Drew students. Evolving from a dormitory (i.e. from the French dormir, meaning to sleep) orientation, our residence halls and today's residence life program work in a collaborative manner within the Division of Campus Life and Student Affairs in supporting the academic mission of the University.
This work is realized with the provision of trained professional and paraprofessional staff members in the residential complexes that implement educational and social programs, educate residents on University policies, counsel students in distress, mediate roommate and interpersonal conflicts, confront violations of the Code of Conduct, and respond to emergency situations. Utilizing a “living learning paradigm,” the Office of Residence Life endeavors to engage residents in purposeful activities and programs that promote student development and foster student learning.
Our mission is to provide you with a purposeful, open, safe, just, and celebrated living-learning environment. Our goals are to extend the classroom learning into your everyday residential life while building a strong sense of community and pride in Drew. Our full-time and student staffs are highly trained to assist you in your transition and assimilation to Drew, yet our work is enhanced by your thoughtful review of information pertaining to Drew prior to your arrival.
The Office of Residence Life staff is already busy preparing for your arrival and excited for the many talents and gifts that you will bring to our community. In the enclosed packet that we mailed home in June, there were some service information from our vendor partners. The vendor information will provide you with a greater understanding of our fringe services. We have enclosed information for insurance, refrigerators, linens, bed lofts/risers, storage information, and local accommodations. While all of these services are optional we know that having these items available may be of assistance to you. Please know that while you may purchase your own refrigerator, due to facilities and safety concerns the only microwave-refrigerator combination unit allowed in the residence halls is that from our approved vendor. It is important to note, that other companies may be sending you information, but only the companies in this packet have been reviewed by our department and currently have a working rapport with us. We have worked with these companies in the past and have direct contact with them on a continuous basis. We have also enclosed important information for your parent/guardian regarding their role in your development as a new college student!
In the month of August you will be receiving your housing assignment from the Housing, Conferences, and Hospitality office. At that time, you will be able to check our Department’s website for room dimensions and decorating options. You may view our website at www.drew.edu/depts/reslife.aspx. Keep your eye on our webpage for more information as you get closer to arriving to Drew. As you start your conversations with your Big Sibling from the Orientation Committee, please feel free to also contact our office if you have any questions. You may contact us at (973) 408-3394 or through email at reslife@drew.edu. We are looking forward to meeting and working alongside you as you take the first steps in realizing your academic goals and dreams.
Sincerely,
The Residence Life Team
