Electrifying programming By: Stanley Thomas Graduate Assistant for Housing and Residence Life Texas Christian University

Who’s in the room? Name University and Position Reason for picking this session and what you hope this session addresses

outline Programming at Graceland University Programming at Texas Christian University Activity

Graceland University Housing System Location Houses House Council

House Meeting Every Tuesday night at 10:00 P.M.

What is your function? Functions once a month

Immanuel Kant “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.”

It was time to change What is a program? What kind of programs are there? What do we want our residents to learn from attending a program? How can we assist our RAs?

Set the expectations One program every two weeks At least one active program every four weeks One All-Hall Program every week

Active Program You need to be there. Engaging with Residents and talking/connecting with them.

Passive Programs You do not need to be there.

Types of programs Active-Social Active-Educational Active-Diversity Active-Service Passive-Social Passive-Educational Passive-Diversity Passive-Service All-Halls

All-Hall Programs A program for the entire hall that helps them connect with other residents and learn something.

All-Halls we have had this year My favorite: Pumpkin Smash

Other All-Hall Programs 2-step and 2-step Sherley-Hall Basketball Tournament Don’t be so defensive Sherlsgiving The Price is Right Christmas Edition Valentines Day Service Program Service Program to Homeless Veterans

How to make All-hall programs fun

Best practices Going with your RA to buy things Google Calendar Keeping track of and attending their programs Sending out a huge email to all the residents to attend Being excited about their program Hold them accountable

Creating their advertisements

Programming Ideas Holidays, Holidays, and Holidays Current Events/TV What do Residents need/want? Traditions Weather Why?

Time for a fun activity Get into groups around you and come up with a program you would implement at your respective University. (Cannot be a program you already do cause where is the fun in that? Let me answer that. There is none.) Things to consider When? (Holidays, Diversity, Educational, Social?) Where? Who is your targeted audience? What do you want residents to gain out of this program? How would this program tie into your Housing goal? Sharing is caring.

Questions? Comments? Stanley Thomas Email: s.k.thomas@tcu.edu