Overview

In 2006, the Office of Residential Life launched an initiative to increase the quality and frequency of “out-of-the-classroom” interactions between students and faculty members. The Faculty Engagement Initiative (FEI) was developed to bring faculty members into the residence halls to interact with students in an intentional and purposeful manner. 

About the FEI

Faculty and student interaction outside of the classroom is not only an important component of a liberal arts education but is also a marker of student success and retention. A number of recent studies evaluating the importance and impact of student and faculty interactions have shown that students become more involved in all aspects of campus life when they have quality interactions with faculty members.

The Division of Student Affairs has a long-standing and dedicated commitment to supporting the academic mission of the College. One proven factor in enhancing the student experience in the classroom is the opportunity to connect with faculty in less formal environments outside the classroom. 

The Office of Residential Life values interaction between students and faculty members outside of the classroom and in the residence halls. ORL has identified various programmatic opportunities to engage both students and faculty in developing relationships with one another and to assist in cultivating those relationships. The Faculty Engagement Initiative provides financial resources as well as organizational support to students and faculty members wishing to develop programming in the residence halls.

Funding Eligibility

Resources are available to assist students, staff, and faculty members in developing and facilitating programming in the residence halls.

  • Undergraduate students are eligible to request funding for programming that involves the interaction of faculty members and students.
  • Graduate students are eligible to request funding for programming that involves the interaction of faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students.
  • Faculty members are eligible to request funding for programming that involves the interaction of faculty members and students.
  • Staff members are eligible to request funding for programming that involves the interaction of faculty members, staff members and students.