Now students can choose academic theme floors

Starting this fall, students can choose from five academic theme floors in UNT residence halls.

One floor for students interested in human services (sponsored by the School of Community Service) and one floor for students interested in art (sponsored by the School of Visual Arts) will be located in Kerr Hall. The University Honors Program floor will be in Clark Hall. A floor for students interested in business (sponsored by the College of Business Administration) and one for students who are undecided in their major (sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences) will be located in Maple Hall.

Kathy Moore, residence life coordinator for student success, says the theme floors are for any student with an interest in the floor's subject, not just for majors. Resident assistants and peer advisers will schedule career-counseling programs, guest speakers and other activities related to those academic areas. Students who are undecided majors will be introduced to such resources as the Career Opportunities Center, the Counseling and Testing Center, and the Learning Center to aid in choosing a field of study.

The resident assistants and peer advisers will also help students set academic and personal goals and check their progress throughout the semester. Faculty members will be invited to participate in informal meetings such as faculty lunches, debates or question-and-answer sessions. In addition, some floors may adopt a community service requirement so that students learn to give to the community while maintaining academic excellence.

Moore says the university received several requests and suggestions from students, faculty and staff members to create academically themed halls. While developing the theme floors, UNT studied similar housing programs at the University of Texas, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Oklahoma, Texas Woman's University and other campuses.

Jean Schaake, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, says the floors will help students socially and academically.

"Students with similar interests will find themselves in some of the same courses and will easily form study groups," Schaake says. "Like courses and interests will build and strengthen a sense of community for students, which will contribute to their success."

BY ELLEN SCHROEDER

Other featured articles in this issue

• Campus construction projects progress
• Regents hear legislative appropriations requests
• Push is on to fill Fouts Field for game against Baylor
• Carnegie Foundation gives UNT highest designation
• 'Howdy Week' provides fun for students, faculty, staff
• Vehicle inspections have little impact, researcher finds
• New B.F.A. degrees approved
• Planning office surveys current, former students
• Answer line

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