Faculty Programs

The Faculty Friends Program is designed to give students the opportunity to form positive relationships with faculty members. Research has shown that students who develop strong positive relationships with faculty members outside a classroom setting are more likely to persist to their sophomore year, earn better grades, and graduate sooner. The Faculty Friends program serves as a vehicle for casual and informal interaction between students and faculty. For the past 20 years, the Office of Residence Life has facilitated the Faculty Friends program. Through Faculty Friends, faculty members "adopt" a residence hall for an academic year. The faculty friends coordinate with the residence hall staff to attend and/or present programs on various topics.

By Becoming a Faculty Friend You Will:

• • Be a part of the larger campus community outside of the classroom
  • Help students make connections and better understand JMU faculty
  • Make an impact with individual students in a more personal setting
  • Have fun with students doing things like cooking, hiking, or attending campus events
  • Attend banquets to celebrate the program

If you are interested in participating: e-mail Carson Lonett at lonettcy@jmu.edu for more information.

Time Commitment:

Participating faculty will attend a minimum of one event per month in their assigned hall (about six events per year). PLEASE NOTE: These events usually occur between 5 and 9pm (when students tend to be available). The hall staff will do their best to work with your schedule, and your family members are always welcome to attend with you!

Faculty in Residence (FIR)

The Faculty in Residence program was created to house university professors in the residence halls in order to facilitate interaction between students and educators.

We house FIRs in Chandler Hall, Chesapeake Hall, Shenandoah Hall and Eagle Hall.

Program Goals

• • Increase informal interaction between students and faculty.
  • Increase opportunities for student out-of-classroom learning.
  • Increase faculty involvement in out-of-classroom student life.

This program benefits both the student and faculty member in residence. Students can receive assistance with their academic or personal development. The faculty member can benefit from sharing their area of expertise and/or their personal interests. Their work as educators can be enhanced through the residential living experience. Research shows that informal student/faculty contact has a positive effect on college student’s personal and intellectual development.

For FIR assigment details, click here. Have questions? Contact Carson Lonett at lonettcy@jmu.edu.