Housing and Residence Life staff create opportunities for students to build interpersonal relationships with each other and student staff.
Their efforts this fall resulted in more than 7,617 total touchpoints with residential students, which is 400 more than fall 2023. Despite a decrease of IU Indianapolis students living on campus—as a result of Purdue University in Indianapolis students residing in portions of North Hall—engagement with students living on campus is increasing.
Jag Chats
Jag Chats are intentional conversations between Resident Assistants (RAs) and students living on campus and are held throughout the year. Jag Chats at the beginning of the semester allow RAs to introduce themselves and address any immediate needs or concerns. University Tower saw an increase of 10% in participation compared to last year.
- 89% of on-campus residents connected with their RA in the first two weeks of the semester.
- 77% of on-campus residents completed a second Jag Chat later in the semester.
- 84% of University Tower students engaged in a second round of Jag Chats with their RAs, compared to 74% in fall 2023.
- Second rounds of Jag Chats are meant to continue relationship building and address student concerns as mid-terms approach.
Treat Trolleys
Treat Trolleys are an opportunity for Social Justice Resident Assistants (SJRAs) and their residents to have open conversation about social justice topics. SJRAs write a new question each week and use these conversations to learn with residents, unpack misconceptions and broaden understandings.
- SJRAs doubled their engagement to 1,001 so far this semester, compared to 522 in fall 2023.
- The more than 1,000 connections with students resulted in learning about unconscious biases and invisible identities.
Student leadership and events
Student leadership groups, such as Housing Organization for Multicultural Engagement, National Residence Hall Honorary and Residence Hall Association, hosted seven events for students to socialize, reaching 1,035 residential students. This is an increase of about 100 students per event over last year.
- Fall 2023 saw 1,106 students attend 24 events in a similar timeframe.
Being an RA, SJRA or Facilities Assistant (FA) are important on-campus jobs. Students can apply now until Dec. 13 for one of these positions for the 2025-26 school year.
Data provided by Alice Dahlka, residence life specialist for academic initiatives.