UNIVERSITY HOUSING
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
WELCOME TO
Greetings Candidate,
We are excited that you are considering Florida State University and University Housing as your next opportunity. Working for University Housing provides multiple opportunities for your growth and development while working with outstanding students, strong civic engagement, and the overall community spirit. FSU faculty and staff pride ourselves on helping a large campus seem small for our students and their families, and University Housing does this well. We also enjoy working with students who want to be part of the campus and work to grow and learn together. University Housing has a long history of providing great service and living environments for our residents. Our 10 Living Learning communities found in the residence halls are directly managed by academic departments dedicated to providing an excellent experience for our residents. These communities allow for opportunities to partner with top faculty and researchers in their fields as part of the residence hall experience. Our facilities are designed with community space, student support space, and more to help our residents succeed. Additionally, we encourage our staff to participate in learning and growth through professional development found on campus and beyond through our professional organizations and community opportunities. We are proud of our staff, our student leaders, and the overall program of University Housing. If you want to be part of a dynamic team with opportunities to develop your skills while working with top faculty, staff and students — then we are the campus and the job for you! We look forward to hearing from you and considering your application to join our team.
Go ‘Noles,
Dr. Shannon Staten Executive Director, University Housing & Early Learning
ABOUT FSU
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION
Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts. The University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, creative endeavors, and service. The University strives to instill the strength, skill, and character essential for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustained achievement within a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity.
DIVISON OF STUDENT AFFAIRS MISSION
The Florida State University Division of Student Affairs empowers and supports all students to achieve their full potential. Named one of the “15 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” by the Center for Higher Education Enterprise, the Division of Student Affairs at Florida State excels in providing leadership and quality programs for students, faculty, and staff, such as:
• Green Dot Bystander Intervention Campaign
• kNOw MORE Sexual Violence Prevention Campaign
• Power of We
• Welcome FSU
• Live Well
• Healthy Campus Initiative
• Torchbearer 100
• LIFT Recovery Community
• Interfaith Council
• Food for Thought Pantry
• Center for Leadership and Service
FAST FACTS
• Founded in 1851; oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida
• Carnegie Commission classification: “Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity”
• 44,597 students from every Florida county and 130 countries
• 96% retention rate for freshmen; 75% graduation rate within four years
• 17:1 student/faculty ratio
• 394 buildings on 1,715.5 acres; main campus in Tallahassee is 485.7 acres
• 14,705 total employees
• Operating budget of $1.95 billion
• FSU’s research expenditures totaled more than $355 million for FY 2022.
• 282 degree programs: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, professional
UNIVERSITY SEAL
The origins of the seal date back to the late 19th century and the West Florida Seminary, which is the oldest predecssor to what is now The Florida State University. An owl was chosen to represent the wisdom the school would impart to its students, but as the college changed so did the seal. In 1909, the university adopted a similar version of our current seal, incorporating three torches to symbolize Vires, Artes, and Mores, which are a Latin translation of strength, skill, and character. The seal has since been updated with a more modern appearance, but its strong traditions have not been compromised.
TRADITIONS
WESCOTT FOUNTAIN
The Westcott Fountain was a gift from the Classes of 1915 and 1917. It is the most frequently photographed site on campus and a symbol of the Florida State University’s proud legacy. The fountain is also the site of one of the most enjoyable Florida State traditions: getting thrown in on your 21st birthday. This has been a longstanding tradition on campus. It’s said that you’re not truly a Florida State Seminole until you’ve been tossed into the Westcott Fountain.
UNCONQUERED STATUE
Constructed in 2003, the Unconquered Statue was designed to capture the indomitable spirit of the Seminole people and those who have adopted that spirit as a symbol for their university. It is a striking bronze sculpture designed and crafted by Fritz White that depicts a spear brandishing Seminole astride a rearing horse. At sunset the night before each home game, the spear is ignited and burns until sunrise the morning after the game. Lightings also occur to commemorate other major university events.
MARCHING CHIEFS
The FSU Marching Chiefs were deemed by Sports Illustrated as the “band that never lost a halftime.” Today, the Marching Chiefs are one of the largest college marching bands in the world and their membership is comprised of students from almost every academic department within the university. Before each home football game, the Chiefs hold their “pregame skull session” at Dick Howser Baseball Stadium. The band performs section cheers and gives the audience a sneak preview of the upcoming halftime show.
FLYING HIGH CIRCUS
Founded in 1947 by Jack Haskin, the Florida State University “Flying High” Circus is an extra-curricular activity under the Division of Student Affairs. Rivaling a professional circus, the FSU Circus is primarily an aerial and stage presentation with three rings of spellbinding entertainment for everyone. “Flying High” has no animal acts. Student performers rig all of their own equipment, sew their own costumes, produce lights and sound for performances, and set up the Big Top tent on campus.
GARNET & GOLD GUYS
Founded in 1998 by two fervent Florida State fans and members of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. The two students paint and cover themselves with garnet and gold glitter and encourage excitement in the crowd. This has become a favored tradition and is an essential and highly anticipated part of each football game. Since its inception, thousands of Florida State fans have enjoyed watching their antics at Doak Campbell Stadium. The tradition has continued without interruption since 1998 as two Garnet and Gold Guys have been chosen from the BCM each year.
INTEGRATION STATUE
The Integration Statue celebrates students who pioneered integration at FSU. Sculpted by W. Stanley Proctor in 2003, the statue depicts Maxwell Courtney, the first African American to graduate from FSU, Fred Flowers, the first African American to wear an FSU athletic uniform, and Doby Flowers, the first African American homecoming queen dressed in traditional homecoming attire for 1970.
RESIDENCE LIFE
The residence halls are staffed by professional, graduate, and undergraduate student staff members committed to ensuring students live in a safe and secure community where they can live, grow, learn, and thrive. Students living in the residence halls are part of a connected community that fosters their roles as responsible citizens who respect others, engage in scholarship, and understand the benefits of personal wellness. Residence life staff connect with students on an individual basis, as well as provide programming for small and large groups of residents. Residence life staff areas of focus include Conduct & Care, Admin & Operations, and Staff Recruitment & Training.
SUITE STYLE
These halls feature two bedrooms that share a bathroom. Bathrooms in all of the suite-style halls have one shower and toilet that are shared by 4-5 students. Residents of the suite are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms. One sink is located in each bedroom, except in Salley Hall where the sink is located within the bathroom. Salley Hall suites also include a four-person study room within the suite.
APARTMENT STYLE
These halls all provide kitchens and living rooms that are shared by the residents of the apartment. Each building provides a different apartment layout and degree of privacy. McCollum Hall features townhouse apartments with two bedrooms that are each shared by 2 residents and each apartment has 1 shared bathroom. In Ragans Hall, 4 residents each have their own bedroom and share 2 bathrooms. Traditions Hall apartments have 2 private bedrooms and 1 bathroom that are shared by its 2 residents. Residents of apartment-style buildings are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms.
One thing I love about living on campus is being immersed in the college lifestyle. By living on campus, I’m constantly around other students and because of that, I feel more connected to the FSU community. It’s also nice to not have to worry about parking!
RESIDENCE HALLS
RESIDENCE EDUCATION
RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM
University Housing’s goal is to empower and support students to reach their full potential through attending events, interacting with others, and engaging in experiences beyond the classroom. Students will find various opportunities to build connection, enhance wellness, amplify scholarship, and engage in respect through self-discovery and positive change. Residents can expect regular check ins from their Resident Assistant as well as a multitude of exciting event opportunities in the halls and informative bulletin boards.
ACADEMIC INITIATIVES
Residential students will enhance their scholastic and career readiness by visiting an Academic Resource Center. Academic Resources Centers (ARC) are convenient spaces for students living on-campus to study, collaborate and excel academically. Whether studying alone or working on a group project, the ARCs provide an on-campus space for communal and individual learning. While visiting the ARCs, students can meet with an Academic Trainer, who is equipped to assist students with navigating time management or building better study skills.
ENGAGE 100
All first year students are required to enroll in an “Engage 100” course. Residential students are eligible to take the University Housing specific section focused on smoothly transitioning to Florida State and creating pathways to academic and personal success. Through group discussions, workshops, and in class assignments, students will create wellness goals, develop on-campus connections, become more self-aware, and better understand personal impact on community.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
FSU’s Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) operate as a partnership between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, with non-resident faculty directors designing and directing each community and instructing LLC courses. In each LLC, like-minded students share a wing, floor or small residence hall and take in-hall classes together. Each LLC theme connects residents by a major, a career goal, or a general interest. Most residents are first-year students, and communities vary in size from 30 to 170 students.
I did not realize the amount of support and resources you have access to as a member that have changed the way I contribute to FSU’s community. The directors genuinely care about the wellbeing of people living in the LLC and I have met so many cool people on my floor.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT
There are many opportunities for students within University Housing to become involved.
INTER-RESIDENCE HALL COUNCIL (IRHC)
IRHC is a bureau of the Student Government Association and an affiliate of University Housing that builds community and develops leaders across campus. IRHC creates opportunities through Hall Council service, large-scale events, conference participation, and peer advocacy efforts that serve all campus residents. IRHC also works closely with each residential community’s Hall Council.
HALL COUNCIL
Hall Councils are student organizations in each residence hall that work to enhance the experience of living on campus. Hall Council is a great place to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and take ownership of the FSU experience. Hall Council executive baord recruitment and elections occur in the first weeks of the Fall semester. New members are always welcome!
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY (NRHH)
NRHH is an honorary organization, whose members represent the top 1% of student leaders living on campus. NRHH spearheads initiatives that support community service, recognition, leadership development, and scholastic achievement. Student leaders who have lived on-campus for at least one semester and have made demonstrated outstanding leadership in the residence halls are eligible candidates for membership.
RESIDENTIAL CONDUCT BOARD
A unique opportunity for students to serve the community by promoting civility and accountability within the residence halls. The Residential Conduct Board is a group of on-campus students trained to hold informal hearings involving violations of the Florida State University Student Conduct Code. The Conduct Board actively upholds University Housing policies to maintain a safe and responsible campus community. This is a great leadership opportunity for those students interested in pursuing a career in law or government.
CONTRACTS & ASSIGNMENTS
CONTRACTS & ASSIGNMENTS
Contracts & Assignments is made up of a team called the HOME Team. This team encompasses areas of Housing, Occupancy, Marketing & Enrollment. This team includes assignments, customer service, and marketing staff. They facilitate all student assignments processes including contracting, room selection, occupancy management, and special group assignments.
MARKETING
Marketing efforts focus on communicating the value of living on campus to new and returning students. As the main point of contact for prospective students and their families, this team consistently communicates the ways in which living on campus contributes to student success through social media, department web and print publications, special events for admitted students, and exceptional customer service.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
ACCOUNTING
Tasked with maintaining an internal accounting system to record all transactions.
FINANCE
Responsible for new debt issuances, refunding of existing debt, and ensuring all debt service payments are made.
BUDGET
The fiscal section works with the other business units to combine spending projections into the overall $50M operating budget. In addition to establishing the budget, the fiscal section also tracks budget to actual results.
CASHIERING
Provides a cashiering office on campus in which cashiers are able to accept payments from students for charges on their student accounts.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Facilities is managed and maintained by Campus Facilities. University Housing strives to create and maintain spaces in our residence halls that directly support the department’s mission and the overall goals of the university. Specifically, we realize how important living spaces are for our residents. That’s why we seek to provide them with a safe, clean, functional, and healthy environment for their academic, personal, and interpersonal success. Each hall or complex has dedicated custodial and maintenance teams to maintain the space and address any issues that may arise. We also have other staff that are responsible for specific trades throughout all the halls/complexes. Ultimately, we pride ourselves on quick responses to issues and daily efforts to maintain the halls. Finally, as the culture and behaviors of residents change over time, we also seek to adapt and provide current solutions to their living and learning needs.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Purchasing and maintaining hardware technology and internal information management systems. Designs, implements, and supports administrative and technological systems that support employee and student interactions with the department.
CONFERENCE SERVICES
From mid-May to early August, University Housing hosts approximately 5,500 guests in our residence halls. We provide housing to a variety of groups including youth, adult, athletic, local/state, and academic organizations. Accommodations include facilities near dining halls and classroom buildings, all surrounded by the beauty of our campus. Conference Services staff approximately 30 Conference Assistants who work each front desk to maintain a safe and secure environment and provide excellent customer service. We strive to provide a successful
tailored especially for each group’s unique needs.
FSU CHILDCARE & EARLY LEARNING
MISSION
To provide a high-quality care and educational environment for young children that promotes lifelong learning and supports the academic and professional success of students, faculty, and staff.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that children are, by nature, curious and eager learners. We believe that young children learn best when they experience their environment first hand in play. It is their direct experience in the world with the people, places, and objects at hand that spark their innate desire to “find out”, or otherwise solve problems that present themselves through the course of everyday events. The teachers provide the expert guidance and support for “knowing” how things work and how to successfully live in the world with self and others.
CHILDCARE NAEYC-ACCREDITED
117 children
115 staff
FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program provides high-quality care, and education to children of FSU students, faculty, and staff, and the community in a state-of-the-art center. The center servces 133 children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. The center is licensed by the State of Florida and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The center also services young adult students seeking to extend their classroom knowledge by providing hands-on learning opportunities through practicums, observations, research, and internships.
