FACULTY-IN-RESIDENCE
OVERVIEW
What is a FiR?
The Residential Commons (RC) provides an integrated academic and residential experience with a Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) and a Residential Community Director (RCD) shaping each commons. Each RC has unique traditions, social and educational activities that build community, foster bonds among residents, and strengthen student affiliation with the commons and SMU. This model emphasizes a balance of academic and social growth to enhance personal exploration and student development.
The RC is a collaboration between the Office of the Provost, Division of Student Affairs (DSA), and Residence Life & Student Housing (RLSH). Research shows student interaction with faculty outside the classroom leads to positive outcomes, such as cognitive and personal development, student satisfaction, and improved retention. The FiR program is key to the residential experience, fostering faculty-student interaction, mentorship, intellectual discourse, and a strong community culture.
Reports Day-to-Day to: Director of Academic Initiatives, Residence Life & Student Housing
Qualifications & Eligibility
Full-time Instructional Faculty Status or equivalent as determined by the Provost. For staff, a 2-2 teaching load (12 credit hours total) as part of normal duties (no extra compensation) is the minimal teaching load
Approval from Department Chair
Approval from Dean or Equivalent
Prior experience engaging students outside of the classroom
Demonstrated interest in the undergraduate residential educational experience
Knowledgeable of general academic requirements, procedures, and campus resources
FiR Position Outcomes
Be the intellectual leader and foster the intellectual and academic life of their respective Residential Commons
Support the SMU academic mission and learning that occurs within the Residential Commons
Cultivate new, enhance existing, and aid in the execution of RC programs and traditions
Build individual relationships with residents by interacting with them regularly
Collaborate and cultivate effective working relationships with stakeholders including but not limited to:
Residential Community Director (RCD),
Resident Assistants (RA), Commons Council (CC), peer leaders, and affiliates
Support student success via individual, group, and community advocacy
Be present in the Residential Commons community and within Residence Life & Student Housing
Appointment
The FiR is appointed to an initial three-year term. FiRs may apply for one additional three-year extension, based on exemplary performance and with the approval from the Vice President of Student Affairs and Provost. Click here for more info on the website
Position Requirements
Although this varies by week and time of year, on average the FiR commitment is 10-15 hours/week. The annual Dates Memorandum outlines mandatory events and important dates for FiRs.
Faculty-in-Residence Families
The Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) program at SMU welcomes partners, children, and extended family into the residential community. Recognizing their integral role in the sense of community, RLSH includes FiR families in programming and events and involves them in the FiR recruitment and selection process. FiR families are welcome to be active members of the community.
RESIDENTIAL COMMONS TEAM
Residential Community Director (RCD): Supervises the RAs and oversees the functions of the Residential Commons
Resident Assistants (RA): Student leaders who live on the floor and get to know residents on a personal basis to advise students on academic and personal matters
Peer Leaders: Spiritual Life Mentors (SLMs), Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), Engage Dallas Student Directors, and Wellness Education Student Team (WESTies). They plan and facilitate programs and events specific to their area of focus
Commons Council: Plans monthly programs and signature events for the commons
Housing Unification Board (HUB): Supports SMU residential communities in the development and enhancements of the commons through initiatives and traditions
Student Leadership Team: The FiR and the RCD lead a monthly meeting with the student leadership team which are comprised of RAs, Peer Leaders, and Commons Council members
Let’s Hear About a Student’s Experience
My FiR and I always have the most incredible conversations and it feels like a true home away from home. It was these events my Freshman year that made me feel welcomed in the dorm and today I am an RA creating the same experience for the next student. I am incredibly thankful to my FiR for that. Every semester my FiR and I try to have lunch at least at the beginning, middle and end of the semester. I enjoy those moments a lot because I can have a more emotional, mental connection with him. He never has once judged me through the hard times.
MEET OUR CURRENT FiRs
Willie Baronet
Armstrong Commons, Temerlin
Advertising Institute
Dr. Nils Van den Steen
Boaz Commons, Information Technology & Operations Management Department
Dr. Maria del Pilar Melgarejo
Cockrell-McIntosh Commons, Department of World Languages and Literatures
Dr. Leanne Ketterlin Geller
Crum Commons, Department of Education Policy and Leadership
Dr. Debra Branch
Morrison-McGinnis Commons, Sociology Department
Dr. Maryann Cairns
Dr. Daniele Forlino
Kathy Crow Commons, Department of World Languages and Literatures
Justin Germain
Loyd Common, Department of World Languages and Literature
Dr. Ashley Stone
McElvaney Commons, Department of Education Policy and Leadership
Dr. Alberto Pastor
Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons, Department of World Languages and Literatures
Dr. Catharine Lysinger
Virginia-Snider Commons, Piano Preparatory Department
Ware Commons, Anthropology Department
FiR WEEKLY EVENTS
What is it?
Each FiR hosts a weekly event for their commons unique to their personality and interests. As a new FiR, you have the opportunity to make your weekly event your own and start new traditions. A budget is provided to host the weekly events.
CruMondays (Crum Commons)
Wednesdays with Willie (Armstrong Commons)
Living Arrangements
FiRs are required to primarily live on campus and be present in their Residential Commons during the academic year. Due to the time commitment of the role, faculty are provided a partially-furnished apartment on campus. The apartments vary in size and amenity but will include:
At least two bedrooms
A living room space separate from the personal living quarters, which can be used to host student dinners and socials
Additional office space in the RC that may be shared
Two parking spaces (near or adjacent to RC) with two passes paid for by the University
Basic cable, internet, land-line phone service, and laundry
Utilities included (water, electric, trash)
The ability to have a pet(s) living in the residence (see SMU Animals on Campus and RLSH pet policies)
HOUSING INFO AND LIVING ON-CAMPUS
Children
We have FiRs with children who live on-campus from all ages.
Schooling
SMU is zoned for the Highland Park School District. We provide proof of residency for attendance.
Parking
Each FiR receives 2 FiR parking spots near their living area. One parking pass is paid for by RLSH. If you choose to retain another parking space on campus, the faculty member will be responsible for the cost of the parking pass.
Utilities
Utilities such as water, electricity, cable, and internet are included.
Pets
FiRs can have dogs or cats in the apartment.
Campus/Community Amenities
Dining – Each FiR and their family members receive a partial meal plan to eat on-campus in the dining facilities.
Application
Initial Application
Letter of Interest: The letter should clearly answer the following questions: Why are you interested and choosing to apply for the FIR position? What characteristics and qualities do you possess that will help you achieve success in this role? What do you hope to gain from the role?
How will you infuse intellectual pursuits into your role as FiR?
What previous experience have you had engaging with students outside of the classroom?
Approval from your Dean and Chair in a Signed Statement of Support
Signed Acknowledgement of Residential Policies
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Finalist Application Supplement
If you are selected as a finalist, an additional application components will be requested: Letter of Recommendation by Dean or Department Chair R E C R U I T M E N T P R O C E S S
Timeline of Selection Process
The selection process for a successful finalist for the Faculty-in-Residence position will span the spring semester. The selection process is outlined below. More details will be shared with applicants.
Paper Application Review Search Committee Panel Interview Residential Commons Event
and VPSA Interview
Finalists will be determined following the Search Committee Interview. Only finalists will move on in the selection process. Finalists who are not selected to fill the immediate openings may be considered as alternates for future vacancies.
Compensation
Due to the commitment of the role, FiRs are compensated with:
The amenities of an apartment on campus and other living arrangement benefits provided by Resident Life & Student Housing; SMU reserves the right to reassign the FiR, along with the FiR’s family members who occupy the FiR’s apartment, in the event of a campus closing, delay of on-campus academic courses, or other condition beyond the control of SMU, including, but not limited to, shutdown, closing, or delay as a result of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, or other pandemic
A meal plan comprised of 20 meals and $100 of flex spending each academic year provided by Residence Life & Student Housing
Up to $2,500 in relocation costs to move on campus (not to transition off) provided by the Office of the Provost
Up to $4,500 toward living and dining room furniture supplied by Residence Life & Student Housing (RLSH). Furniture purchased through this fund and otherwise provided by RLSH is owned by SMU and will remain with RLSH at the end of the appointment term
Additionally, the FiR may choose one of the following benefits packages each academic year during the appointment period:
$7,500 Compensation (prorated on a monthly basis) OR
1 Course Load Reduction/Year negotiated with Department Chair (you may not be compensated for overload teaching for the Fall or Spring semesters if the course reduction is chosen)
Ware Apartment Layout Living Arrangements
FiRs are required to primarily live on campus and be present in their Residential Commons during the academic year. Due to the time commitment of the role, faculty are provided a partially-furnished apartment on campus. The apartments vary in size and amenity but will include:
At least two bedrooms
A living room space separate from the personal living quarters, which can be used to host student dinners and socials
Additional office space in the RC that may be shared
Two parking spaces (near or adjacent to RC) with two passes paid for by the University Basic cable, internet, land-line phone service, and laundry
Utilities included (water, electric, trash)
The ability to have a pet(s) living in the residence (see SMU Animals on Campus and RLSH pet policies)
