Leblanc Common Room.

Learning in residence

Our monthly learning goals put learning at the forefront of the residential experience here at the University of Ottawa. By living in residence, or participating in a virtual residence community, students will have the opportunity to further develop skills and enhance knowledge to complement the learning they are experiencing in-class and on-campus.

Learning Goals

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Creating connections

Creating healthy connections within a residence community sets the groundwork for support systems that will benefit students throughout their time at the University of Ottawa and beyond. The ability to manage conflict, recognize diversity, and demonstrate the rights and responsibilities of engaging with a community are important skills for students to develop and exhibit in order to contribute to the development of safe and inclusive spaces for all. Students who participate in a residence community, either in person or virtually, will be provided with opportunities to create these connections with their peers.

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Self awareness

Self aware students are able to reflect on the ways in which their own experiences have helped to define who they are. Through reflection, students are able to explore their values, beliefs and interests, and are empowered to pursue their purpose. Students are also called upon to recognize the experiences other students hold, and to demonstrate a respect and understanding for the multiple perspectives that exist in a community setting.

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Academic success

The promotion of learning outside of the classroom is a key priority for the University of Ottawa. Academically successful students take responsibility for their own learning by setting attainable goals, identifying and accessing academic resources and actively participating in the learning process.

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Wellness

Student wellness is a key priority for the Residence Life team. By recognizing the multidimensional nature of wellness, and applying a holistic approach, including honoring the 7 pillars of wellness (intellectual, social, environmental, emotional, physical and spiritual) students are empowered to participate in self advocacy and to access resources and supports available to them.

Explore Health and wellness website
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Life-skills development

Being actively engaged as a lifelong learner is a key component to personal growth and development. The ability to goal set, time manage and proactively solve problems will allow students to actively participate in the pursuit of personal and professional success. Students will engage with opportunities that encourage them to continue navigating the transition towards independent living while also gaining the confidence to plan for the future.

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Global awareness

Globally aware students are able to make intentional decisions that will positively contribute to their environments for future generations to come. Through mutual respect for others, an understanding of the challenges their communities’ experience, and participation in residence, campus and international opportunities, students will develop a sense of pride for their communities and be able to act as change agents for greater good.

Learning strategies

Under the guidance and supervision of professional staff, Residence Life student-staff members (including Team Leads, Community Advisors and Peer Supports) create learning opportunities within their communities, designed to achieve specific learning outcomes for each learning goal. Some of these learning strategies include:

  • Passive Programs
    Informational bulletin board displays in communities that relay information specific to the learning goal, including resources, on-campus partners or services and tips and tricks.
  • Active Events
    Monthly events open to students living in a specific community that are designed to be interactive and contribute to community development.
  • Community Meetings
    Monthly meetings open to students living in a specific community that are designed to foster conversation around a specific learning goal, provide updates and reminders and give students the opportunity to provide feedback and interact with their peers.
  • Intentional 1:1s
    Intentional 1:1 conversations that occur between a student-staff member and a student, designed to act as a check-in opportunity, a space for feedback and to encourage student-staff members to build rapport with their community members.
  • Building-wide initiatives
    Monthly events open to students living in a specific residence building that are designed to create social opportunities for students to interact with other students within their specific building.
  • Office Hours
    Regularly scheduled drop-in opportunities offered by specific staff members to allow space for students to ask questions, seek referrals, create peer to peer connections and interact socially with other residence members.

Learning outcomes

By regularly participating in the above learning strategies, residence students will be able to:

  1. Form and maintain relationships for their own personal growth.
  2. Contribute to the development of a safe community by demonstrating the importance of the Residence Agreement and Code of Conduct.
  3. Effectively communicate with others to manage and resolve conflict as it arises.
  4. Express personal beliefs, interests, values, and experiences leading to an empowered development of self and future purpose.
  5. Gain an understanding of different identities and lived experiences in order to foster an inclusive environment.
  6. Develop academic skills that focus on time management, goal setting and critical thinking.
  7. Take accountability for their own academic path by identifying and accessing academic supports and services available to them at the University of Ottawa.
  8. Gain familiarity with the 7 Pillars of Wellness and the ways in which they contribute to an overall sense of personal wellbeing.
  9. Take accountability for their own well being and needs by identifying and accessing wellness supports and resources available to them at the University of Ottawa.
  10. Pursue personal interests that contribute to their own development and growth outside of the classroom.
  11. Explore professional and career opportunities by accessing campus services relevant to their interests and academic path.
  12. Engage with the world around them with an empathetic lens and a willingness to learn more about others.
  13. Develop global and cross cultural skills through training and hands on opportunities.