We strongly believe that a significant amount of learning on college campuses occurs outside the classroom. Because we interact with students where they live, the Residence Life Department is in a unique position to further the learning objectives of Vanguard University. We help with students’ holistic development by providing activities and events that open the conversation on topics like alcohol, dating and sexuality, managing emotions, finances, and much more. Below is a sample of our 4-year curriculum.
Fall Semester
Date |
Learning Objective |
Activities |
| First week of school | Developing integrity: spiritual formation emphasis |
Spiritual discipline education, forming support groups, Amnesty Week. |
| September | Interpersonal relationships | Roommate contracts, on-campus opportunities, Teaching on Matthew 18 |
| Last week of September | Developing competence: life skills emphasis |
Life skills education |
| October | Managing emotions: healthy living emphasis |
Depression screening day |
| Last week of October | Alcohol education | Freshmen: How alcohol can harm Sophomores: Coping mechanisms Juniors: 21st birthday party Seniors: Healthy alcohol use after Vanguard |
| November | Dating and relationships | Dating 101, intimacy and sexuality, marriage |
| Finals week | Managing emotions | Stress management |
Spring Semester
| Date | Learning Objective | Activities |
| First week of spring semester | Developing purpose | Freshmen: Colors test Sophomores: Strengths Finder test Juniors: Windows to the Soul test Seniors: Making a plan |
| January | Interpersonal relationships | Freindships and conflict resolution |
| First week of February | Managing emotions: healthy living emphasis |
Eating disorder awareness |
| Second week of February | Establishing identity: sexuality emphasis |
Sexual orientation, pornography, masturbation, healthy sexuality |
| Second week of March | Managing emotions: healthy living emphasis |
Co-dependence, cutting |
| First week of April | Devloping autonomy: money management emphasis |
Freshmen / Sophomores: credit cards, student loans, discretionary expenses Juniors / Seniors: taxes, investments, student loans, debt consolidation, budgeting |
| Finals week | Managing emotions: healthy living emphasis |
Alcohol awareness week |
