Our Student Population by Ellen Malito, Mae Smith Hall Director

To say that the student population at SIUC and in University Housing is diverse is an understatement. Living in the halls and working on campus has proven to be an experience that will last a lifetime and has helped shaped my professional and personal identities. Although I have a variety of experiences that have impacted me in similar ways, my time here has been special.

As a Hall Director, I am fortunate that I have the ability to interact with our students each day in a variety of settings ranging from time on the floors during rounds with the RAs, attending programs, conducting discipline conferences, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.

We like to share with every candidate who interviews how unique our student population is; however the magnitude of what this really means can sometimes be difficult to imagine.

As an institution, we are currently in the process of transformation. I encourage you to take a look at Chancellor Cheng’s website as she speaks about our renewed dedication to education and diversity. The 2009-2010 Factbook can provide you detailed information about our student population. Additionally in the Fall of 2010 the ethnicity breakdown of our Residence Halls was 53% White, 34% African American, 5% Hispanic, 2% Asian, 0% Native American and 6% Unknown.

Many of our students come from Chicago or St. Louis while others come from small towns, other states (students from Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee also pay tuition at the same rate as an in state students), and abroad.

To work within University Housing means to be able to lend a listening ear, provide support, knowing your limitations and being capable of responding in an emergency situation. Although many of our students have had experiences I have never had, it is the care and education we provide in our living/learning environment that help our students develop holistically as they strive to reach their next milestone.

Working in Residence Life is a place where you can really make an impact on campus, and touch the lives of students on an individual basis. Although challenging, I know the work I am doing in the halls is meaningful and making lasting impressions.