“ Finding the balance between what students want and what students need is something we ’ ve really tried to address over the years ,” she said . “ We ’ re giving students more freedom to figure out what lifestyle is healthy and successful for them .”

The amendment of the alcohol policy is one example . A decade ago , the residence halls were dry . Today , those 21 and older are allowed to have alcohol in their rooms .

“ Students first must take a class about responsible consumption ,” said Michelle . “ We ’ re here to help them be successful academically but also socially , mentally and physically . What is healthy and safe means different things to different people . We ’ re creating an environment that ’ s safe for them to figure it out .”

PROGRAMMING WITH MERCY

While it ’ s been many years since the Sisters oversaw residence life on campus , today ’ s programming model is inspired by their work .

“ When I went through our Mission Leadership Academy , my project was to change our residence life programming model to a Core Value-based model ,” said Michelle . “ So today , the RAs create programs focused on the Core Values and the Critical Concerns . Students are learning a lot about what ‘ Mercy in Action ’ means . We ’ ve had alumni come back and talk about how it ’ s influenced them in their careers when making decisions , thinking about purpose and leading meaningful lives . It ’ s something I ’ m really proud of .”

I was placed on 1 St . Brigid , which was predominantly occupied by seniors and members of the baseball team . I worried that the residents wouldn ’ t be interested in participating in floor activities , but I was pleasantly surprised when the guys requested a tie-dye social . We organized a social and the entire floor showed up . They took pride in their floor . I assisted them with relationship issues , coursework and even received help tying a tie . Fun fact : I still have the tied tie !

ROBERT NONEMACKER ’ 08

room and board for RAs in return for providing oversight and support for residents .

student support services and campus life activities for all students .

Students in dorm room , 1962 gmercyu . edu / 75years

1992 1993