Cultural House Application Process
What is the Cultural House?
The Cultural House should provide opportunities to engage students in dialogue around topics of social justice, diversity, inclusion, and civility.
What is the application process?
For the Cultural House, there is a two-step application process. Individual Applications should be submitted prior to the deadline. Once individual applications are received, the Office of Residence Life will create Language House groups from the individual applications. The groups will then create their own programming plan for the academic year and submit the group application by the deadline. The Office of Residence Life then reviews the group applications and the review committee invites select groups to present their proposal. Language House selection is based on the quality and strength of the application, the commitment and organization of the house members to service, and the group presentation.
When is the deadline to apply?
The individual application deadline is Friday, January 30 at 5:00pm. The group application deadline is Friday, February 27 at 5:00pm. All applications must be submitted to the Residence Life Central Office, located in the Ladd Center, by that time in order to be considered.
What are the requirements for application and participation?
Students applying for Cultural House must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA and be in good academic and discipline standing with the College. Cultural House is only available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students applying are subject to a review of academic and conduct records. Each participant must provide a letter of recommendation from a Berry College faculty or staff member. During the academic year, participants must remain in good standing and exhibit behavior conducive to the service environment.
Is there a minimum number of residents?
Due to residential spaces available for themed housing, each applying team must have 6 prospective residents. Each team must also have 2-3 alternates for their team.
What are my housing options?
The Cultural House is located in Robinwood Cottage, located behind Morton/Lemley.
What are the expectations ofthe Cultural House?
- At least one program with the Multicultural and International Student Programs office and/or the Language House per semester.
- Execute 2additional programs each semester
- One event must be hosted in the group’s residential space
- Participate in Berry College-sponsored Service Days (ex. Make A Difference Day and MLK Service Day)
- One member of each cottage will serve on the Community Education Committee
- Host Christmas in the Cottages
- Promotion and advertisement of themed housing
- Participation in Themed Housing application process to showcase house’s initiatives
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings
- Meet with House Mentor once a month
- Meet with members of your specific house twice a month
- Each participant will be asked to provide reflection and/or evaluation of the program throughout the year
Selection Timeline:
- January 30: Individual Applications Due
- February 27: Group Applications Due
- March 2-6: Selected Applicants Invited to Interviews/Interviews Scheduled
- March 16-20: Group Presentations
- March 24: Cultural House Placement Communicated
- March 27: Decision Letters due to the Office of Residence Life
Placement of Cultural House applicants will be concluded before Room Selection. If you are not selected to participate in the Language House, you will use your lottery number to go through Room Selection on April 12th-14th.
If you need assistance in preparing your application, please contact Dr. Tasha Toy at or Trish Wiggins at .
Office of Residence Life
Please complete the following application, print this page, and return to the Office of Residence Life, located in the Ladd Center.
First & Last Name:
Berry College ID#:
Current Class Standing:
Preferred Group Members (put n/a if you do not have preferences):
Please attach your personal commitment to cultural awareness and inclusion in regards to social justice, diversity, inclusion, and civility.
Please attach letter of recommendation from a Berry College faculty or staff member.
Please return to the Office of Residence Life, Ladd Center,
byJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:00pm