There are many departments that are apart of the Winthrop community such as the English, Mass Communications, Mathematics and Dance/ Theatre Departments which are all important when it comes to education, but when it comes to comfort that all lye's in the hands of the Department of Residence Life. This Department makes sure that students have a place of sanity where they can unwind and kick their feet up from a long day of classes and work, that gives them a since of feeling at home. in picking the RL department I decided that I need to speak with one of the head associates over the department to give me a greater insight on what exactly Residence Life does. Fortunately after dealing with clashing schedules I was able to interview John Timmons, The Assistant Director of Residence Life. Me: In knowing that you are the Assistant Director of Residence Life, here at Winthrop, could you please explain your duties?
Timmons: Yes, I have several major responsibilities, mainly I supervise the North area, which there are four residence Halls. Lee Wicker, West & East Thomson, Richardson and Wofford Halls which all have a Residential Learning Coordinator which I supervise.
For the educational component part, I am the instructor for the LEAD 128 class, and each person who wants to be a Residential Assistant must pass that course.
Other responsibilities that I have, on weekends there is a crew called The weekend SWARM crew and they are responsible for picking up the liter on the campus and making various delivers to certain residence halls.
Me: Do you believe that the academic success communities do better help the students?
Timmons: Yes, I think that it gives us a true connection with the academic sector of the University. Research has shown that more students can interact with faculty outside the residence halls tends to increase their grade point averages as well as their retention rate. Ultimately we want every student to eventually graduate and it's good to have that informal contact with the faculty.
Me: Being that there is a mission statement for the RL department, do you believe in it as far as it saying it encourages and supports the academic development and success of each student?
Timmons: Yes, the academic component educates thee student to learn the theories, the facts they need to be, to have a level of being successful in their field but we all augment that by providing programs that deal with social types of competencies, everything from how to write a resume to how to conduct yourself during an interview to just getting along with people and working on a team.
After interviewing Mr. Timmons I received a greater insight on what all the Residence Life Department at Winthrop really does and the duties the staff holds.
To watch the full interview click here!
