ACU made its first residence hall specifically for Honors students this year and Smith-Adams Hall is adjusting to its new role in the ACU community.
The Honors housing program at Smith-Adams was piloted at freshman housing rates with a cost of $1,805 as opposed to the standard sophomore rate of $2,025. Unlike other sophomores, Smith-Adams residents were able to bypass the lottery system by signing up through the Honors College. Honors students were also able to invite non-Honors students to live in Smith-Adams.
“I’ve really enjoyed the staff and the community that I’ve found with all the people that are there,” said Zach Miller, sophomore accounting major from Boerne. “I like how they’ve integrated it not just with Honors students, but with non-Honors students as well.”
Smith-Adams has approximately 100 residents, about half of which are Honors students.
One of the first major events hosted at Smith-Adams this semester was Honorsfest. Traditionally, the Honors College has sponsored a retreat for its students early in the semester. This year, however, the Honors College prioritized strengthening and promoting the community at Smith-Adams. Honorsfest featured dinner and live performances from several on-campus musical groups. Smith-Adams welcomed students from all classes and residence halls.
Additionally, the Honors College and Residence Life have continued to collaborate on ways they can highlight Smith-Adams as ACU’s Honors dorm. Several rooms have been set aside for cooperative projects, including a room devoted to the Red Thread Movement.
“There are initiatives to have different speakers come in, to do Chapel out here for Honors College and to provide different opportunities to work on projects together,” said Angela Neal, Smith-Adams resident director.
Neal said that an important factor in Residence Life is to promote conversation beyond what is being discussed in the classroom. Within an already established community such as the Honors College, it’s hoped that discussion and learning within the dorm will be even more viable.
“We’re coming alongside it and saying, ‘Hey, let’s do it some more, lets provide more space to have those conversations and let’s bring in more opportunities so that you’re not having to go away to find space to do it, its coming to you.'”
