TABS: An Introduction to the Reslife World at Boarding School
WHAT TO EXPECT
Especially designed for residential life faculty and staff new to boarding school. Through research, best practices and case studies, we’ll offer the coaching and mentoring needed to find success on your campus.
Connect and collaborate with other new residential life teachers/faculty to learn from panels of experienced school administrators from a cross section of schools.
Gain a sharper understanding of what it means to work in a boarding school and explore best practice and research around residential life.
Unit 1 – The Contemporary Boarding School
• Boarding Schools Today
• Understanding School Culture
• What Makes Boarding School Special?
The objective of the first week is to introduce course participants to boarding schools today. The unit begins with the biggest of pictures: becoming familiar with the history, values, culture, and mission of boarding schools. Participants then learn about the global community of boarding schools, the ties that bind us together and what makes them special. Participants then discuss findings and engage in case studies.
Unit 2 – Working at School
• Working as an Advisor and Dorm Parent
• Creating an Inclusive Residential Environment
• Red Flags, Sexual Misconduct, and Student Discipline
Here, participants focus on working at school, setting boundaries and avoiding sticky situations. They explore research related to being a dorm parent and advisor, and hear from current faculty about their strategies to create an inclusive and diverse residential environment. Participants also explore potential red flags and discuss sexual misconduct prevention. At the end of the unit, participants discuss findings and engage in case studies.
Unit 3 – Life on Campus
• Having a Life & Living on Campus
• Boarding Schools Evolving
From having beer in your fridge to prioritizing personal vs. professional commitments, in the final unit of the course participants explore having a personal life while living on campus. Participants are also asked to take a moment for introspection and write a letter to themselves setting goals for the rest of the year.
Members: $445
Non-members: $575