Current Residents

Life in Santa Cruz and Anacapa Villages

Thank you for choosing Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages as your home away from home. With residents like you, Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages have become a thriving student community with a multitude of co-curricular activities and fun social events. Please take a moment to look through this site and find out about upcoming events and ways you can participate in your housing community. As a resident of student housing, you are encouraged to get involved in how your home looks and feels, and in the activities that take place here. There are many ways for residents to make an impact on the community, each with a varying degree of responsibility and time commitment. College is a wonderful time of growth and identity formation for most students. Take this time to explore your interests and build your confidence and capabilities. There is always something going on to help you get connected. Watch for event notices on your door and on floor bulletin boards.

We want to hear from you so please feel free to give us feedback. Each resident has one or more Residence Hall Association (RHA) representatives on their floor that are elected for the sole purpose of taking resident suggestions and making them a reality. Your Resident Assistant (RA) has been trained to help you assimilate into your new environment in student housing and to assist you on your journey through college. The office of Housing and Residential Education (HRE) makes every effort to anticipate and accommodate your needs so that Anacapa and Santa Cruz Villages are a welcoming community for you and the other residents.

Drop by either the Anacapa or Santa Cruz Village office and let us know how you feel. There is a suggestion box on the wall that is checked regularly. This is your home; help us make your student housing experience something meaningful and fun!

One of the first nights in housing and we are making friends already.

Roommates

Your roommates have been assigned to you based on your answers to the housing application and on available space. Your roommates can become your best friends and help you through the experience of growing during your college years. They will offer you support while studying for finals, choosing your major, and making important life decisions. Take the time to be available for them. Plan roommate nights together. Make grocery store trips with each other. Clean the apartment together. These are the simple things that will help you to form a strong friendship.

Conflict Resolution

Living with others requires consideration and accommodation – put four new people together, and some negotiation of expectations is inevitable. Good roommate relationships require honest and sensitive communication and willingness to compromise. Please use the guide below to aid in developing strong and effective roommate relationships.

1. Talking it through
Inevitably, you will be displeased with something your roommate does, and vice versa.  Commit to working it out verbally and do not give in to the temptation to talk behind someone else’s back.  This will backfire, causing even more problems and making it even more difficult to come to a reasonable resolution.

Don’t put off addressing a problem. Being “nice” and avoiding the problem does not help either one of you since your problem remains and your roommate is likely blissfully unaware that they are causing a problem for you.  Don’t ever assume that your roommate should know that the situation would bother you – speak up directly and sensitively about your concerns and your needs.  If you are struggling with the right approach, your RA is a great resource.  Don’t let a small problem turn into a big one. Address your issues as they arise.

2. Look for win-win solutions
The worst roommate conflicts are ones in which one or both sides have decided that there is only one right way to view the situation.  A majority of problems can be solved with compromise.  Find a solution in which all parties involved will benefit.  In this way, problem solving will be much easier now, and it will open the door to good resolution of problems in the future.

3. Agree to disagree
A difference in opinion can be fine, as long as you choose to respect one another’s perspectives.  Don’t pass judgment, for there are always at least two sides to an issue.

4. Direct communication
Most roommates will find it necessary to leave notes for one another on such issues as where they are and when they’ll be home, that someone stopped by to see them, that you need something at the store, etc.  So it’s important to agree on what to do with phone messages and updates on what’s happening with people in the apartment.

However, when you use a written message to solve a conflict, it typically results in miscommunication and confusion.  Direct face-to-face communication is always best when it comes to solving problems.  Listed below are some communication strategies when seeking to resolve conflict:

• Use “I” statements.  Sitting down with your roommate and saying, “I felt upset when I didn’t get the message that my mother called” is very different from saying, “You upset me when you didn’t give me my mother’s message.”  Taking ownership of your feelings removes the blaming tone from your statements and puts your roommate less on the defensive. People listen better when they don’t feel attacked.
• Don’t argue in the heat of the moment. You are bound to say things you will regret. Let yourself cool off to get your thoughts together and you will wind up being much more rational and productive. If you feel like yelling, screaming, throwing something, hitting, or all of the above, get help!  Your RA is a phone call away.
• Don’t use your white board or Post-it notes as a weapon! Talk in person if you have a problem to discuss. Things will always go better if you take the time to meet face to face. Written messages result in miscommunication of the emotion behind the statement. Don’t leave room for misinterpretation; talk to your roommate instead.

Your RA can help.  If you and your roommate cannot resolve an issue yourselves, ask your RA for assistance.  RAs receive hours of training each year in topics like roommate conflicts, conflict resolution and mediation, emergency response, and cultural awareness.  RAs can be mediators and are qualified to help resolve many common roommate concerns. Do not hesitate to ask your RA for help when you need it.

Room Change Period

We take very seriously the charge to create an inclusive and educational environment for students in Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages.  One of the responsibilities of students is to maturely respond to problems and identify workable solutions.  This is important when facing any challenge at CSUCI; it is definitely needed when dealing with difficult roommate situations.

Upon moving in, it is natural to go through a period of adjustment and negotiation with your roommates. Expectations are high and if roommate conflicts do occur, concerns about this are often unduly intensified in the early days of the semester.  For this reason, and to insure that we are able to effectively accommodate all students who desire housing in the first two weeks of classes, room changes are not permitted until the third week of each semester. This is to allow everyone an opportunity to get settled and accustomed to their new roommates and environment before concluding that the problem is unworkable.

If after reasonable efforts to resolve concerns you are unable to do so and would like to request a room change, you may do so during the third week of classes. During this time you may request to move into a specific room, or be paired up with one of your friends, or simply be relocated to another open room. Room change requests that are granted during this period are made without charge to the resident. Room change requests will be granted based on adequate cause and available space. After the third week room changes will be permitted at the assistant resident director’s discretion.

The Staff of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Villages

There are many people employed in both Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages to help you through your college experience. Please take the time to talk to these individuals so that they may offer suggestions, tell you about campus services, or help you out when you run up against a difficult situation. They are all here to help you; allow them the opportunity.

Assistant Resident Directors (ARDs)

• Kyle Boone – Anacapa Village
• Amy Woodmansee – Santa Cruz Village

The assistant resident director (ARD) is the full-time professional who lives in each village. The ARD’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all residents, supervise the RAs, plan programs for the village where they work, and assist residents with problems as they arise.  The ARD also maintains occupancy, enforces community guidelines and procedures, and adjudicates resident conduct cases.

Administrative Support Coordinator

• Laurita Franklin

The administrative support coordinator manages our central office in HRE.  If you have questions about your housing status, work orders, events, or upcoming changes, stop by the front desk and speak with one of our staff.

Night Desk Clerk

• Diana Venegas

The night owls who have visited the office in the wee hours of the morning know the night clerk. The night clerk is here to help you with any late night requests, housing concerns, or provide assistance should there be any late night emergencies. The office is always open so please stop by at any hour to receive help.

Resident Assistants (RAs)

Each resident has a Resident Assistant, commonly referred to as an RA, on their floor. An RA is a full-time student who provides assistance in your living situation and helps you navigate the University so that you have a full and positive academic and social experience at CSUCI.  RAs are here to help you as you transition to college life and to offer guidance and support along the way. They will frequently stop by your apartment to make sure you are excelling in your classes, are having a good time with your roommates, and that you are aware of the upcoming events and activities that help you learn more and enjoy your experience here.

The RAs plans events for you throughout the year. These events help you build more relationships, but they will also provide you with some important life skills. Be on the look-out for fun social events and engaging educational programs. There are also competitions, dances and parties to attend. Ask your RA for a list of the upcoming events.

The RAs have been chosen because they have shown dedication to CSUCI and their fellow students, have demonstrated a willingness to help others, and possess leadership abilities, creativity, and great time management skills. If you are interested in serving as a Resident Assistant next year, please contact Dr. Aaron Hart at aaron.hart@csuci.edu.

Desk Assistants

The Desk Assistants are full-time students who work in the Commons. They are here to help the professional staff with the maintenance and upkeep of Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages. The Desk Assistants are your first point of information when you have a question about student housing. Desk Assistants work diligently to make sure that all questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. If you are a resident of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Village and you would like an on-campus job, please stop by the office to see if we have any openings.  We’ll hire most of our staff positions in the spring for the upcoming fall semester, and leave a few open for incoming freshmen, so watch for information on the search process in the early part of the fall and spring semesters.

Program Assistants

Along with a RA and Resident Hall Association representatives, you also have a Program Assistant on your floor. The Program Assistant is employed to ensure that all residents receive ample notice of events and opportunities so that they may participate in activities on campus and in Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages. Your program assistant will stop by your room weekly to let you know about events and to get your ideas for future activities.

Application Process

Current residents may apply to live on campus next year on March 1. We will guarantee housing to returning students who file their housing applications by March 15, 2008 AND have made their initial payment for fall by June 1, 2008.  After this time, priority will revert to new students and returning students may be granted housing on a space-available basis.  We strongly encourage all current residents who are interested in living on-campus for the next academic year to submit an application during the Returning Resident Sign Up Period from March 1 – 15, 2008. When you apply, you will be given the option of including the names of your preferred roommates and your preferred room. Please remember that roommate requests must be mutual in order to be honored.

All applications must be submitted online. If you need help with your application, please visit the HRE office so that one of our staff members may assist you.

Events for the Villagers

Resident Hall Association (RHA)

The Resident Hall Association (RHA) creates events specifically for the village residents.  Whether it is a spaghetti feast in the Commons or a BBQ and Jacuzzi adventure, RHA wants you to have a great time while you live in Anacapa or Santa Cruz Village.   Not only does RHA plan events for you to enjoy, they are here to propose changes to better your on-campus experience.  Please tell your RHA representative about your ideas for new events or for changes and improvements for the villages. 

The residents enjoy the fruits of the RHA’s hard work: longer pool hours.

RHA hosts the Spaghetti Feast for all residents. For most residents it provided a much missed home-cooked meal.

Floor Wars

All floors are not created equal. Is your floor the best? Some will excel academically; others will excel in service hours or free-throw contests. Do you have a contest that you would like to challenge another floor to? Make it known; throw down the gauntlet. How many floor wars can you win?

Building Wars

There are occasions when the contest is too great for one floor to handle alone. At this time it is necessary to join forces. There are some instances when the entire building must band together to triumph over the mission at hand. Do you want to get your entire building to work together? Let your RA or RHA representative know.

Floor A2 gets together to catch up on all the new activities that are planned.

Community Living

Resident ABCs Manual

Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages are a community of students. Each student is pursuing his or her academic and co-curricular interests. We must live together with integrity and respect for one another. The standard of community must be shared among all members of the Anacapa/Santa Cruz community. These standards are outlined in your Resident ABCs Manual. In your manual you will find community living standards that all residents are required to uphold. Please look through the ABCs so that you are aware of the conduct that you will be responsible for maintaining.

Resident ABCs Manual 2008-09 (PDF, 291KB)

Judicial Process

It is necessary to set and maintain a standard of conduct in any community. Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages have a set of guidelines that allows a large number of students to live together harmoniously, while respecting one another and the facilities where they live. These expectations are outlined in the Resident ABCs Manual, along with information about the consequences of failing to comply with them.

Whenever students violate these guidelines, it is an offense to the community as well as a violation of the student housing license agreement.  In an effort to honor all residents of Anacapa and Santa Cruz villages and provide for due process, we are committed to handling alleged infractions quickly and fairly.  This process occurs via a judicial meeting, more commonly known as a hearing.

There are four possible avenues for residents to have their case heard. Depending on the severity of alleged behavior, the resident will be called to speak before one of the following parties:

• The Judicial Board
• The Assistant Resident Director
• The Assistant Director for Residential Education
• The Dean of Students

Notification of Hearing

Students who are documented for violations of HRE and/or University policy will be documented by the staff member who responds to the incident.  This report is then delivered to and reviewed by the Assistant Director for Residential Education (AD).  The AD reviews the report and decides the appropriate hearing avenue for the case.  Once this is determined, a Notification of Hearing letter will be generated to the student requiring that they meet with either the Judicial Board or one of the Hearing Officers in HRE.  This letter will give a brief statement of the alleged behavior and the corresponding charges of policy violation.  The letter will also include instructions about how, when, and with whom to set up the hearing.

HRE and University Hearing Officers

Judicial Board

The Judicial Board is a group of student volunteers who have expressed the desire to serve the community of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Village by upholding the community standards. These students will convene to hear and decide on cases where a violation has occurred, but does not place housing privileges or a student’s status in jeopardy.  Essentially, this means that residents will see the Judicial Board for step one and two level violations. The Judicial Board was created so that jury members may participate in upholding community standards, and so students have their cases heard by a jury of their peers.

In Judicial Board hearings, a resident charged with a violation will have the opportunity to hear the charges for which he or she is accused. The resident then will be given an opportunity to voice a plea of “responsible” or “not responsible” and explain their case. The Judicial Board will ask questions for further clarification and then excuse the student while deliberations take place. Students will receive both the decision of the Judicial Board and the sanction at the time of the hearing. If a student would like to appeal the decision of the Judicial Board, he/she may do so by scheduling an appeal with the assistant resident director.

All officers of the Judicial Board are required to keep all proceedings confidential. If a student feels that his/her right to a confidential hearing has been violated, he/she should  alert the office of Housing and Residential Education.

Each floor has one representative that sits on the Judicial Board. If a student is interested in serving on the Judicial Board, he/she should contact their RA, another Judicial Board officer, or a professional housing staff member. We are always looking for more students to serve as leaders in the judicial process.

Assistant Resident Director

Cases that are more serious or sensitive in nature are heard by professional staff. Infractions that are level three or four or have compounded to those levels are heard by the assistant resident director (ARD). In a hearing with the ARD, the student will have the opportunity to hear the charge against him/her and state their case. The student may desire to have witnesses testify on their behalf, which is his/her right. All disciplinary cases that are adjudicated by the ARD undergo two separate meetings. One meeting is the opportunity to hear the case, and the second meeting is to hear the outcome of the case. If a student would like to appeal the decision of the assistant resident director, he/she may do so by requesting a meeting with the assistant director for Residential Education.

Assistant Director for Residential Education (AD)

The assistant director for Residential Education (AD) will hear appeals to decisions of the ARD, as well as cases that are grounds for removal from housing.  The AD may, at their discretion, choose to hear a case at any level where students are alleged to have been uncooperative or disrespectful to student or professional staff at any time during the process.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students will hear step five and six cases.  Generally, cases at this level also involve a violation of the CSU Student Code of Conduct (Title V).  In these cases, the assistant director will prepare and deliver an initial report to the Dean of Students for review and hearing.  At the same time, the AD will send a letter to the student requesting an informal meeting to discuss the charges and the process.  This meeting does not constitute a hearing and is designed primarily to inform and prepare the student for their hearing with the Dean.

If the Dean of Students accepts the case based upon the report, the student will receive a Notice of Hearing letter from the Campus Hearing Officer.  More information is available about the campus judicial process on the Judicial Affairs web page and in the Judicial Affairs section of the Student Guidebook.