Office of Residence Life

Theme Creation Process

The Office of Residence Life offers students a unique housing opportunity called Theme Living. Students can submit a proposal for a new theme community using the New Theme Application process.

The purpose of the new Theme Application is to create a new living community based on, but not limited to, broadly conceived interdisciplinary intellectual interests beyond the classroom in the arts and sciences, local or national community service, salient identity, and/or social or political interests of a wide variety (including international affairs, gender, or sexuality). Space on a floor or section of a residence hall will be offered to new Theme Living communities.

Please refer to the guidelines for submitting a New Housing Theme Application.  

Groups are required to have an Oberlin College Faculty and/or Staff member as an official advisor. The advisor is expected to:

  • Plan and implement with students at least one program or event per semester
  • Collaborate with other themes (where applicable) to organize an event that would further engage the community at large, academically, socially, and professionally
  • Assist the group if a conflict arises between the group and the larger community
  • Meet with a professional staff member in ResLife before the application is submitted and once each semester
  • Provide guidance to the Resident Assistant (RA) for the theme on programming, community building and reflection.
  • Attend at least one theme community programming event (hosted by the theme community RA) per semester

The responsibilities of the ResLife professional staff member overseeing the process will be to:

  • Assist the group through the application process, including reviewing applications before the deadline for clarity
  • Work with the theme living group to set learning objectives for each semester.
  • Attend at least one theme community program or event a semester.

Please fill out the forms below to complete the application process:

Groups should submit all forms by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 9th, 2024. Approval of the proposal will be determined by professional staff in the Office of Residence Life. Approval will be for the 2025-2026 academic year only.