Residence Requirements
Although the routine of the house is largely unstructured, residents are required to participate in a variety of activities related to community living. These activities, which require an average of five hours per week, include the annual house retreat and performance of regular house chores that include weekly kitchen duties. In addition, participation in quarterly house "work days," which last approximately four hours, is required.
Students requesting living space must also agree to abide by the Residence Program’s three "moral issue" rules. First, residents agree not to participate in illegal or irresponsible drinking or drug use. Second, unmarried men and women agree to refrain from sexual behavior. And third, residents agree to treat one another with kindness.
Residents are free to pursue their lives and relationships in the house in an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement. Because the staff and faculty of Gutenberg College are committed to creating an environment conducive to students learning to make adult decisions on their own, what the Residence Program requires—and does not require—of students has been carefully considered. The absence of some rules to regulate individual choices should not be interpreted as disregard or lack of concern for the importance of such decisions; on the contrary, individual choices, such as smoking, legal drinking, or watching films, are vitally important. Because these decisions are so important, the Residence Program seeks to provide an environment where residents can decide for themselves on these issues and, in the process, learn about decision-making in an atmosphere supportive of their faith. Gutenberg’s Community Life and Services staff, as well as the general faculty, are always ready to provide their input and experience to help students make wise decisions for themselves. For more information about living at Gutenberg College, refer to the Resident Handbook. Students are asked to read it thoroughly before applying for residence.
