Residential Experience and Learning Model

Housing and Residence Life is committed to offering students an engaging residential experience that offers student learning and development. To ensure this commitment is brought to life, the Residential Experience and Learning Model (REALM) was created. REALM is a curricular approach to student development and was created with experts across campus.

In alignment with the universities mission, the mission of Student Life, and the Florida Four educational goals, Housing and Residence Life's priority is for students to live, learn and lead in the residence halls.

We strive to provide residents with exciting and innovative ways to connect, learn, and grow during their time as a resident. By partnering with the Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) for their annual Residence Hall Week, we are able to provide engagement opportunities for students to connect with each other and to the greater campus community.

An individual's perception of achievement varies from person to person and even by semester. To guide students to achieve their personal academic achievement goals we first advocate for each student to identify their own unique needs. Then foster engagement opportunities aimed to strengthen the relationship between students, their needs, and to become familiar with campus resources that can aid in academic support.

Examples include study skills, academic integrity, time management, developing and maintaining healthy habits, stress management, and peer work groups.

Connecting with campus resources that support a student's interest, career or academic discipline has proven to foster creativity and propel confidence through collaboration.

Housing helps students connect to resources and encourages students to get involved in organizations to challenge them and explore new skills, develop and hone their leadership and communication skills, and development both intrinsically and extrinsically. Housing and Residence Life works closely with the Career Connections Center, and other campus partners to assist students in achieving their future career goals.

Practicing components of wellness such as living an active lifestyle, mindfulness, time management, and proper sleep habits enables students to achieve higher levels of satisfaction and resiliency during periods of stress. Housing and Residence Life works closely with GatorWell Health Promotion Services and other campus partners to help students evaluate appropriate resources regarding their sexual health and consent, understand the impacts of drugs/alcohol, identify and maintain a healthy physical and mental state, and incorporate two wellness foundations into their routine.