Residence
Hall Theme Areas:
In addition to co-ed general interest housing, Merrill has a variety of housing options for students. Our housing options are based on individual backgrounds, lifestyle preferences, and academics. These options serve to compliment a student's experience on his or her hall. Hall activities are open to all Merrill students regardless of where they reside. We are aware that our students are from a variety of backgrounds and we make an effort to make our halls welcoming to all students.
Students on this floor will benefit from living with other academically focused students/science majors to help form study groups. They typically house students who prefer a more studious environment.
Merrill Residential Life in conjunction with the Native American Affinity Council is sponsoring the Indigenous Hall located in Merrill C Dorm. This House will house the Frosh/Transfer American Indian Cohort, and their allies. This hall will have planned programs with the American Indian Resource Center, Native American Faculty and regional tribal leaders. Possible activities will include a trip to the Bay Area American Indian Film Festival, guest speakers, and the opportunity to dialogue about current global Indigenous' Rights issues. This will be a substance free living space."
This floor allows women the opportunity to get to know one another in an all-female environment.
The Audre Lorde (lesbian poet/author) hall was established to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) awareness and to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for both queer identified students and allies. The hall tailors its programming to meet the needs of GLBT students and anyone who values diversity.
Students who choose Merrill's Honors Program will be housed within the same area. Students will benefit from continued contact with their fellow honors students outside of the classroom.
Students who choose this option may be interested in a wide variety of activities and academic areas. Some are students who simply enjoy being outdoors, some are athletes who participate in everything from hiking and kayaking, to rugby or water polo.
Students wishing to live in an environment free of fragrance, tobacco, alcohol, and the possibility of illegal substances are encouraged to consider this option. Residents in substance free areas agree not to bring any substances into the areas, and also agree not to be in the area while "under the influence."
Students who select this hall may be interested in film as a possible major or may just enjoy watching and discussing movies as a hobby. This themed area is ideal for residents who might enjoy events such as a running Friday night movie, a guest lecture from a film professor who has first-hand experience in the industry, or a chance to participate in one of the independent film festivals that are hosted in Santa Cruz.
This hall would be ideal for residents who have an expressed interest in theater or the performing arts. This may include group outings to see Rainbow Theater (a student theater arts troupe on-campus), an organized trip into San Francisco to see a play or live dance performance on-stage, or a group discount to see one of the many performances offered by our Arts & Lectures department.
This housing option is a good choice for residents who wish to meet other students with a passion for the arts. This floor complements the Merrill Pottery Co-op, the only student-run pottery co-op on campus. In addition, members of this hall can share their talents in a variety of artistic media including performing music, painting murals, or sketching our beautiful campus. Activities on this floor will involve exploring the role of art and music in our daily lives.
Students on this hall will have the advantage of living with other residents of our community who are also interested in promoting social change. This environment will provide an opportunity for networking and becoming involved in social activism through participation in student organizations. Events on this floor may involve learning about the struggles of various groups or focus on one historical movement.
This floor's focus is generally on World Cultures, with the current residents choosing more specific areas of interest. Residents in this area may plan their next trip out of the country, their path to an Education Abroad field study or a program around global politics. Programming may include how to travel abroad, cultural food nights, guest speakers and movies.
