Ohio Wesleyan University is widely regarded for how its smaller, intimate campus size has contributed to its ability to foster a close-knit, welcoming, and inclusive community. Whether it be through Greek life organizations, getting involved in campus sports, or even organizations such as the Black Student Union, there are countless ways for students to branch out and find their passion.
But what happens when you feel like you need something more? When you desire to be a part of an even closer-knit community, where you’re able to meet and live amongst individuals who share your passion for environmental activism, a similar cultural heritage, or even a similar faith-based background.
SLUs, also known as Single Living Units, are singular housing units. The purpose of a SLU is to unite a community through a shared purpose and mission that is fundamentally unique to each house.
Ohio Wesleyan’s campus currently has 8 SLUs in total; Citizens of the World (CoW), Creative Arts House, House of Linguistic Diversity (HOLD), LA CASA, Interfaith House, Service, Engagement and Leadership House (SEAL), Sexuality and Gender Equality House (SAGE), and Tree House. These campus SLUs are known to be some of the most diverse and inclusive communities that OWU has to offer, and now OEU is offering the chance for students to submit proposals for the installation of a new SLU.
I recently spoke with some members of both SAGE and HOLD, who gave some insight on what motivated them to pursue joining their respective SLUs, and what they feel is lacking within the current community.
“I heard about SAGE when I first started applying to colleges, and one of the main reasons that I chose OWU is because of this house” This statement comes from Lillie Coates, a Senior at Ohio Wesleyan. Now in their third year of residing within SAGE, Coates expressed a deep interest in joining SAGE prior to attending OWU due to the house’s commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion.
“I didn't even know that I was queer when I came to OWU,” Says Hailey Wyse, current senior at OWU and current residential mod of SAGE.” I felt really isolated my freshman year, but I was encouraged by one of SAGE’s former members to join and after my interview, it really felt like I was joining a family.”
On college campuses across America, students a part of the LGBTQ+ community often face discrimination and isolation, but here at OWU students are embraced for their differences.
“There’s a very strong community here, and we’re always checking in with each other and asking how can we take care of one another, how can we support each other,” Says Coates,” There’s just a sense of community that you can’t really get in the dorms.”
One of the primary reasons students get involved in SLU is because it gives them the opportunity to experience college life with individuals who they can connect with on a fundamental level.
“Being a part of a SLU brings you into a tight-knit community on campus that’s really hard to find anywhere else.’ Says OWU junior Arianna Morris, who is currently in her second year residing within HOLD.” I joined primarily for the experience of living with people who shared my interests.”
With SLU proposals opening recently, the question has been posed by the OWU administration: What’s next? With proposal applications for a brand new SLU now open, it brought up the question to students about what sort of community at OWU is deserving of their own living space.
Speaking with Students already involved in SLU life, I inquired about what sort of communities they felt were lacking a designated space within the SLU community.
“In my opinion, the House of Black Culture deserves to be updated to SLU status.” Said Coates on the topic.” It’s a very culturally significant part of OWU and in my mind, I’ve always seen it as a SLU.”
While the House of Black Culture has never been formally adorned with the SLU status by OWU’s residential life, there is no denying that designated living space for OWU’s black student population is not an idea that many would oppose.
In similar terms, some students feel that adding more designated housing communities for students of color and international students would help to foster a more culturally inclusive a
“One potential idea could be a house for international students,” Says Morris.” While there are already houses like COW and HOLD that account for diverse minority populations, there’s always room for expansion.”
Applications for SLU proposals close on December 18th, so make sure your voice and perspectives are heard on what you feel should be added to OWU’s residential life.
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