Theme Creation 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 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 for clarity before the deadline.
• Work with the theme-living group to set learning objectives for each semester.
• Attend at least one theme-community program or event each semester.

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

• Theme Living Application
• Theme Living Housing Commitment Form
• Theme Advisor Agreement

Groups should submit all forms by 5 p.m. on the second Monday in December. Approval of proposals will be determined by professional staff in the Office of Residence Life. Approval will be for the 2025-2026 academic year only.