By Shernide Delva

When most freshmen start their first year of college living in a residence hall, they
expect to live among other freshmen, not their professor. Florida Atlantic University
introduced its first Faculty in Residence program to Parliament Hall, its newest
freshman residence hall. The goal of the Faculty and Residence program was to be
a bridge between students, faculty and the rest of the FAU community, with the
intent of helping freshman students thrive in their college experience. Eager for an
opportunity to connect with students, Charles Dukes, Associate Professor in the
Department of Exceptional Student Education, took on the role. Nearly one year
since Parliament Halls ribbon cutting ceremony, Dukes believes the FIR program
has potential for growth and increased promotion.
On Aug. 19, 2013, FAUs Department of Housing and Residential Life officially
opened Parliament Hall, its new 614 bed residence hall on the Boca Raton campus.
The residence hall was intended to build on FAUs plan to encourage more students
to live on campus.
Students who live on campus graduate at a higher rate and are more active
alumni." Charles Brown, senior vice president of public affairs, stated last year in
the Sun Sentinel.
Parliament Hall prides itself on its uniqueness with features such as a fitness
center, view of the Atlantic Ocean on the top floor, and onsite dining hall. Parliament
Hall is the only residence hall on FAU campus to offer the FIR program.
Adam Schwarz, Assistant Director for Residential Life, evaluated resumes and
looked over several applicants before choosing Dukes to lead the position for the
newly constructed freshmen residence hall. Schwarz stated the purpose of
Parliament Hall was to create a specific environment for its residents. Schwarz
stated the Parliament Hall was built with the Faculty and student in mind noting how
the FIR program was conceptualized before construction ever began.
As part of the program, Dukes receives benefits such as free housing, parking and a
meal plan. He also has a lighter course load to due to working an average of 15-20
hours per week on the FIR program. Dukes lives in an apartment style room on the
first floor of Parliament Hall separate from where the freshmen students live. The
only awkward moments Dukes avoids is doing his laundry, which he now conceals in
garbage bags and making sure not to leave his room in his bathrobe. Otherwise,
Dukes stated being comfortable with the arrangement
Freshman Criminal Justice major Geraldin Siriany and Biological Sciences major
Denesha Brown have have lived in Parliament Hall for nearly a month and when
asked, both were uncertain about the FIR program and were unable to recall ever
meeting Charles Dukes. Brown recalled Dukes name from the summer activity

handouts posted throughout Parliament hall. Both agreed that more activities for
freshman, especially during the summer semester were desired.
Schwarz recognizes the challenges to create global recognition of the FIR program
among the freshman in the Parliament Hall. Both Schwarz and Dukes believe that
they could do more as far as promoting the program. Dukes discussed activities
such as those mentioned on the FIR activity sheet: Chips and Chat, Night at the
Movies and David and Goliath Reading Circle were among the few. Dukes
mentioned his weakness in social media due to not being an avid social media
user hindered his ability to use social media as a platform to promote the program.
Dukes believe he will most likely continue his role as an FIR for one more two-year
term. Hes cautious on continuing the role for too long, however, believing that the
program can only thrive if other professors are able to have the opportunity to be a
part of and contribute to the FIR program.
If I keep running it, it will be what Charles Duke wants it to be Dukes stated.
For now, Dukes will continue to enjoy the access to students and opportunity to talk
to students from different majors and hopes to have some impact on some
students years from when they graduate from FAU.