Rodin College House: In-Depth
3901 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6135 • House Office: 215.573.3576
http://rodin.house.upenn.edu
"A bold spirit drives our House"
RODIN COLLEGE HOUSE is named for Penn’s seventh president, Dr. Judith Rodin, the first woman president in the Ivy League. That same bold spirit drives our House in many different ways. You see it in the bold and sometimes inventive, sometimes hilarious activities we plan, the colorful artwork that appears on our apartment windows facing Locust Walk, the robust week of programs we offer during Move-In, and the emphasis we place on both academic and personal integrity.
Student engagement is important here. Our residents manage the High Rise ‘N Shine Café and House Office (which offers faxing, copying, and DVD rentals), plus our computer lab with workstations and printing services. Members of the Rodin House Council (RHC) have a significant voice in creating policies and a full calendar of events. Students and staff host a bi-weekly study break called Tower Hour and serve First Sunday Brunch in the Rooftop Lounge. Other traditions include Faculty Master Super Bowl BBQ, Dinner and a Show with the Dean series, Welcome Week, Metropolitan Opera and Broadway trips, Residential Program Showcase, and serious participation in IM sports. Likewise, our faculty and staff are very involved, advising students and hosting events, and the House Dean serves as an academic advisor in The College.
New to the House in 2012-13 is a weekly series called Rodin_24: 24 Floors, 24 Topics, 1 House, where residents are able to invite members of the Penn community to participate in lively discussions over dinner. The House has also adopted a research agenda, where residents can become Rodin Scholars by participating in a series of workshops designed for any student engaged in writing a thesis or conducting research.
Currently, Rodin is for upperclass students only — and that makes us unique among the Houses — but there is no shortage of students who, after their freshman year, flock to live here. We developed the Sophomore Surge program a few years back to serve the social and career needs of second-year students, which has been a bona fide success.
After you’ve had a great freshman year on campus, you just might find a fantastic second year with us.
Coat of Arms and House Motto: Rodin's motto does not appear in Latin on its coat of arms; it is the straightforward English phrase To Be Rather Than to Seem. Esse quam videri is found in Cicero's essay "On Friendship," and it exemplifies the direct, friendly approach of those who work and live in Rodin College House.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT US
- - Our Residential Program Steering Board charts the course for our three programs
- - Our Research Committee holds a boot camp and “how-to” dinners for aspiring researchers
- - The College House Cup/IM Sports have become core events for many residents
(Anonymous) Student Quotes from past College House Surveys
"Everybody who lived in Rodin seemed to love it; I've met many people through various activities who live in Rodin and because so many people live here, it's nice to always see somebody I know. It's also a nice meeting place for get-togethers."
"My GA makes me feel welcome."
"Nice atmosphere, good people, good staff."
"House Dean and staff do a good job, but the students are very involved and active in helping to run the social aspect of their own residence."
"Although you get the peace and privacy that you need, people are always friendly and up for interaction when you want it. And Rodinites all love Rodin... at least I do!"
"I have been to may events held by Rodin College House, and all the faculty and staff are very enthusiastic and supportive."
"Rodin has the fastest and most reliable elevators out of all three high rises. It's the best!"
"I've lived here for three of my four years at Penn and overall I am very happy with Rodin and its staff. Thanks to all! I only wish it was a bit closer to my classes (on the other end of campus)!"
"All of my friends live at Rodin and we all love it. Rodin as a whole does a lot to support community spirit; it's just hard because there are so many different people."
"A New York trip we took was completely outstanding. Amazing tickets to two phenomenal shows for an amazing price. Go Rodin!"
"On the floor and in the elevators and common areas, Rodin residents are very courteous and open. Rodin-ites are very willing to strike up pleasant conversations with others, hold elevator doors, etc."
"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else on campus. I am an out-of-towner and Rodin has made school feel like home with its cozy study areas and warm community."
"The Thursday Tower Hours are especially good at demonstrating the awesomeness of Rodin. Everyone running them just seems to be a good mood and it's a really nice break on a Thursday night."
"Thanks for a great year! The sophomore dinner cruise was the best!"
"I’m happy with the events that the House Dean and Marissa (House Coordinator) have organized this year - eclectic and fun!"
"I have had a great experience in Rodin. Friendly atmosphere."
Residential Programs
 Jewish Cultural Studies ProgramThis new upperclass program offers students with an interest in Jewish Cultural Studies the opportunities to learn more about Jewish literature, history, culture, the modern American Jewish experience, and more. In addition to its academic curriculum, this program aims to serve as a bridge for dialogue and understanding between the program members and the broader Rodin College House community, whether Jewish or not, and the greater University community. Some proposed themes for this inaugural year include The 20th Century Jewish Experience, Israel and the American Jewish Psyche, and The Jewish Immigrant Experience. Planned activities include a summer reading project, a trip to Museum of American Jewish History, involvement in CHORDS days of service, student research presentations, Hanukkah Candle Lighting, participation in the House Charity Ping Pong Tournament, a Challah 4 Hunger charity event, dinners, lectures, movies, trips to local kosher eateries and more. The program will invite faculty of Jewish Studies, History, Religious Studies, and other departments for conversations with students. Programmatic partnerships with scholars at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies and Hillel staff at Steinhardt Hall (e.g., Rabbi Mike Uram and JLIC Rabbi Jonathan Shulman) will round out the activities. To apply: Interested students must write an essay detailing why they would be an asset to the program, and what they hope to get out of the experience. This program is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about the history and traditions of Jewish culture.  View on the Residential Programs page |
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Leadership Residential Program Located on the 14th floor, the Leadership Residential Program (LRP) provides upperclassmen with a unique opportunity to learn and practice the skills necessary for present and future leadership roles as well as hands-on opportunities to lead. Students are encouraged to assess their present leadership abilities, actively pursue personal leadership development and build meaningful relationships with other floor members through events, dinners, workshops, and social activities. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in Penn’s Fox Leadership Program by attending the Fox Program’s leadership events with guest speakers, service initiatives, leadership development workshops, and Fox courses. To apply: The application process will consist of an essay and/or an interview with the Program Director (GA). Students should contact the house office if they have questions about the program. The application is available on the Rodin College House website. View on the Residential Programs page |
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Musical Engagement in The Rodin Arts Collective (TRAC) The 9th floor is home to Rodin’s Musical Engagement Program. Open to students from any academic field, this program is made up of residents interested in listening to, performing, and composing music. Residents in this program will have access to private music practice rooms and study spaces where they will be able to work on their own pieces or collaborate with other members of the program. In addition, residents in this program will have access to a music composition computer station located in their floor lounge where they can transfer their pieces to the page. Residents participate in an informal monthly concert series for the College House. In addition, students in this program perform their own original pieces during a Fall and Winter concert for the entire Rodin community and record a CD each year. The Rodin College House Arts Collective (TRAC) is made of up students and staff who share an interest in the arts. TRAC will provide additional opportunities for students to attend different types of performances, lectures, workshops and arts-related trips. This program is not available to incoming freshmen. To apply: The application is available on the Rodin College House website. View on the Residential Programs page |
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Theatre Engagement in The Rodin Arts Collective (TRAC) The 11th floor is home to Rodin’s Theatre Engagement Program. Open to students from any academic field, this program is designed to bring together students with an interest in theater and dance. Explore acting, directing, improvisation, musical theater, and the list goes on. Residents will play a huge role in shaping this floor experience. Turn to your neighbor or House Dean to practice an audition monologue. Join a stress-breaking improv game night in your floor lounge. Enjoy various theater outings both on and off campus. Students in this program will also participate in a series of impromptu performances called "Rodin Happenings" and join in the planning of our Residential Program Showcase. The Rodin College House Arts Collective (TRAC) is made of up students and staff who share an interest in the arts. TRAC will provide additional opportunities for students to attend different types of performances, lectures, workshops and arts-related trips. This program is not available to incoming freshmen. To apply: The application is available on the Rodin College House website. |
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Visual Arts Engagement in The Rodin Arts Collective (TRAC) The 23rd floor is home to Rodin’s Visual Arts Engagement Program. Open to students from any academic field, this program is designed to bring together students with an interest in the visual arts as they relate to communication and popular culture. The shape of this floor experience will depend on the creativity of its inhabitants. Residents will have the opportunity to work with local community arts groups, visit exhibits in museums and galleries, explore professions in the arts world including the work of curators and arts managers. Residents will be able to rely on fellow residents, the RA, and House Fellow on the floor for portfolio creation and review. Workspace will be set aside for art making and exhibition space will be available on the floor and throughout the house. Members of the program will participate and host an art opening in conjunction with other TRAC capstone events. Highlights of the program include the new 23 Gallery, a gallery space on the floor for exhibition of student work. Each resident is encouraged to submit 2-3 pieces of art. The Rodin College House Arts Collective (TRAC) is made of up students and staff who share an interest in the arts. TRAC will provide additional opportunities for students to attend different types of performances, lectures, workshops and arts-related trips. This program is not available to incoming freshmen. To apply: The application is available on the Rodin College House website. View on the Residential Programs page |
Staff in Residence
Faculty Master |
Prof. Jay Reise |
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Associate Master |
Ms. Cecilia Paredes-Reise |
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House Dean |
Mr. Ryan Keytack |
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College House Fellow |
Prof. Emily Dolan |
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College House Fellow |
Dr. Tanya Jung |
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House Coordinator |
To be determined |
Population
Total number of residents: 815
Freshmen in residence: 0
Number of GAs: 16
Number of RAs: 8
Roomtypes
Mostly apartment style, with efficiencies, 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments with living room, bath, and most with kitchen or kitchenette. This House is not available to freshmen.
Dining Location
Class of 1920 Commons
