Shalom Mission
The Shalom Community pursues Biblical racial reconciliation relationally and institutionally to foster a thriving multicultural faith community that challenges racism and celebrates ethnic diversity.

 

Founding Vision
To cultivate a Biblical framework for diversity, cross-cultural restorative dialogue, celebration of ethnic and racial diversity, and self-awareness within the context of a Christ-centered, multi-racial living and learning community, including academic curriculum, educational programming, and Christian fellowship.

 

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, February 24th, 2023.

Group Interviews will take place during the week of February 27. Please indicate your availability in the application.

Decisions will be made and all applicants will be notified no later than Sundday, March 5th, 2023.

 
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for Wheaton College students who will be sophomores, juniors, and seniors and who desire to commit to and fully engage in an intentionally diverse living community during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Shalom Community invites students of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply. The community will be enriched by the intersection of students’ individual journeys, cultural awareness, and/or experiences. Please prayerfully consider whether you are ready to live with, learn from, and grow with students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds, and with the understanding that different does not mean deficient.

COMMITTMENTS

●       Participate in two (2) Orientation Meetings: Dates and Locations TBA

●       Live in the community for the entire 2023-2024 academic year

●       Attend kick-off community cookout with GRA on the Saturday before classes begin in August, 2023

●       Participate in the beginning of the year retreat Sunday through Monday before classes begin on August 20th and 21st, 2023

●       Participate in and prepare for a weekly meeting/activity/dinner (Example: Weekday 3:45 – 5:45 pm)

●       Enroll in the following Fall semester course: SOC 337 Racial and Ethnic Relations (Dr. Henry Kim)

●       Participate in community engagement:  Students will take part in shaping their experience by actively building relationships with members of Shalom in casual and formal settings

●       Actively engage in racial dialogue and issues

●       Uphold the Wheaton College Community Covenant and the Wheaton College Diversity Commitment

 

FAQ

I am interested in talking about diversity, but it’s all new to me.  Can I still apply?

=> Yes!  Our purpose is to create a safe place for each student to learn, grow and be challenged no matter where he or she is on their individual journey. You will also need to be open to learning, growing, and being challenged.

 

Do I have to be involved with OMD or Solidarity to apply for the house?

=> No.  The Shalom Community is a joint effort between Residence Life and the Office of Multicultural Development.  All rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are welcome to apply.

 

I am not a person of color.  Can I apply?

=> Yes!  The objective of this community is to bring together a variety of people, perspectives and experiences to walk through these things together.

 

Where are these houses located?

=> Historically, the Shalom Community has been located at 522 and 524 E Harrison Avenue.  The houses are next to each other and share a backyard. 

 

What is the cost to participate?

=> There are no additional costs to participate apart from standard Wheaton College housing costs.

 

Will the houses be coed?

=> No.  There will be two Wheaton College owned living spaces within close proximity to one another—one female house and one male house.

 

I’m already in a leadership position.  Can I still participate?

=> Yes.  However, we encourage you to examine how many commitments you will have next year.

 

I am interested, but I plan on doing study abroad or HNGR during the 2023-2024 school year.  Can I still participate?

=> No.  The community will only be available to students who can commit to one full academic school year.

 

I am interested, but I’m an athlete.  Can I still participate?

=> Yes, with the expectation that the student will fully participate in the community commitments.  It will be important that any athlete in the house communicate with his or her Athletics Coaches and the Shalom Peer Program Leader (PPL) regarding schedules prior to the start of their season or the school year. 

 

What is the rooming situation?

=> Roommate pairs and triples will be decided by the end of the spring semester 2023.

Group Interviews will take place during the week of February 27. Please indicate your availablity below. You may check all that apply.

Noted below is the student leadership agreement for all OMD student organizations:

● In order to serve on a student leadership team, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 AND cannot be on chapel, academic, or disciplinary probation. By signing and dating below you are stating that you meet these requirements and give permission to the Registrar’s Office and Student Development to release this information to the Office of Multicultural Development staff for verification purposes.

● My primary responsibility is being a student and I am expected to attend classes, chapel, and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

● I have taken time to thoroughly read the Wheaton College Community Covenant and the Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment. I will support and completely adhere to these commitments.

●  If I am placed on any type of probation, I will inform the OMD Director. I recognize that being on any type of probation during the academic year which I am serving could disqualify me from serving as a student leader.

●  I have read the OMD and Student Development Purpose Statements located at http://www2.wheaton.edu/Registrar/catalog/ug_student_life.htm#Student_Development. I will unite to serve within these purposes.

●  My commitment to serve as a student leader is for a full academic year.

●  There is an importance of maintaining open communication with the OMD Director. If I have areas of concern, I understand that I can obtain encouragement and resources from the OMD Director during my time of service. 

● My attendance is required at the OMD Spring Banquet on Friday, April 28, 2023, 6:00pm to 8:30pm. I will attend this on-campus event.

● I commit to attend the IGNITE reception meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 (Phelps, 3:45pm to 5:15pm).

● The OMD Student Leadership Training is scheduled for Aug 14 through Aug 19, 2023. I will be attend this required Training. The approved student arrival is Sunday, Aug 13th from 2pm to 5pm. I will attend the OMD Student Leadership Training kick off dinner on Sunday, August 13th at 5pm.

                         
● If I am a cabinet president, I will establish and attend a bi-weekly meeting with the OMD Director throughout the academic year.  I also understand that I will be required to participate in OMD Presidents’ Forums (Synergy) which will be scheduled once a month throughout the academic year.

● To maintain a healthy balance, this specific leadership position within OMD will be my primary co-curricular commitment. If I would like to participate in other leadership positions, I must obtain approval from the OMD Director.

● During the academic year there will be monthly OMD IGNITE student leadership meetings. As part of a cabinet, I plan to faithfully attend these monthly Ignite meetings.

● Throughout the year, OMD will be hosting various campus events. I understand that I am required to help out with these events.

I accept the responsibilities noted above and I am fully committed to uphold this standard that has been set before me.

Please send this form to your 2 references. Also, please communicate to your recommenders that the completed reference form should be sent to OMD or emailed to omd@wheaton.edu by 4:30pm on Friday, March 3, 2023.