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 16th, 2024.
Group Interviews will take place during the week of February 20. Please indicate your availability in the application.
Decisions will be made and all applicants will be notified no later than Sundday, March 1st, 2024.
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 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year
● Attend kick-off community cookout with GRA on the Saturday before classes begin in August, 2024
● Participate in the beginning of the year retreat Sunday through Monday before classes begin on August 25th and 26th, 2024
● Participate in and prepare for a weekly meeting/activity/dinner on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 6:00 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 2024-2025 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 2024.