Franciscan University Students: Household Membership Insights

Households are an integral part of student life at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. These are Spirit-led, Christ-centred groups of three or more students of the same sex, united by a common vision and commitment to spiritual growth and service. While household membership is no longer mandatory, about two-thirds of graduates have joined a household during their time at the university. There are currently 50 active households, each with its own unique name and spiritual focus, such as Knights of the Holy Queen, Daughters of Zion, and Swords of Joan.

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Households at Franciscan University of Steubenville

The Franciscan University of Steubenville organises its students into "households", which are defined as "Spirit empowered, Christ-led groups of three or more Franciscan University students of the same sex". Households are a significant part of the university's culture, with around two-thirds of graduates having joined one. The university currently has 50 active households, each with its own name and spiritual focus. For example, the "Knights of the Holy Queen", "Daughters of Zion", and "Conquer Through Love".

Households are formed to help members grow in mind, body, and spirit through mutual support and accountability, exemplified in the life of St. Francis. Members of households often study, attend Mass, and pray together, sharing aspects of their lives and encouraging one another. This close-knit community is intended to be similar to a family, or a "home away from home".

Each household is based on a written pledge, or "covenant", that expresses the common commitment and spiritual identity of the group. Households are required to have an advisor, who encourages the group to participate fully in the life of the campus and the Catholic Church.

The university's household system was introduced in 1974 by then-College of Steubenville president, Father Michael Scanlan, as "the basic principle of residential living". Although household membership is no longer mandatory, it remains a popular choice for students, with many choosing to join to enrich their spiritual lives.

Residence Life

The university's Residence Life Policy outlines the process for applying for housing on campus. The university has a residency requirement that all full-time students under the age of 22 must live in university housing, unless they meet certain exceptions, such as residing with their parents or having already earned a certain number of credits.

The university holds a Housing Fair each year to assign students to their residence halls for the upcoming academic year. Students are assigned a random lottery number, with seniors receiving the lowest numbers, which determines the order in which they can select their desired hall. Each hall is required to reserve a certain percentage of beds for new students and for each class year.

In addition to the general housing process, there are also opportunities for early housing selection for members of households and for students in certain other categories, such as those receiving the Junior/Senior Leadership Housing Grant.

Faith Households

Each Faith Household has an advisor who plays a crucial role as a mature presence. The advisor encourages the group to actively engage with campus life and the Catholic Church. Members of Faith Households often study, attend Mass, and serve the community together, creating a strong bond and a shared purpose.

The 40th anniversary of Faith Households was celebrated in 2014, marking a generation of these communities. With nearly 1,000 students in attendance, the event highlighted the impact and longevity of these groups within the University. The celebration included a Household Life Mass, keynote speakers, and special events throughout the following semesters.

Household membership

Each household is founded on a written pledge, known as the household covenant, that expresses the common spiritual commitment and identity of the group. Additionally, each household is required to have an advisor who acts as a mature presence and encourages the members to participate fully in campus life and the Catholic Church.

The process of joining a household typically begins with getting to know the members of different households on your floor and in your hall. It is recommended that new students take time to adjust to campus life and attend some household meetings to understand how things work. If interested in joining a particular household, students should express their interest to the student coordinator.

While household membership is no longer mandatory, nearly two-thirds of graduates have chosen to join a household. The number of households at Franciscan University has grown over the years, with 50 active households as of 2015. Each household has its own unique name and spiritual focus, such as "Knights of the Holy Queen," "Daughters of Zion," and "Conquer Through Love."

The university also offers housing options outside of the household system, such as the St. Thomas More Hall lofts and suites, which accommodate groups of 3 to 5 students. There are also apartments available in the Assisi Heights complex for older students and juniors or seniors with a certain number of credits.

Household coordinators

Households at the Franciscan University of Steubenville are Spirit-led groups of three or more students of the same sex, united by a common vision and commitment to their faith. These households are a cornerstone of the university's student life, with nearly two-thirds of graduates having joined one.

Each Household has a student coordinator, who is responsible for managing membership and interest in the group. The coordinator is the point of contact for new students who are interested in joining. They are also responsible for housing placements, with the opportunity to house up to ten students on their Household wing before other students are placed. Households are required to have at least three students living on their wing to remain a Household.

The role of the Household coordinator is important in fostering community and spiritual growth among members. They are responsible for organising meetings and events that promote the group's common vision and spiritual identity, as expressed in their Household covenant. The coordinator also ensures that members are encouraged to participate fully in campus life and the Catholic Church.

The Household coordinator is a key figure in maintaining the unique sense of family and brotherhood/sisterhood that Households provide. They facilitate the transformation of individuals through the relationships and shared experiences within the group, creating a "home away from home" for members.

Household covenant

Households at the Franciscan University of Steubenville are groups of three or more students of the same sex who are united by a common vision, or covenant, as a faith-based community. This covenant is a written pledge that expresses the shared commitment and spiritual identity of the household.

The concept of a covenant household is derived from the Bible, where God makes covenants with His people. These covenants are not just contracts but personal bonds in which God takes responsibility for His people, and they respond to Him in faith. In the case of a covenant household, the husband or father is the head and is responsible for the problems and spiritual growth of the family.

The covenant household at Franciscan University is intended to help members grow in mind, body, and spirit through prayer, mutual support, and accountability. Members often study, attend Mass, and spend time together, sharing aspects of their lives and encouraging one another. This sense of community creates a "home away from home" for students, fostering a familial bond.

Each household at Franciscan University is required to have an advisor who encourages the group to participate fully in campus life and the Catholic Church. The advisor is a mature presence who guides the household in embodying their covenant and fulfilling their shared vision.

Frequently asked questions