University of North Texas 
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) at University of North Texas is much more than a room in a residence hall. It’s a program developed intentionally to help shape a student’s college experience, foster engagement, and promote academic and personal success.
At the core of these efforts are the people behind the scenes, explains Gina Vanacore, executive director of UNT’s Housing and Residence Life. “The key to a successful Housing program is having highly motivated and competent staff,” she says. “These individuals are driven by their desire to help students grow and learn.”
As a new semester begins, here are five ways Housing and Residence Life contributes to student success.
- Creates a Sense of Belonging - Feeling at home is essential for student success, and HRL makes it a priority. The HRL team work year-round to build communities where students feel connected and supported. Opportunities include programs, community circles, student success meetings and intentional conversations. By the end of the 2024-25 academic year, HRL counted more than 27,000 resident engagements.
- Boosts Retention and Academic Success - We know that living on campus directly impacts student success, which is why we integrate academic and social learning into the residential experience. UNT offers several Living Learning Communities, from art and engineering to music and business. In addition to LLCs, HRL staff host intentional conversations, 7,237 last year alone. These conversations help students feel seen, supported and connected.
- Connects Students to Campus Resources - Living on campus connects students to everything UNT has to offer on campus. It is a bridge to the broader university. HRL staff intentionally develop strong ties with campus partners – counselors, financial aid officers, academic advisors, and others – so when a student needs support, the team knows exactly where to turn and who to contact.
- Adapts to Student Needs - As student expectations evolve, so does residence life programming. Data and assessment play an integral role in shaping residence life initiatives. HRL uses benchmarking data and feedback from residents to evaluate its programs. By continuously assessing and refining the approach, Residence Life ensures it’s using resources effectively to meet students’ needs.
- Develops Leaders and Lifelong Skills - A high-quality residence life program relies on strong leadership and staff development. Staff members serve as mentors and role models, many earning campus-wide recognition and holding leadership roles in regional and national organizations. Their positive example often leads others to follow. It’s not unusual to see residents seek out opportunities to serve as resident assistants, hall council members, or peer mentors. These roles give students ownership of their community and help them develop valuable leadership skills. For UNT alum Shianne, the HRL experience inspired her to serve as a resident assistant allowing her to support incoming students just as she had been supported. “All of my best friends now are the people I lived with on my floor,” said the 2024 Homecoming Royalty.
In many ways, living in a residence hall provides the social network and capital to help students navigate the college experience. They make connections, build affinities, and find their community. As Vanacore explains, “Housing and Residence Life helps break down the psychological size of the university, so students can find their place.”
Housing and Residence Life is part of the Division of Student Affairs. It manages 15 residence halls and welcomed more than 6,000 students.