The following groups have submitted proposals for new theme houses to be added to our existing house program. As part of the review process, we would like to invite your feedback regarding the benefit and addition these potential houses would make to our community. Below you will find a link to each proposal (in pdf format), along with a short feedback form. All information submitted via the feedback form is voluntary.

Science Fiction/Fantasy House proposal
Misson Statement

To provide a place for the uniting and participation of geeks/fans/enthusiasts in the SciFi/Fantasy/geek community. We believe in equality of people and geek interests. We uphold respect of others and their beliefs, persons and property. Our goal is to create a safe supportive space for people to enthuse about niche market interests.

Baking Arts House proposal
Mission Statement

We are all disappointed by the dearth of high quality bread in Richmond. There is little to be found other than the ubiquitous soft-crusted supermarket bread. While we would all be happy if a new bakery came to town, we also feel that this environment has greatly encouraged us to develop our own baking skills. If the bread we desired was unavailable for purchase, then we resolved to make our own. But the pursuit of high quality bread is a deeply involving hobby. At times, it can place a great deal of strain on one's housemate. Bakers often wake up at 5 or 6 AM and are still in the kitchen at 9 AM, when everyone needs to cook breakfast. Autolysing the dough, and cold-rising it, both require considerable refrigerator space, as do the sourdough starters. The pre-ferments give the kitchen a strong, acrid smell that I can only hope everyone else enjoys as much as I do. These significant impositions are reason enough for devoting a space solely to baking.

However, the intentional community offers other advantages to the student baker. The opportunity to buy all baking ingredients in bulk allows everyone in the house to cut their own expenses. Living with fellows who share an interest in baking is highly supportive. It creates the opportunity to receive criticism and advice from other community members, who are also in the process of learning to bake. We not only feel this is an optimal environment for self-improvement, but we also believe that in creating such an environment we would be furthering the values of Earlham. Thus, we propose a baking arts theme house. This baking would not only include bread, but pastry, pizza, fried dough products, pasta, bagels, crackers, croutons, flatbread, waffles, and pancakes. Moreover, the focus would not only be on European baked goods, but baked goods from a myriad of diverse cultures, such as tortillas, nan, baclava, pagache, and chapati. We would strive to meet every dietary restriction and would bake goods for those with wheat intolerances, vegetarians, vegans, those who keep halal or kosher. The students of bread house would be those interested in becoming better bakers and in devoting a substantial amount of their time to baking. By doing so, baking arts house hopes to foster appreciation for the complexity of bakery bread, as well as sustain knowledge of what has become a dying art.

Community House proposal
Mission Statement

Our house is created to address the social divides that exist among the student body. These include alcohol usage, social isolation for first years, and adjustment to living in Richmond. Through creating an open, and socially neutral space on campus, we believe that these problems can not only be addressed, but will also be reflected in retention rate and the overall Earlham experience and community.

Knit House proposal
Misson Statement

We believe that "Knit House" would create an outlet for knitters of all kinds to gather, and even allow peoples of other crafts and fiber arts to gather. This would be a house of craft, and it would allow a place for people of the weaving department to gather, if they so chose. Our house would be open to both faculty and students when it
comes to the fiber arts.

Neuroscience House proposal
Mission Statement

The Neuroscience themed house was created for the purpose of fostering an environment that encourages a relaxing yet uplifting house atmosphere while supporting and publicizing the major. There were two ideas that originally inspired the proposal of Neuroscience House. The first was the broad need for an alternative to the Wildman Science Library where many students who are interested in neuroscience can go to interact while doing other work. The house will create common spaces that openly welcomes other students interested in neuroscience or other science, both natural and social. The second idea stemmed from the several students who participated in the first Topics in Neuroscience class. The excitement that emanated out of this class proved that there is a need for a neuroscience-specific group within campus. The resources for our major are split between separate departments, buildings, and faculty.

Neuroscience House will provide the optimal opportunity for non-majors to learn about neuroscience even if they are not taking science classes. Through non-major house mates, the popularity of neuroscience will radiate to the all edges of campus and expose it to new students. Events to be held for the Earlham community will also increase the popularity. A tranquil, neuroscience-themed documentary/movie night will be key to attract students who may be interested in neuroscience but do not want to take the intensive science classes.

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This page last updated: March 1, 2011