Beyond the classroom: Faculty residents help students find community at Tulane
The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is hard to miss on Monday afternoons at Fogelman Residence Hall, thanks to Jonathan Fadok, an associate professor of psychology in the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering.
The sweet treats are Fadok’s way of drawing students in — to ask questions, share concerns, talk about classes or simply get to know a professor outside the classroom or lab.
“Once one student realizes the cookies are ready, they start texting,” Fadok said with a laugh. “Suddenly everyone shows up.”
Fadok is one of four Tulane faculty members who live in residence halls as part of the university’s Faculty in Residence program. Through regular office hours, community events and everyday interactions, these faculty build relationships with students outside the classroom while fostering a sense of belonging within the residence halls.
“It gives us a little sense of home,” said Allie Tawil, a sophomore from McAllen, Texas, as she bit into a hefty cookie packed with three types of chips.