The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Community is a unique service-learning living experience available to seven current students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years. This community provides students with the opportunity to live with other students engaged in service and simple living. Being part of this intentional living community provides students with an opportunity to create a lifestyle that deeply integrates the five values of the Kolvenbach Community: Service, Spirituality, Solidarity, Community and Simple Living.
Structurally, the Kolvenbach Community is made up of two off-campus houses across the street from each other. As a physical presence in the Central District neighborhood, the Kolvenbach Community is committed to strengthening Seattle University’s ties with the surrounding neighborhoods (Central District, Capitol Hill, International District, etc.). One goal of the community is to create a space where participants can critically examine topics of social justice, urban poverty, gentrification, and the economic, political and social forces that surround them. The community also strives for education and outreach.
If you have any questions about the Kolvenbach Community please contact the Douglas and Kolvenbach Area Coordinator.
Where is the Kolvenbach Community?
The Kolvenbach Community is made up of two houses. Both houses are located 2 blocks from campus on Barclay Court.
What is the weekly time commitment for living in the community?
It varies depending on the programming the community creates but at minimum 4 hours a week with service, community meetings, and programs.
Who is eligible to live in Peter-Hans Kolvenbach Community?
Students entering their sophomore, junior and senior years in college who have good academic and conduct standing with the university are eligible to live in the community.
Who oversees the Kolvenbach Community?
Supervision of the Kolvenbach Community is collaboration between Housing and Residence Life, Center for Service and Community Engagement, and Campus Ministry.
Does the Kolvenbach Community have a RA?
Kolvenbach has an RA to the community. The RA serves as a liaison to the different offices that oversee the community. They too coordinate community activities and programs.
If I live in the Kolvenbach Community do I have to have a Seattle University Meal Plan?
While it is recommended that residents who live in the Kolvenbach Community purchase the Convenience Club plan due to their proximity to campus, unless you are a sophomore, residents of Kolvenbach are not required to have a meal plan. Sophomores are required to have, at minimum, a Residential Meal Plan.
How do I get placed for service?
Kolvenbach Community members work with Annarose Jowenson, ajowenson@seattleu.edu, from the Campus Ministry.
What does programming in Kolvenbach look like?
Kolvenbach will provide a unique opportunity for the residents who are selected to live there, in that the programs focus around the five main values of the community: Service, Community, Simple Living, Spirituality, and Solidarity. The community’s programmatic focus is to strengthen Seattle University’s ties with our surrounding community. This will be done by using community service as a constant physical presence in the neighborhood. The residents of the community will critically examine topics such as social justice, urban poverty, gentrification, and the economic, political, and surrounding social forces. Community members are responsible for planning a community event per quarter.
How Eco-Friendly are the houses?
The Kolvenbach Community houses meet many of the guidelines for LEED, which is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. The floors are made of recycled bamboo, the bathrooms are lit with solar tubes, each house has energy efficient washers and dryers, and the water is solar heated. In addition, the community actively recycles and composts. Community members are encouraged to purchase their own home supplies (toilet paper, cloth towels, dish soap, etc.). Check out the specifications at the following website: https://www.seattleu.edu/cejs/campus-sustainability/