English Professor Robert Mundy has become Pace’s first Faculty In Residence, a position that has him living with the students on campus.

Alumni Hall, where Mundy resides, is the first of the new dormitories in the Master Plan. This is currently Mundy’s only residence, and will be for a maximum of three years.

Mundy came into this living situation after responding to an application email looking for faculty who were interested. He had previously worked with professors who enjoyed similar positions, and figured it would be a good fit for him.

“We were searching for someone who can relate to students, someone who understands [first year interest groups], and someone who will be able to get more faculty involved,” Director of Residential Life Alerie Tisch said. “They also have to be ok with living in a residence hall of 500 first year students.”

Mundy’s position requires him to support Residential Assistant’s and Residential Directors in implementing activities, as well as helping recruit more faculty to participate in programming outside the classroom. In exchange for the work that he does, Mundy does not have to pay rent.

“Mundy acts as the liaison between the Residential Life office, other faculty members on campus, and the student population,” Tisch said.

By living in Alumni Hall Mundy is able to provide students with additional office hours, as well as run a second writing center Sunday nights from six to ten p.m.

Mundy plans to hold writing workshops in Alumni throughout the semester as well. He also plans to get a group of writing professors together to meet in Alumni around once a month, to share what they are working on with the community.

“It’s really about student access. These new buildings are really social spaces for students,” Mundy said. “They’re built so well, and they made all these great decisions about putting these multipurpose rooms in, where not only students will congregate, but faculty will congregate as well. Those interactions are so helpful.”

As a Faculty In Residence, Mundy’s responsibilities range from assisting with programming for first-year interest groups to attending faculty-led programs.

He is given a small meal plan, so he is able to take students to lunch.

While the position is a combination of responsibilities, the same policies and procedures still apply when it comes to student-teacher relations. Residential Life does not anticipate having any policy issues with Mundy.

“I don’t think living on campus makes the [policies] any different. I don’t expect that to be an issue with anyone working on campus,” Tisch said.

Residential Life is enthusiastic about Mundy being able to expand the learning environment of Pace students to outside of the classroom.

“People are really excited, it’s the first time we are doing it here. There is one [faculty in residence] on Pace’s New York City campus. Word is getting out. It’s new and exciting,” Tisch said.

Mundy enjoys being integrated with the community, and not having his time consumed by a long commute to work anymore.

“I have the opportunity to sit and have a cup of coffee with students and colleagues. I get to see and interact with them more often. I think it’s about being a physical presence on campus, too, where we get to build communities outside of the classroom,” Mundy said. “You only get to know someone so well when you’re sitting in class and going over their writing. There’s something more casual about being on campus, and being part of the community.”

Unlike students, Mundy is allowed to keep his pet Jack Russell dog. This is due to a pet policy that was approved this summer that allows professional staff to have a small dog or cat.

With Residence Hall B set to open for the Fall 2016 semester, there will be another opportunity for a Faculty In Residence position. Some faculty members have already started contacting Residential Life to see what other opportunities there will be.

“I’m happy about where I landed in terms of schools. I love the student body. I love my department. It’s easy to give a little extra, when everyday I get to see the fruits of my labor,” Mundy said.