Johnston Hall (University of Guelph)

Johnston Hall
Front of Johnston Hall, 2010.
Facts
Location:	Guelph, Ontario
Former Name:	Moreton Lodge
Founder:	William Johnston
Built:	1931
Nickname:	J-Hall
Mascot:	Dragon
Governing Body:	University of Guelph
Primary Use:	Residence Hall, Ontario Agricultural College(OAC), Office of Open Learning, Campus Co-op Bookstore
Map Location:	Click here to see Johnston Hall on a map

Johnston Hall at the University of Guelph was named after William Johnston (1848–1885) who was the founder and first principal of the Ontario Agricultural College from 1874-1879. Johnston Hall was built in 1931 as a student residence and home of administrative offices. Johnston Hall is the second building that opened in 1932 as the first building, the Italianate-style Moreton Lodge, was demolished in 1928 - this is represented by the portico which resides on Johnston Green. The Portico was the front entrance to the F.W. Stone Farmhouse which was part of old Johnston Hall. During the Second World War, both Johnston Hall and Johnston Green served as headquarters for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Today, Johnston Hall is a symbol and landmark of the agricultural college and the University of Guelph.

Johnston Hall serves many purposes for the University of Guelph; however, it is primarily used as a medium-sized residence hall. It accommodates 315 students, who live on the top three floors of the building. Johnston Hall is known for its traditional architecture, and its spacious tower lounge makes it a favourite among students. In fact, the University receives thousands of applications, with students making Johnston Hall their first choice, but only 315 get in. The process works on a lottery basis, and each student has an equal advantage as long as they have applied before the deadline set by the University of Guelph.

Academically Enriched Environment

Johnston Hall acts as an academically enriched environment through the assignment of academic clusters. That is, students in similar programs are grouped together. This allows students to share classes, living space and friendships in order to help new students adjust to the challenges of university life. This is extremely helpful as the majority of occupants are first-year students, who have little to no experience living independently or with other students.

Johnston Hall is supported by a team of Residence Life Staff (RLS). The RLS consists of a community assistant, eight residence assistants, who are spread out strategically to oversee particular sections of all three floors, and five cluster leaders to assist with academic-related activities. Johnston Hall is one of the only residence buildings without cable in individual dorm rooms. However, there are television sets in the common areas that are accessible at all times.

Design of Johnston Hall

The building is designed with rooms running off both sides of the corridor on each floor. Rooms are primarily doubles or triples, with the exception of a few singles on each floor. In addition, the rooms are laid out to have male and female designated rooms side by side. Although Johnston Hall is a co-ed residence, it does not have co-ed rooms (where males and females share the same room). Additionally, the rooms are set up by degree program. Each year, administration attempts to position all science students or business students on one floor, or at least in one entire section of a floor, depending on the variability of programs. This is done to facilitate team-building and to encourage students to work together on related academic activities.