John XXIII College (ANU)

John XXIII College is an independent hall of residence for 320 undergraduate students at the Australian National University, named after Pope John XXIII.

Established in 1967, Johns (as it is known on campus) was a male-only college until 1977. In 1997, plans to close the college were developed due to an apparent lack of interest in undergraduate education at the ANU. On protest, this plan was rejected. Johns facilities include storage rooms for its residents, two courtyards (at least one of which has a lemon tree growing in it), a music room, a computer lab, a pub (operated by the hall) with pool table, a Junior and Senior Common Room, and a cafeteria that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinners regularly offer both a meat and vegetarian option. The rooms include ample closet space and a running sink with mirror.

The leadership structure at the college includes a Head of College (appointed by the Board of Directors) a Dean and Sub-Dean. There are 12 Senior Residents, who are charged with dispensing pastoral care and academic support. In addition there is the separately incorporated Residents' Association which coordinates sporting, social and cultural activies at the college.

Culturally, Johns is known for its sporting success, however, the college also provides much in the way of artistic pursuits. Not only is Johns an active participant in the ANU Interhall Arts Competition, it also holds an annual play, held in August each year at the ANU Street Theatre.

The sporting dominance of the college has not been challenged in recent history. In the year 2007, Johns retained both the ANU Interhall Sports and Arts Shields. The Sports Shield has now been won for a record seven years in-a-row. Between 1998 and 2008, Johns secured 11 Rugby League championships consecutively.

External links

* [http://johnxxiii.anu.edu.au John XXIII college]