John XXIII College

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John XXIII college

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, when it became co-educational. 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. Today, only students that are enrolled at the ANU are entitled to become a resident at the college. The college now has an extensive waiting list and is one of the most prestigious residential colleges on the ANU campus.

The leadership structure at the college includes a Head of College (appointed by the Board of Directors) and a 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.

Study bedrooms at Johns contain single beds, hot and cold running water and study facilities. The dining room serves three chef-prepared meals per day. Vegetarian options, salads and pizzas are available as alternatives to the standard meals, usually consisting of rice and some form of meat. Formal dinners occur throughout the year. In summer, students are encouraged to dine al fresco.

Johns has a strong history of sporting success. In the year 2006, Johns retained the Overall Sports Shield at the expense of the 5 other College residences. The Shield has now been won for a record six years in-a-row.

The Junior Common Room facilities are open to all students and include a big screen TV (including FOX), leather lounges, open fire, table tennis, pool table, and a canteen for milk shakes and toasted sandwiches. These facilities are adjacent to the sports tavern which, for some, is the social hub of the College.