The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with state-wide commitments and responsibilities, is the state's flagship institution of higher education. It is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education. A part of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing is home to more than 8,300 students who live in nine residential communities comprised of 22 residence halls, University Village apartments, and Health Science Campus townhomes as well as four Greek Park houses. University Housing connects to the university’s mission by providing comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing options in residential communities where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported. As a result, research indicates students who live on campus perform better academically than their off-campus peers. In support of this mission, University Housing employs more than 700 full and part-time employees within three comprehensive units – Administrative Services and Communications, Facilities, and Residential Programs and Services. As a self-supporting auxiliary, University Housing operates a $50 million budget derived only from student rent and other non-state sources. University Housing fosters a supportive and challenging inclusive environment through staff selection and training, community programming and contact with staff and students. Residents are part of a community that values and appreciates diversity and where individual rights and differences are recognized and respected.