For the first time University Housing is implementing Living and Learning communities, which provides a variety of academic and social opportunities for students with similar academic interests.
The program has been established in four residence halls: Cardinal Newman Hall for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors, Tangipahoa Hall for business majors, Hammond Hall for cluster programming groups and Village M as the sorority hall. Opportunities include small group lectures, tutoring, department-sponsored activities, advising, study groups and campus engagement.
“The basic concept is to give students the opportunity to interact informally with their peers and faculty members about what they are learning in the classroom,” said Dr. Kay Maurin, director of University Housing. “Students have been very receptive to the idea and are anxious to participate in the programming.”
Each hall has a set of faculty and staff members who have been recruited to act as mentors for the program.
“The faculty and staff members have made some fantastic contributions to the design and concept of the program,” said Maurin. “The resident assistant staff for the building is very excited about working with the mentors.”
While the program has recently been introduced at Move-in Mane-ia, student feedback has been positive, and many have signed up to participate.
“It’s a great way for students to meet and make friends with other students who have the same major and the same classes,” said Daniel Brady, a graduate student majoring in integrated science and technology who is also a Cardinal Newman resident. “I think the program will achieve its goals of getting more students involved in activities and meeting other people.”
According to Jennifer Jarreau, resident assistant for Hammond Hall, all of the students checking in signed up for a cluster programming group. The cluster programming groups range from photography and creative writing to cultural awareness and health, each with its own faculty mentor.
“Hammond Hall is focusing on interest groups to get the residents to become more involved,” said Jarreau. “Since Hammond Hall has such a diverse group of residents that do not have the same major, we thought that this would be the perfect hall to start the cluster program.”
Each dorm will be initiating different improvements and ideas in coordination with the program. According to Dr. Antoinette Phillips, assistant dean for the college of business, a business lounge is in the process of being built in Tangipahoa Hall.
“It will provide a casual, comfortable, convenient space for residents in our Living and Learning community to gather,” said Phillips.
There is an overall sense of excitement amongst those involved towards the potential of the Living and Learning communities.
“Connecting with others in this manner adds a relationship dimension to the educational experience and enriches student’s university experience,” said Phillips. “Students have an opportunity to give and receive help and support informally and begin building social/professional networks they will enjoy throughout their lives.”
For more information on the Living and Learning communities visit selu.edu/liveoncampus or contact Maurin at [email protected].