Residential Learning CommunitiesSince the fall of 2004, on-campus students have been able to participate in an exciting program that is designed to meet their academic, developmental and social needs. Residential Learning Communities are places and spaces where students begin to explore the relationship between academic achievement and residential living. Here they will learn about themselves and one another as they explore relationships and shared experiences inside and outside the classroom. The intentional focus of the residential learning community program is on providing students with programming opportunities that coincide and compliment what they are studying in the classroom. This makes living in a Residential Learning Community unique from living in other communities on-campus. What are the Benefits of Living in a Residential Learning Community?
What are the Benefits of Living in a Residential Learning Community? Studies done throughout higher education institutions and publications consistently show that when compared to their peers, students who live in Residential Learning Communities benefit from the following: • Become more familiar with campus resources, offices and services • Often meet friends sooner and become more comfortable within the community • More quickly acclimates to the college environment in their transition from high school • Generally allows for more interaction opportunities with staff and faculty on campus • Better prepared academically (more readily participates in study/work/discussion groups) • Opportunites for deeper learning and engagement in and outside of classes. What Types of Residential Learning Communities can I Join?John Ballantyne Hall and Carter House together form a freshman community for students who are in the Honors Program. The focus of this residential learning community is developing an environment designed to incorporate first year Honors students into a challenging education living and learning environment. This is done by providing Honors students easy access to faculty in the residential setting, additional social and academic support through the Honors Peers, and structured programs and activities that coincide with what is learned in the classroom. Moreover, the honors community offers a wide array of extracurricular events and service opportunities, and boasts one of the highest participation rates in intramural sports. Assignment to John Ballantyne Hall or Carter House is by invitation and space is limited. Freshman Residential Learning Communities (FRLC) These residential learning communities are designed with the Freshman student in mind. Students who are in the residential learning communities are also assigned to the same Pacific Seminar section thus permitting the same cohort of students to live and learn together. With this intentional aim in mind, students have outcomes based programming opportunities that coincide and compliment what they were learning in the classroom (i.e. study groups, focus seminars, field trips, meals with faculty, etc.). In addition, Residential Student Advisors live in the learning community and offer academic support and guidance to the freshman students. These services include sessions on time management, preparing for tests, choosing a major, course advisement, general education requirements, academic regulations, or academic or personal adjustment in general. Located in Southwest, Ritter, Eiselen, andWemyss residence halls. Global Living Learning Community (GLLC) This Learning Community provides opportunities for domestic and international students to build relationships and share experiences, creating a platform for cross-cultural and cross-national exchange. Students in the Global Living Learning Community are encouraged to learn, teach and grow as a community, for the purposes of developing competency and consciousness as global citizens. The GLLC is located on the 1st floor of Southwest Hall, and is open to domestic and international students, who are of freshmen and sophomores status. Casa Covell Pacific Inter-American Community (CCPIAC) This learning community focuses on improving intercultural knowledge, Spanish language skills, history, and culture of the Americas. Residents in the community pledge to use Spanish within the residence hall, at special programs, and when possible in theircoursework. Interfaith and Social Justice Learning Community The Interfaith & Social Justice Residential Learning Community brings together students from different faiths or no faith, who care about peace and justice issues and want to support one another in exploring and living out their core values and commitments. Entering students will be in the same Pacific Seminar 1 course, will work together to plan service projects and interfaith activities, and will serve as caretakers of the Interfaith Meditation Garden. Residents will join members of the Interfaith Council & the Social Justice Community to raise awareness on campus about the issues that matter most to you and the variety of faith traditions of Pacific students. Residence for Earth and Environmental Living and Learning (REELL) This residential learning community brings together students who wish to focus on living a balanced life-style with the environment. Students who are part of this community will be involved in opportunities centering in Geology and Environmental Sciences, including the issues of global environmental change, reducing carbon footprints, encouraging responsible oversight of natural resources, and promoting sustainable rural and urban environments. This program will be working closely with the Geology and Environmental Sciences faculty and will participate in the annual Yosemite National Park trip. Located in the first floor of Grace Covell residence hall for 30 residents. How can I (my student) Sign Up to be in a Residential Learning Community? Simply indicate on the Student Housing Contract online or on the Student Assignment Request form (paper) that you would like to live in a Residential Learning Community. |