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2008-2009 Living Learning Community
- Overview
- Information Sessions
- Top Ten Reasons for Developing A Living Learning Community (LLC)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sample Proposals
Overview
Over the course of the last 18 months, the Division of Student Affairs has been going through a significant realignment process which has resulted in the articulation of a new mission statement, bringing student engagement and learning to the forefront. This mission reiterates a division wide commitment to the creation of environments that develop students as whole persons. As a major player in this process of realignment, the Department of Residential Education and Housing is looking to develop a series of living/learning communities with academic, cultural or student affairs concentrations. While the specific purpose and function will be unique to each community, the overall mission of the program intends to:
- Build partnerships between faculty, staff and students for the purposes of contributing to the intellectual climate of the College
- Promote student learning and success through investment and engagement in the community
- Develop student appreciation of the range of human experience through service and reflection
Residential Education and Housing is accepting proposals from students, advisors and or faculty for living/learning communities that can achieve the above-listed goals. Proposals should include:
- The general purpose of the living/learning community
- The living/learning community’s academic, cultural or student affairs focus
- Academic, cultural or student affairs advisor
- Goal statement
- How the living/learning community will achieve the above-listed goals
- The living/learning community’s service component and how it may benefit the greater residential population
- Any necessary funding
- Approximate number of interested students and location suggestion (if applicable)
Proposals should be sent by email to housing@tcnj.edu or in hard copy to Residential Education and Housing, Eickhoff Hall room 114, and are due by December 7th, 2007.
Information Sessions
Upcoming Info Sessions:
Thursday, November 1, 8 p.m. in Decker Main Lounge
Monday, November 5, 7 p.m. in the TW Main Lounge
Can’t make the info session? Want individual assistance developing a proposal?
Contact Tina Tormey, 771-2580, tormey@tcnj.edu
or Ryan Farnkopf, 771-3455, housing@tcnj.edu
Top Ten Reasons for Developing A Living Learning Community (LLC)
- Self-directed learning! Explore a new passion or idea.
- LLCs give students the opportunity to educate themselves, their peers and their communities.
- LLCs provide students the opportunity to program and perform a service for the community (either at TCNJ or beyond).
- LLCs enhance academic and skill development.
- It’s a new way to connect with peers who may have similar interests.
- It’s an opportunity for career development and exploration.
- Students who live in LLCs generally report having stronger connections to faculty.
- Students who live in LLCs also generally report having a stronger connection to campus.
- Studies show that students learn best when they are involved. LLCs offer a very collaborative learning environment, which enhances student learning.
- Leave a legacy. Perhaps you’re passionate about activism or combating the impact celebrity culture has on society. The LC you create today could be one that TCNJ students flock to in the future.
Who can propose or participate in an LLC?
Anyone who will be a sophomore, junior or senior during the 2008-2009 academic year.
What is the deadline for proposing an LLC?
December 7, 2007.
When will we find out if our proposal was approved?
ResEd will review proposals throughout December and contact students early in the Spring semester regarding acceptance.
I have a topic idea for an LLC that my friends and I are really interested, but I don’t know how to put together a proposal. What should I do?
Refer to the sample proposals on the website. Also, consider making an appointment with Ryan Farnkopf or Tina Tormey in ResEd. They are willing to provide guidance and assistance to students who want to create an LLC.
Will I be able to pull in a roommate who does not want to be part of the LLC?
Generally, no. The purpose of LLCs is to provide an environment where all of the students who live there will be actively engaged in the topic.
How large does the LLC need to be?
There are no size requirements; however, generally, 8-25 students is an ideal size for a learning community.
Where will LLCs be housed?
It depends on where it’s most feasible for the LLC to be placed. Students may recommend locations on the proposal.
Will I be able to chose where the LLC will be placed?
When students submit a proposal for an LLC, they have the opportunity to make recommendations on where they think the LLC will best be suited; however the Department of Residential and Education will decide where the LLC will be located, based on space needs, availability, staffing and other administrative concerns.
Who can be an advisor to an LLC?
Faculty or staff (including ResEd staff) can advise an LLC.
What is the role of advisors for LLCs?
Advisors are expected to ensure the group remembers their learning objectives and plans activities and service that meets those goals. They are also expected help students connect to other campus and community-wide resources related to the LLC topic.
What if someone signs up for an LLC and then decides they don’t want to participate in it?
Students will have a deadline by which they need to confirm they are interested in living in the learning community and abiding by the expectations of that LLC (determined by the goals proposed in December). Should a student wish to leave the LLC, they may be required to physically move from the area where the LLC was placed.
