| Objective | |
|---|---|
|
Design and implement a comprehensive Living-Learning Community (LLC) program that accommodates all first year students by 2014. Linking the core curriculum to specific themes, such as social justice, the natural world, and globalization, guides students in exploring issues from multiple perspectives. National studies show that LLCs provide an integrated experience that promotes intellectual communication between faculty and students, improves student GPAs, enhances civic engagement, increases retention rates, and decreases negative student behaviors. | |
| Living-Learning Community Committee | |
|
A Living Learning Community Committee of students, faculty, and administrators, co-chaired by associate deans from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, provides input regarding ongoing program implementation decisions. | |
| Progress | |
| • | Courses and living arrangements were finalized during Spring and Summer 2012 for the Fall 2012 implementation, which included 53% of the first year class. |
| • | In September 2012 the LLC Summit meeting led to the decision to implement LLCs for all first year students in Fall 2013, ahead of the original goal of Fall 2014. |
| • | The LLC committee has established processes for developing new themes and selecting faculty directors and preceptors. |
| • | The Living Learning (LLC) website has expanded to include information about current and future themes, event registration and information, photos of theme events and frequently asked questions. |
| Timeline | |
| • | Academic year 2012-13: Implement five themes for half of the first year class: Honors; Social Justice; Space, Place, and Sound; Sustainability; and The Natural World. |
| • | Academic year 2013-14: Implement nine themes for all of the first year class: Change; Faith and Reason; Globalization; Honors, Intersections; Social Justice; Space, Place and Sound; Sustainability; and The Natural World. |
| Measurable Indicators | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| • | Living Learning Communities: | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
| - Themes and faculty directors | 3 | 5 | |
| - Faculty preceptors | 22 | 38 | |
| - Preceptorial assistants | 25 | 38 | |
| - Resident assistants | 12 | 20 | |
| - Number of student participants | 307 | 569 | |
| - Percent of first-year class | 27% | 53% | |
| • | Retention Rates: | Fall '11 to Spring '12 |
Fall '11 to Fall '12 |
| - LLC participants | 99.0% | 92.5% | |
| - Non LLC participants | 96.0% | 88.9% | |
| - Full first year cohort | 96.8% | 89.8% | |
