Living Learning Communities (LLC) - What are they and what are the benefits?
Gordon College has created unique learning communities in two of its residence halls geared toward students who are actively engaged in learning and living in an environment that both nurtures and supports their educational goals. In Commons B, students with the goal of becoming teachers live and learn together in the School House Rocks community while students who are studying nursing and the allied health field live in the Nightingale Community in Commons A. In addition, the Play House community is the newest LLC to be featured in Commons A. Students majoring in Art, Theatre, Music and English will have frequent interaction with a Faculty Fellow-in-Residence/Professor (instructionally and programmatically). Students who participate in an LLC often have higher GPAs, more positive campus experiences and are more likely to graduate. Potential benefits include getting to know professors and classmates better‚ greater access to academic resources‚ and specialized programs directly in your residence hall.
Recently, the residents of the Nightingale Community heard from 2007 nursing program graduate Gilda Moss-Adderley, now a nurse in an Atlanta hospital. Those in the School House Rocks Community heard from Graquetta Harris who attended Gordon College and now who teaches in Monroe County. "While we actively support the educational goals of all of our students -- residents or commuters -- these environments are specific to resident students and these disciplines," said Tonya Coleman, director of residence life. "In addition to programs regularly hosted by resident assistants, the Living Learning Communities work to integrate academic content with daily interaction among students, faculty members and staff." "We hope to eventually have entire residence halls designated as Living Learning Communities," said Coleman.
Prospective residents may note their preference to live in the School House Rocks (Teacher Education), Nightingale (Nursing/Allied Health), or Play House (Fine Arts) Community on the Residence Hall Contract in the section marked Major or Interest of Study.