LMU Living Learning Communities Brochure 2014-2015

2014 - 2015

explore living learning communities at lmu

Living and learning at LMU

Why LLCs?

Living Learning Communities provide an enhanced, supportive academic environment for students who choose to join them.

Participating in one of these communities offers a number of benefits, all of which help to promote curricular and co-curricular success at LMU.

mission The Academic and Student Affairs Divisions at LMU collaborate to assist students’ successful adjustment to and transitions through their collegiate experience by offering a variety of Living Learning Communities (LLCs). A student’s active participation in a Living Learning Community will empower them to realize their full potential in mind, body, and spirit. Living Learning Community students will experience academic success, personal development, become involved in campus life, and value engagement in both curricular and co-curricular activities.

GOALS By participating in a Living Learning Community, students are led to: • demonstrate growth of their intellectual, social, cultural, and emotional selves • incorporate knowledge and skills from an array of disciplines • value curricular and co-curricular experiences as opportunities for integration and personal development

LEARNING OUTCOMES Students will be empowered to: • develop an interest in lifelong learning • understand the impact of interculturalism in their academic and personal endeavors • discover personal strengths and cultivate their sense of purpose • integrate knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines • research and evaluate information in various fields • discern and utilize University resources • comprehend the importance of their academic and co-curricular experiences

Selection Process The selection process for each Living Learning Community may include a separate application form. For additional details, please visit www.lmu.edu/llc or contact the Community’s Program Coordinator.

McCarthy Hall

Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Purpose The Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) program prepares undergraduate scholars for admission into graduate and professional degree programs. ACE emphasizes academic distinction, undergraduate research, and involvement in scholarly and leadership activities.

Courses Strategies for Graduate & Professional School Admission I, II & III

Activities & Benefits • Residence in McCarthy Hall during the sophomore year • Graduate and professional school advising • Financial awards for scholars to participate in faculty-mentored research and creative activities • Transportation to a graduate school recruitment fair attended by over 100 recruiters • Travel assistance for scholars to attend and present at academic conferences • Support from a community of scholars who are equally excited about graduate school • Educational, cultural, and community building events and activities

Program Coordinator Steven Neal, Director, Academic Community of Excellence: 310-338-5283, seneal@lmu.edu

del rey north Hall

Healthy Living Learning Community (HLLC) Purpose The Healthy Living Learning Community (HLLC) is a program designed for first-year students who prefer a wellness-focused lifestyle. Students in HLLC are enrolled in linked courses taught by a Student Affairs staff member. These linked courses, the residential living component, and other co-curricular experiences provide students an opportunity for a fully integrated living learning experience. HLLC shares the commitment to a lifestyle free from the presence and influence of alcohol, tobacco and drugs and emphasizes the importance of emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and social wellness.

Courses Fall: Exploring Wellness I 181; Spring: Exploring Wellness II 182

Activities & Benefits • Build relationships with other students who are committed to living a healthy lifestyle • Participate in linked courses that focus on several aspects of personal wellness • Connect and interact with staff members and faculty who share an interest in wellness • Learn to realize and develop a self-established wellness plan • Gain an awareness of how to maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and cope with stress • Participate in a Healthy Living Learning Community retreat • Plan and participate in regular activities related to healthy living

Program Coordinators AJ LaPan, Engagement and Assessment Coordinator for First Year Experience: 310-338-5252, hllc@lmu.edu Alexis Rampaul, Resident Director: 424-568-7989, hllc@lmu.edu

doheny Hall

Honors Living Learning Community Purpose The University Honors Program is the crown jewel of academic programs at Loyola Marymount University.

This program is for students who value the challenge of an exceptional education and wish to study both intensively and in a variety of subjects. The program creates and supports an academic environment grounded in intellectual adventure and provides a carefully integrated and demanding curriculum.

Course Fall: On the Sublime Writing Tutorial; Spring: Leadership and Service Seminar

Activities & Benefits • Smaller class sizes (about 15 students in each class) • Work with faculty members and directors to research topics, present at national conferences and publish work • Pursue and obtain grants and scholarships, graduate school placements, internships, awards, and study abroad opportunities • Receive priority registration and gain the ability to enroll in more than 18 credits each semester • Participate in Burcham’s Book Club, an Honors book group with the President of LMU • Frequent social events, dinners with professors, guest speaker affairs, and graduate school information sessions

Program Coordinator John Parrish, Associate Professor, Honors Program Director: 310-338-5810, jparrish@lmu.edu

del rey north Hall

Life-Science Early Awareness Program (LEAP) Purpose LEAP is a living learning community program for first-year students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Natural Science in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering. Students in the LEAP program are enrolled in five linked courses that are taught by a team of faculty members from the Seaver and Bellarmine Colleges, along with a staff member from Student Affairs. The linked courses, along with the residential living component and other co-curricular experiences, are designed to create a fully integrated learning experience and further students’ interest and success in natural sciences careers.

Courses Fall: Math 122, Chemistry 110, Biology 101, English 110; Fall and Spring: Natural Science 190

Activities Each year, LEAP students arrive to campus in early August to participate in the “Explore LA Program.”

They also enjoy an alternative, science-themed spring break program. In the past four years, they have visited: • Catalina Island, Tijuana Estuary Reserve, and Florida Gulf Coast – Environmental Conservation Projects • Center of Living in Harmony – Sustainable Living

Academic Coordinator Catherine McElwain, Associate Professor, Biology: 310-338-5156, leapllc@lmu.edu

Student Affairs Coordinator Rich Rocheleau, Associate Vice President for Student Life: 310-338-6534, leapllc@lmu.edu

del rey south Hall

Psychology Early Awareness Program (PEAP) Purpose PEAP is a living learning community for first-year Psychology majors. Participants live together and take several major-required courses that are designated for PEAP students only. They engage in dynamic out-of-class experiences as a way to learn more about the field of Psychology. The program is designed to encourage learning, reflection, and community building with peers, faculty, and staff.

Courses Fall: Psychology 101, NTLS 150, LIBA 111; Spring: Psychology 251, LIBA 112

Activities Each year, PEAP students arrive to campus in early August to participate in an immersion experience that allows them to begin connecting with each other, faculty, and LMU. Some activities include: • A visit to Los Angeles’ Skid Row to work at a shelter and food bank • A tour of the women’s prison and interviews with female inmates • A day at the Museum of Tolerance or Skirball Museum • Participation in the Reading to Kids program in Los Angeles • Faculty-led movies and dialogues in the residence hall

Academic Coordinators Ricardo Machon, Professor: 310-338-1766, peap@lmu.edu Vandana Thadani, Associate Professor: 310-338-7425, peap@lmu.edu Adam Fingerhut, Associate Professor: 310-258-8637, peap@lmu.edu

Student Affairs Coordinator Lorianne Harrison-Reyes, LIBA Instructor: 310-338-1776, peap@lmu.edu

del rey north Hall

Programming for Engineering Education Community (PEEC) Purpose PEEC is a living learning community program for first-year engineering students in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering. Students in the PEEC program are enrolled in linked courses taught by faculty members from the Seaver College and the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts. The linked courses, along with the residential living component and other co-curricular experiences provided for the students, are designed to create a fully integrated learning experience and further the students’ interest and success in pursuing careers in engineering disciplines.

Courses Fall: Engr 100, Eng 110; Spring: Engr 198

Activities • Community based course projects: In 2010-2011 PEEC researched and analyzed ground leveling and water flow in order to build a playground for the youth at the Alexandria House • Opportunity for students to work on multi- and interdisciplinary projects under the direct guidance of professors in Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English

ACADEMIC Coordinators Jeremy Pal, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering: 310-568-6241, peec@lmu.edu Jose Saez, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering: 310-338-5880, peec@lmu.edu

STUDENT AFFAIRS Coordinator Alexis Rampaul, Resident Director: 424-568-7989, peec@lmu.edu

new!

First Year Seminar (FYS) Theme Communities

Purpose For the first time, LMU will be introducing two new exciting First Year Seminar (FYS) Theme Communities this fall. Through linked FYS courses, these communities will enhance first-year student connections by developing a unique bond between their living and their learning experience. Students who select these FYS courses (information will be provided to you at Orientation) will be assigned to live together in the same hall according to the common themes of their seminar class. The FYS faculty in each of the commonly themed courses will be linked by a Faculty Theme Leader, providing students in these communities a stronger faculty-student relationship. Additional resources such as academic tutoring, special events and community activities will also serve to further support these interactions.

Courses Fall: Selected First Year Seminar Courses (FYS Theme Community descriptions will be provided to you at Orientation)

benefits • Through stronger relationships with linked FYS faculty, students will experience a smooth academic transition to LMU. • Involvement in academic and social events of the FYS Theme model will promote students’ social transition to LMU. • Learning in the students’ area of interest will be enhanced through increased programming related to the FYS Theme.

program coordinator TBD

www.lmu.edu / housing To find out more about Living Learning Communities, please click on the “Living Learning Communities” link via our “Life in the Halls” web page.