Unconventional Living & Learning
Ball State University has an emerging media living learning community, which is discussed in this short article. We’re not familiar with any other communities like it. However, there’s probably a lot of unusual living-learning communities out there. The often-seen living-learning communities–those based on a major or profession; ones for freshmen; for honors students–are great support systems for those students. But sometimes an unusual theme for a living-learning community can say a lot about the student, staff or faculty population at a certain institution or the area around it. Do you have an unusual living-learning community? Tell us about it!
Tags: Living-Learning Programs
At Appalachian State University, we are beginning to work with Faculty in new areas of student interest. One of our new communities which will begin in Fall 2010 is a Residential Learning Community called Pedal Power. The community was started for individuals who have an interest in outdoor cycling. We recognize that it is very focused and therefore not very general, but we are excited to see what kind of interest is generated due to the outdoor interests of many Appalachian students. It will be a coed community and so far we think there has been great interet. The description used for marketing the community to new students is below.
Are you interested in riding a bicycle in either a recreational or competitive setting? Do you wish to be introduced to the larger cycling community on-campus and in Boone? Do you have hopes of enjoying cycling as a lifelong activity that promotes wellness and health? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the Pedal Power community may be the perfect fit for you! We encourage a diverse group or cyclists, whether you race, mountain bike, commute, or just like to putter around. We welcome all kinds of cyclists who ride all kinds of bicycles, for all kinds of reasons. Students in the community can expect to enjoy the camaraderie of other men and women who enjoy cycling. Some specific opportunities the community will offer include activities relating to cycling advocacy, bike safety, bike maintenance, health benefits of cycling, and many opportunities to be introduced to the local cycling community. Students in the community will be expected to serve as advocates for bike safety and cycling in general to the rest of the campus. Pedal Power students will move in to the residence halls two days earlier than the other RLC students and will be required to participate in an opening group cycling trip. Students will be required to enroll in a unique section of First Year Seminar focused on sustainability and cycling.