Residential Learning

Communities

University HousingA PPA L AC H I A N S TAT E UN I V E R S I T Y

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Residential Learning Communities

For questions concerning Residential Learning Communities, please contact the University Housing office at 828-262-2160 or go to www.housing.appstate.edu and click on ”Residential Learning Communities.”

Name of Community Partnering Departments Linked Course

Location

Active Living Wellness Center, University Recreation, Communications Y Cannon

Art Haus Art, Technology, Dance, Theatre, Music Y Eggers

Black & Gold First Year Seminar, Athletics Y Bowie

Brain Matters Psychology Y Belk

Business Exploration Walker College of Business Y Belk

Future Educators Reich College of Education, Academic Advising, Admissions Y Cone

Heltzer Honors Heltzer Honors College Y East

Language & Culture Foreign Languages & Literatures Y Living Learning Center

Living Free N/A Y Coltrane

Living Green ASU Recycles, Physical Plant, Office of Sustainability, Design &

Construction

N Frank

Outdoor Health Leisure & Exercise Science, Outdoor Programs Y Doughton

Pedal Power ASU Cycling Team, Health Promotions, Health Leisure & Exercise

Science, Mathematics, Technology, Advising & Orientation

Y Justice

Service & Leadership Center for Student Involvement & Leadership (CSIL),

Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT)

Y Hoey

Sisterhood Experience N/A N White

Sophomore Year Experience Career Development Center, Peer Career Y Newland

Teaching Fellows Reich College of Education Y Living Learning Center

The Ultimate Man N/A N Lovill

Transfer Teacher Educators Academic Advising, Admissions, Career Development Center N Cone

Watauga Global University College Y Living Learning Center

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Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) at Appalachian State University provide students with an innovative housing opportunity. Ranked as a 2010 Best College for Learning Communities according to U.S. News & World Report, Appalachian offers great experiences for all students who choose to be a member of a specific community. Appalachian offers 19 options for students to choose from, including those focused on particular majors and others with a focus on a particular student interest.

The top 5 reasons to live in an RLC:1) build friendships easier2) connect more quickly to the university3) earn higher grades4) stay in college beyond your first year and graduate

on time5) be more satisfied with college

Residential Learning Communities afford students an academic learning experience outside of the classroom in a fun and educational setting. Students who participate in an RLC at Appalachian live together on the same floor(s) of a residence hall and often are required to enroll in one or more linked courses which emphasize the theme of each specific community. In addition, research shows that students who participate in an RLC have a higher GPA and enjoy a better college experience. One of the best ways to develop strong friendships and succeed in college is to join an RLC.

For more information on residential learning communities and to learn how to apply, go to www.housing.appstate.edu and click on “Residential Learning Communities.”

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Active Liv ingDo you enjoy being active? Are you committed to living a healthy lifestyle? The Active Living RLC fosters an environment that encourages a well-rounded balance of mind, body and spirit in order to achieve personal and academic success. Residents in the Active Living community share common interests in fitness, endurance sport, strength enhancement, outdoor adventure, hiking, camping, nutrition, flexibility training, relaxation, and rest. The Active Living RLC engages in programs that explore, build, and heighten an ongoing interest in an engaged, active lifestyle.

Art HausDo you enjoy art? Boone, North Carolina, has a wonderful art community that is ideal for any art student. The Art Haus RLC is designed to be a living-learning environment for students who are passionate about visual and/or performing arts and interested in collaborating with other student artists. Students have the opportunity to live among other artists who may have a different concentration, take trips to museums to further learn about art, and participate in programming that encourages their own artistic exploration. This provides students with a creative environment conducive to learning and building a community of artists. Whether you are majoring in some type of art or just like art as a hobby, this is a great place for you. Art will quickly become a part of your everyday life in the Art

Haus community.

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“We all were new to campus, we all shared the same fears and interests, but together we had an amazing first year at Appalachian State University and I gained friendships that will last a lifetime.”(Sarah Adams, Transfer Teacher Education RLC)

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Black and Gold Are you excited to be a Mountaineer? Do you consider yourself a super fan? This community is for students with school spirit and Appalachian pride! Students in this community can expect to be provided opportunities to attend Appalachian sporting events, participate in Homecoming activities, get involved with other campus organizations, learn about Appalachian history and local culture, and organize trips to support Appalachian events.

Brain MattersDo you wonder why people do the things they do? Have you ever thought about how your brain works? Brain Matters was created for students who want to know more about why people act, think, and feel the way they do. Specifically, the Brain Matters learning community explores the science of psychology and learn about human and animal development, behavior, cognition, and emotions. Students will have a chance to interact with psychology professors, graduate students, and peers both in and out of the classroom.

Business Explorat ionDo you plan to major in business? Are you interested in exploring accounting, marketing, international business, computer information systems, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, or management? Business Exploration is a community that was created to provide a living-learning experience for students majoring in or interested in any area of business. The community offers a unique opportunity for students to explore different areas of business to aid in the process of selecting a major as well as understanding how all areas of business work together.

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Future EducatorsDo you hope to be a teacher someday? This learning community is for students who are preparing for a career in education and wish to live in a community with other future educators. Students also participate in a variety of activities that will improve their readiness for work in their chosen field. Students participating in the Teaching Fellows program will not be admitted to the Future Educators community.

HonorsThis community is coordinated by Appalachian’s Honors College and has a separate application process; therefore, it is important that students interested in learning more visit www.honors.appstate.edu.

Language & CultureAre you interested in learning or perfecting a foreign language? Does learning cultural customs interest you? The Language & Culture community is for students who want to practice and expand their knowledge of the global community. xperience partnering departments. Special features of this community include peer study groups, the opportunity to live with international students, and discussion groups speaking a foreign language.

Liv ing FreeThe Living Free community is designed for students who choose to live substance free and who have made a commitment to themselves and their neighbors to abstain from the use of alcohol or other drugs. Students living in the community voluntarily agree not to have or use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other controlled substances. The residents of this community work to improve their personal wellness by participating in a variety of programs provided by other students, faculty, and staff.

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Liv ing Green Trying to live green? This learning community is for students who have an interest in environmental protection and sustainability and wish to support that cause by living in an environmentally responsible community. This community is housed in Frank residence hall, which is Gold® certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Students in this community initiate and participate in activities that promote green living on campus and in the surrounding community.

OutdoorDo you enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, rock-climbing, camping, and canoeing? The Outdoor community is designed for students who are interested in developing and refining their outdoor leadership skills, exploring career opportunities in outdoor recreation, and want to be part of an interactive, fun-filled community. Students in this community take two classes together, spend four days in the woods together, and live on the same floor. This combination allows students the opportunity to create lifelong friendships and plug in to the Appalachian family. No previous experience is required; only a desire to participate, learn, and grow! Be prepared to have fun, make friends and explore one of the best parts of Appalachian State University, the Blue Ridge Mountains. *Members of the Outdoor community must pay ($240) for and attend the First Accent trip, which will be held during the three days before students move into the residence halls.

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Pedal PowerAre you interested in riding a bicycle in either a recreational or competitive setting? Pedal Power encourages a diverse group of cyclists, whether you race, mountain bike, commute, or just like to putter around. This community welcomes 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 women and men who enjoy cycling. The community offers activities related to cycling advocacy, bike safety, bike maintenance, health benefits of cycling, and many opportunities to be introduced to the local cycling community. Students in Pedal Power are expected to serve as advocates for bike safety and cycling in general to the rest of campus.

Service & LeadershipDo you want to develop your leadership skills and a personal philosophy of leadership? Do you have a heart for serving the community? The Service & Leadership community is for students who want to fully explore what it takes to leave a legacy at Appalachian State University and then work towards leaving a legacy of their own. Students who are looking to learn more about themselves and the world to which they belong are encouraged to join this unique living and learning experience.

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Sisterhood ExperienceAre you a female student interested in living among and building close relationships with other college women? The Sisterhood Experience is a community of women living together in one building to provide the opportunity to focus on self-awareness and current issues facing women in today’s society. Special support will be provided by various on-campus departments through a variety of activities and discussions that serve as an active learning tool for residents. Women living in this community will experience a welcoming environment where ideas and thoughts can be shared and experienced. Students will focus on life-long habits of time management, financial management, and community involvement.

Sophomore Year ExperienceThe Sophomore Year Experience is offered to second-year students only. The community is equipped for students who are still examining various academic major and career-related options. Both staff and students of this community understand the anticipation and challenge of choosing a career path. SYE is a place where students will feel supported in their pursuits.

Teaching Fel lowsThis community is coordinated by Appalachian’s Teaching Fellows program and has a separate application process; therefore, it is important that students interested in learning more visit www.teachingfellows.appstate.edu.

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The Ult imate Man Are you a male student interested in living among and building close relationships with other college men? The Ultimate Man community is a group of men living together, in one building, to create a support system built on brotherhood. Through activities and events, students have the opportunity to analyze and understand what being a man encompasses in today’s society. Students are provided opportunities to begin raising awareness of men’s issues among others in both the campus and local community. Through programs provided and connections made with various resources and departments on campus, residents are given support in the areas of academics and social experience. Students also work with staff to look at male socialization and expectations, how they are impacted by these forces, and how they can better confront the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a college male in the 21st century.

Transfer Teacher Educat ionAre you a transfer student preparing to be an educator? This learning community is designed to help teacher education transfer students integrate smoothly into the Appalachian community. Community members receive academic and community support services often underutilized by transfer students.

Watauga GlobalThis community is coordinated by the Watauga Global Community (formerly Watauga College) and has a separate application process; therefore, it is important that students interested in learning more visit www.wataugaglobal.appstate.edu.

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How do I join an RLC?First-year students may apply for any RLC at the same time they submit their online housing

application. Students who indicate an interest in an RLC will be directed to the RLC application process once their housing application has been successfully submitted. Students applying to RLCs may choose and rank up to three community preferences. Every effort will be made to honor your first choice.

When do I need to apply?Students are admitted to RLCs based upon both the quality of their application and the date of submission. Spaces are limited, so students are urged to complete their

applications as soon as possible! Those students with an earlier application date will be given priority.

How do I choose my roommate?Students applying for RLCs who have a roommate preference need to make sure that their requested roommate has also applied to the same RLCs. In the event that a student has applied for an RLC and selected a roommate who hasn’t, the RLC application may not be considered.

How do I edit my housing appl icat ion?If you have completed your housing application and did not indicate an interest in an RLC but have decided to apply, then it’s not too late! You may edit your housing application until June 1 by logging into the Housing Management System (HMS) and indicating an interest in RLCs. You will then be prompted to fill out your RLC application.

When wi l l I know i f I am accepted?Review of applications will begin during the first week in April and continue through June or until all available spaces are filled. It is important that you check your Appalachian e-mail account regularly because you will be notified via e-mail as soon as you are accepted into a community.

Questions about RLCs?If you have questions concerning RLCs or the application process, please contact the Residence Life & Learning Communities Coordinator at 828-262-8656.

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Begin researching RLC options and considering what best suits your interests. All students can apply for up to three RLCs.

January

The housing application becomes available. You can begin applying for RLCs when you are applying for housing. Many of our RLCs fill up very fast, so it is important that you complete your application early.

February

Notification of acceptance into RLCs will begin and continue through June 30. It is important that students check their Appalachian e-mail account in order to respond to the acceptance deadline in the notification e-mail.

March - June

Applications will continue to be available until June 15 or until the RLCs are filled, whichever comes first.

April - June

Final acceptance notifications are sent out. June

Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees. 3,500 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $3062.06 or $0.87 per copy.

New RLC Options for UpperclassmenRLCs aren’t for freshmen only. Appalachian State University has created the new Student-Initiated Residential Learning Communities Program, which allows upperclass students to begin and/or continue their involvement in residential learning communities by designing and leading their own community of interest on campus.

Upperclassmen will have the ability to play an active role in their own education by becoming the Student Coordinators of their uniquely designed Residential Learning Community.

Each October, applications will become available on the University Housing website for current Appalachian students to submit an idea for learning communities and to apply to serve as a Student Coordinator. This new program provides the opportunity for like-minded students to take an engaged role in their education while developing great leadership and programming skills.

Deadl ines for Residential Learning Communit ies

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