VWC Living and Learning Communities 2012-13
More than just a room!
Seven exciting residential options await freshmen wanting an integrated academic, co-curricular and social experience. Connect with a small group of faculty and freshmen as you share First Year Seminar (FYE 101) and a General Studies course during the fall semester. You will study together, live on the same freshman hall, and participate in activities related to the community’s theme. Living and learning communities are open to students interested in pursuing any major, with the exception of the Women in Science community.
Dr. Timothy G. O’Rourke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College
CONNECT with a small group of faculty and freshmen as you share two classes each semester of your first year, live on the same residence hall floor, study together, and participate in related campus, local and regional activities.
EXPLORE your interests with selected professors and fellow freshmen.
SUCCEED by making friends more easily, getting to know professors better, adjusting to the expectations of college, attaining a higher level of academic achievement, and helping to make a difference through your involvement with your community.
DISCOVER your potential for leadership, critical thinking and civic engagement.
Living and Learning Community Themes for 2012-13
American Politics - Are you passionate about the American political process? Do you want to make an informed choice in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election? If so, join this community where you will examine each candidate’s position on the issues and have a chance to voice your opinion. Dive into an introductory course in American Government (POLS 112) and examine the U.S. Constitution as the foundation for our political system. As part of First Year Seminar, attend political rallies and watch debates with your community to analyze how our political system and the issues are shaping the Presidential race.
The Arts Collaborative – Throughout history, artists have sought communities that value self-expression and creativity. This living and learning community is definitely for you if you have an interest in the arts and want to develop your skills. In a Drawing I (ART 201) studio course, you will learn basic drawing concepts and creatively express yourself using various media. Outside of class, you will have opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation of the rigor and benefits of a life-long pursuit of the arts in different forms of studio art, music, and theater.
Community Service - Connect your passion for community service with building civic responsibility, strengthening communities, and working for positive social change. In this living and learning community, you will learn about social issues in Introduction to Sociology (SOC 100) and participate in service projects in your First Year Seminar that
address needs in the local community.
Honors & Scholars Program – Have you been invited to participate in this dynamic program? As a bonus, you may select to live in a community with other Honors & Scholars freshmen where you will have numerous opportunities to engage with one another in scholarly, cultural, and social activities on campus and in Hampton Roads. During summer orientation you will choose from one of several suggested Honors Courses paired with a First Year Seminar.
Into YOUR Wild – If life is a journey, where will yours take you? College is a time of discovery. Through Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (REC 101) and the First Year Seminar, this community will investigate the outdoor activities beyond VWC that may add to your life’s journey. Utilizing the best-selling book “Into the Wild” you will consider the life of Chris McCandless who graduated from college and set out into the wild to challenge himself like few others have. Chris’ sister, Carine, will spend time with the community and provide the insight that most people will never receive. You will also work closely with the college’s RecX outdoor recreation office to go on its own weekend adventure. If your idea of adventure is to watch something new on TV this community isn’t for you. If you’re ready to explore the area, get dirty, and discover what your “wild” is then join us!
PORTfolioProgram: Do More and Learn More! - PORTfolio is a selective four-year curriculum that supplements any major and allows you to connect the lessons of the college classroom with off-campus learning opportunities. As a participant in this learning community you will connect skills learned in the classroom with real-world problems; explore career possibilities through practical experiences; develop professional and leadership qualities that are essential in community life or professional settings; and develop an Electronic Portfolio. In your first semester as a freshman, you will take Self & Circumstance (PORT 121) and First Year Seminar where you will formulate personal, educational and career goals.
Women in Science – Examine the contributions of women in science related to graduate programs and career opportunities in your First Year Seminar course in this living and learning community. Your foundation science course will introduce you to College Chemistry (CHEM 120). This community is only for female students interested in the physical or life sciences.
Indicating Your Interest in Participating in a Living and Learning Community
You will receive an online questionnaire with living and learning community and other important housing information to complete after you have been accepted and paid your deposit to Virginia Wesleyan. Indicate your top preferences for a community at that time. If you decide that you want to participate in a community after you have completed the housing questionnaire, simply contact: Ms. Deborah Hicks, Associate Dean for Special Academic Projects, 757-455-3338, dlhicks@vwc.edu.
