Residential Learning Communities
Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) are programs organized to introduce and integrate academic and social learning in residence hall settings through faculty involvement. The goal is to create an enriched learning experience for all participants. Short descriptions are provided below, to learn more visit www.lc.colostate.edu.
Curricular RLCs:
One or more clustered courses which link individually taught courses through a cohort in which residents live together in a residential area (Shapiro & Levine, 1999).
- Health and Exercise Science Community - Corbett Hall
- Honors Residential Learning Community - Academic Village and Edwards Hall
- Key Academic Community (1st Year Track) - Braiden Hall
- Key Service Community (1st Year Track) - Braiden Hall
- Key Plus (Sophomore Track) - Braiden Hall
- Live Green Community - Summit Hall
Academic :
A residential model in which students are assigned to a residential space based on a shared major or academic support to assist in general education requirements.
- Engineering Residential Learning Community - Academic Village and Allison Hall
- Equine Community - Edwards Hall
- Global Village - Braiden Hall
- Ingersoll Residential College (College of Natural Sciences) - Ingersoll Hall
Themed :
These programs are best characterized by their co-curricular nature. Activities might include a program that brings students together around a common interest into the residence hall, usually on a one-time basis, for discussion, lecture, films, mentoring, or receptions (Schoem, 2004, p. 140).
Directions on how to apply to a Residential Learning Community
Academic Involvement
Social Atmosphere
For any general information related to Residential Learning Communities at Colorado State University, please contact Teresa Metzger at Teresa.Metzger@Colostate.Edu or (970) 491-4705.
Engineering Residential Learning Community
Sponsored by the College of
Engineering
The Engineering RLC is located in the Academic Village on
the south side of campus. This community provides the perfect atmosphere for College
of Engineering students to succeed. Residents of this community have an instantaneous
support network with other students who have a similar academically
rigorous program. Study groups, tutoring, and review sessions for examinations
are all held within Academic Village. College of Engineering Faculty participate
in events in the Academic Village to get to know their students better. Returning students and first year students are also housed on several designated floors in Allison Hall.
All Engineering majors living in the Academic Village Engineering Residential Learning Community will be assessed an additional $350 ($175/semester) program charge per year through the College of Engineering. Engineering students residing in other residence halls will not be assessed this program charge. Visit the College of Engineering web site at www.engr.colostate.edu for more information.
Contact Tom Siller at Thomas.Siller@ColoState.EDU or 970.491.6220 for more information.
Global Village
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
The Global Village, located in Braiden Hall, consists of both domestic and international students from a variety of international backgrounds (including Global Nomads) who share an interest in world relations and building bridges of understanding between cultures. Students with a high school International Baccalaureate degree may find Global Village to be the next step in their journey. Global Village is the perfect connection for students who have lived abroad, or are interested in majors in anthropology, foreign languages, international business, international studies, political science, recreation and tourism, social work, sociology, and speech communication.
For more information visit www.globalvillage.lc.colostate.edu/ or contact Shauna Deluca in the Office of International Programs at intled@colostate.edu or 970.491.5917.
Health and Exercise Science Community
Sponsored by the Department of Health and Exercise Science, College of Applied Human Sciences
The Health and Exercise Science Community (HES Community), located in Corbett Hall, is the ideal niche for students interested in majoring in Health and Exercise Science with concentrations in Health Promotion and Sports Medicine. Residents of this floor live with other students who are taking many of the same classes, have similar career goals, and are equally interested in living an active and healthy lifestyle. The HES Community will offer consistent opportunities for experiential learning via the Campus Recreation, and CSU Health Network. Conveniently located by the Recreation Center and Moby Athletic Arena, Corbett Hall is ideally located for HES students.
For more information visit hes.lc.colostate.edu/ or contact Cathy Kennedy, Ph.D. at Catherine.Kennedy@ColoState.EDU or 970.491.1501.
Honors Residential Learning Community
Sponsored by the University Honors Program
The Honors Residential Learning Community offers a supportive, community-building environment for Honors students in two adjacent residence halls. The Honors Offices, seminar rooms, study lounges, and Fireside Lounge are located in the Academic Village. Incoming freshmen have priority for rooms in the Academic Village. Returning students and first year students are also housed on several designated floors in nearby Edwards Hall.
Many social and educational programs are offered through the Honors Residential Learning Community. Honors Resident Assistants mentor students on their floors, advising them about academics, campus life, and personal development. In addition, Honors staff members are available for walk-in advising. You must be accepted as an Honors student to live on designated Honors halls and floors.
For more information visit www.honors.colostate.edu/HonorsCommunity/index.htm or contact the Honors Office at 970.491.5679, email honors@colostate.edu.
Ingersoll Residential College
Sponsored by the College of
Natural Sciences
Residents of the Ingersoll Residential College (IRC) in Ingersoll Hall have a major in the College of Natural Sciences. They have an interest in science and want to live with others who share similar interests. Many IRC residents take the same classes, so it is easy to form study groups and ask other residents for assistance with homework. Majors include biochemistry, biological science, botany, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, psychology, and zoology. Natural Science Open Option and Life Sciences Open Option students are also invited to become part of the Ingersoll Residential College. In addition to a significant focus on providing academic support, the Ingersoll Residential College also provides a wide variety of social opportunities. The Ingersoll Residential College also offers two floor which are super coed with two women in one room and two men in the next room – male and female community bathrooms are located on different sides of the hall.
For more information visit irc.lc.colostate.edu or www.natsci.colostate.edu/index.cfm?menu=ingersoll. You may also contact Jack McGrew, Ph.D. in the College of Natural Sciences at 970.491.1300 or Jack.McGrew@ColoState.EDU.
Key Academic Community (1st Year Track)
Sponsored by the Center for Advising
and Student Achievement
The Key Academic Community in Braiden Hall is an academically focused residential community for first year students. Residents on the Key Academic Community floors share values that are the foundation of the community: desire for academic achievement, appreciation for diversity, and active involvement in classes and campus activities. Residents have a range of tools to help them succeed, including enrolling in and attending at least three classes with other students in the community, group study opportunities, feedback on how they’re doing, leadership development, and connection with faculty.
Participants are selected from among those who apply on a separate application form. For application forms and more information, visit www.key.casa.colostate.edu or contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement, 202 Aylesworth Hall NE, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032. You may also reach staff via phone at 970.491.3658 or email at Amy.Robertson@colostate.edu.
Key Service Community (1st Year Track)
Sponsored by the Center for Advising and Student Achievement
The Key Service Community is a first-year Residential Learning Community developed around the theme of “student leadership and civic engagement.” The Key Service Community is comprised of 150 students who live together in Braiden Hall and co-enroll in linked courses in groups of 19. In this community, students take advantage of year-long service opportunities while building connections with faculty and community organizations. Through discussion, service, and reflection, students develop a personal philosophy about their role in our world. Students also will assess how they can contribute to a more civil society while becoming more active and positive role models within university life and beyond.
The values for the Key Service Community Are; Student Leadership through Civic Engagement, Active Campus and Community Involvement, Appreciation of Diversity, and Academic Success.
A separate application is required. For application forms and more information, contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement, 202 Aylesworth Hall NE, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032. You may also reach staff via phone at 970.491.3658 or email Amy.Robertson@colostate.edu. For more information, visit the Key website at www.key.casa.colostate.edu.
Key Plus (Sophomore) Track
Sponsored by the Center for Advising and Student Achievement
A community (living on the sophomore Key floor in Braiden is optional) for second year students who participated in either the Key Academic or Key Service Community during their first year of college. Students in the community have the option of participating in one of two tracks:
- Decision making related to majors and careers
- Leadership skills development
A separate application is required. For application forms and more information, contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement, 202 Aylesworth Hall NE, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032.
You may also contact Lory-Ann Varela at lvarela@rams.colostate.edu or 970.491.3658. For more information, visit the Key website at www.key.casa.colostate.edu.
Equine Community
Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences
The College of Agricultural Sciences is well known for the sense of family and community it fosters. This residential floor in Edwards Hall is a natural extension of this sense of community. Residents not only study together, but they also support each other’s efforts with the Equestrian Team, Polo Team, Collegiate Horseman’s Association, Rodeo Club, and many others. Being active and involved members of the community are important to students living in the Equine and Agricultural Sciences Community. This community is only available to women at this time.
If you have an interest in science and industry, animals, agronomy, farm and ranch management, food science, horticulture, landscape design, or agricultural business and economics, this program may provide you with the environment you desire.
Contact Dr. Nancy Irlbeck at Nancy.Irlbeck@colostate.edu or 970.491.0668 for more information.
Leadership Development Community
Sponsored by the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE ) Office
This program in Durward Hall provides you with the opportunity to continue the development of your leadership skills through a variety of involvement opportunities. Students often take a leadership class together, become involved in service projects, and learn about on-campus and community leadership opportunities. Leadership skills are developed through workshops, class options, and experiential learning. This is an active and involved community where students get to know each other quickly. You must complete an application and be accepted into this community.
To apply, select Leadership Development Community in the RLC section of your housing application and complete the application questions that come up when you continue to the next page. If you have already completed your housing application and did not select the Leadership Development Community, please contact the Residence Life Assignments Office at assign@colostate.edu or 970.491.4719 to request the application.
For more information on this community please contact Bobby Kunstman at 970.491.1682 or
Bobby.Kunstman@colostate.edu
Live Green Community
Sponsored by the Warner College of Natural Resources and
College of Agricultural Sciences
Are you interested in living green at CSU? Are you interested in the new green economy and look towards a green collar career? Are you interested in supporting local foods, renewable energy, and preserving national parks? If you are passionate about the planet and would enjoy living with a diverse group of students join the Live Green Community at CSU! Located in Summit Hall (a suite style hall with both double and single rooms), the Live Green Community is for students interested in natural resources, sustainable agriculture, national parks, wild spaces, and the health of our environment. There is no additional fee to participate in this learning community. Students participate in academic programs in natural resources and agriculture, service-learning projects related to sustainable natural resource management, and sustainability discussions and seminars. The Live Green Community residential community is a part of a larger Live Green community where students participate in service projects such as Visit Green, Buy Local for Great Sand Dunes National Park, or similar projects for national parks, sustainable agriculture, and communities around the state of Colorado.
Live Green has a required freshman seminar and required alternative spring break service-oriented trip to the National Parks of Colorado.
To apply, select Live Green in the RLC section of your housing application and complete the application questions that come up when you continue to the next page. If you have already completed your housing application and did not select the Leadership Development Community, please contact the Residence Life Assignments Office at assign@colostate.edu or 970.491.4719 to request the application.
For more information on this community visit livegreen.lc.colostate.edu or contact one of the following:
Dr.Gillian Bowser (Warner College of Natural Resources) gbowser@colostate.edu (970)491-5871
Dr. Nancy Irlbeck (College of Agricultural Sciences) nancy.irlbeck@colostate.edu (970)491-6274
Check us out on Facebook: NR192
Living Substance Free
Sponsored by the Wellness Zone
If you are committed to enjoying college without using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, this option in Parmelee Hall offers an environment to support that decision. Students who choose to abstain from alcohol and/or drugs for personal, religious, or health reasons as well as those from alcoholic backgrounds or recovering from addictions, are invited to participate. A variety of social opportunities are offered to make this a fun and involved community. You must complete an application and be accepted into this community.
To apply, select Living Substance Free in the RLC section of your housing application and complete the application questions that come up when you continue to the next page. If you have already completed your housing application and did not select the Living Substance Free, please contact the Residence Life Assignments Office at assign@colostate.edu or 970.491.4719 to request the application.
For more information on this community please contact Debra Morris at 970.491.1723 or Debra.Morris@colostate.edu
Directions for how to apply to a Residential Learning Community on Your Housing Application
If you would like to join the many students living in a RLC, simply follow the instructions on the Residence Hall Housing Application.
- You must indicate a specific RLC as your top choice in order to be considered for assignment to that floor.
- Complete any additional applications as necessary
- Indicate the appropriate hall style - Suite or Standard - for the RLC you request.
- If you have a roommate in mind, he or she needs to indicate the same RLC as his or her top choice. Both students would have to be assigned to the same community.
If you’ve already submitted your housing application and are interested in joining a Residential Learning Community, call the assignments office at (970) 491-4719 or email assign@colostate.edu to obtain information regarding space availability.
Join the excitement of being involved in an RLC, where shared interests create common bonds! Spaces are available on a first-come basis. Occasionally, a RLC will be cancelled due to a shortage of requests. You will be notified if this occurs.
Academic Involvement
RLCs can give students a jumpstart to academic success through targeted activities and programs as well as faculty involvement. The following is a partial list of some of the programs and activities RLCs have done together:
- Touring facilities related to major/interests both on and off campus (Vet Teaching Hospital, Raptor Reserve, Engineering Building)
- Study Groups
- Tutoring Sessions
- Joining Student Organizations in Areas of Interest
- Informal Seminars/Events with Faculty
- Volunteer Activities in Areas of Interest – a great chance to contribute your time and talent while gaining valuable experience
- Bulletin Boards on Potential Careers and Test Preparation
Social Atmosphere
RLCs provide more than just a supportive academic community. Members of RLCs also enjoy many social activities together. The following is just an example of some of the activities RLC floors have done together:
- Attending CSU Sporting Events
- Movie Nights
- Floor Dinners
- Intramural Sports Teams
- Hiking Trips
- Skiing/Snowshoeing Trips
- Touring Facilities Related to Study/Interest Area
- Volunteer Activities
