The Department of Residence Life and Housing strives to create residential environments that are conducive to living and learning. To this end, our Living Learning Communities have been created to help residents better bridge the gap between academics and campus living. The staff who are part of these communities are dedicated to facilitating event that meet the interests and academic demands of the residents. Research shows that those who participate in Learning Communities have better grades and retention rats; as these students are more connected to their fellow residents and the community around them.
The living/learning communities are
The special interest housing topics are wellness and single gender housing. To help you decide which area might be right for you, we've provided a short description of each with some questions you may want to ask yourself before choosing.
Living Learning Communities
Building and Design (Architecture, Engineering and related majors)
When there seems to be no end to the work or when you need some encouragement from others, Building and Design (currently located in Stonewall Terrace,Building 1 on the 1st and 2nd floors) is a great place to come home to. The area provides Architecture & Engineering majors the opportunity to combine work and relation in a comfortable, convenient living area that has several common rooms and two studio desks. Past programs have included a "Walking Architectural Tour of Boston" including many new and historic Boston locations, an orientation to Providence including the architecture supply store, a session how to build better models for studio and a "mock Critique" simulation the experience of work being critiqued without the pressure of a grade following.
First Year Student Opportunity Program
For some, transitioning from high school to Roger Williams University maybe seem like an overwhelming task. The First Year Student Opportunity Program (FYSOP) is a set up to provide students the ideal experience to create new friends and connect with faculty. Students in FYSOP are enrolled in classes together and live on the same floor in Stonewall Terrace. Students will have opportunities to participate in numerous programs and activities designed by their Resident Assistant and Student Advocates. Click here for more information.
People Enthusiastic About Cultural Experiences (PEACE)
People Enthusiastic About Cultural Experiences (PEACE) is a community that uses programming in and out of the residence hall to create dialogue about different cultures and background. These students will be living in Maple Hall Unit One which is adjacent to the Intercultural Center. Students from around the world enrolled in the ELS (English Language Systems) program, who come to the RWU campus to learn English and American culture, also live in this unit. The community here is extremely close and welcomes students of all back-grounds. Programming often focuses on appreciating and celebrating specific traditions within a cultural group and creating a "safe space" for all.
Aquaculture (Marine Biology & related majors)
A unit in Maple Hall is designated for students who are interested in the study of marine biology and other related sciences. Programs are designed to allow students to bridge learning from the classroom to the residence hall. As such students frequently study together in the common room. Past events have included trips to the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic Ct and Woods Hole, Ma to visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium and Marine Biological Laboratory with tours of the facilities with Profess Dale Leavitt in Attendance. Other programs sponsored by the RA have included how to write a scientific proposal, an orientation of study abroad experiences offered to Marine Bio majors and a "Marine Creature of the Week" display.
Law & Order (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and related majors)
Today you cannot turn on the television without viewing a commercial for "Law and Order" or "CSI". The area of criminal justice and forensic science is a dynamic field that is growing at a steady pace. This unit in Maple Hall will provide programs that meet the academic and social interest of students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program or interested in forensic psychology, Pre-Law or other related majors. Past programs have included a trip to the ACI (Adult Correctional Institute) in Cranston, RI and a forensics series including learning skills like finger-printing and tool impressions and casting.
Honors Housing
Honors Housing is offered in Building Four of Stonewall Terrace. This living area focuses on developing an enhanced intellectual environment for academic success, celebrating diversity and providing educational and social programming. The students and RA develop a well-connected, supportive community which is evidenced by the number of students who choose to return to the area after their first year. In addition to common spaces for socializing, there are three quiet study rooms for group or private study. The area is open to students in the Honors Program or students who maintain a 3.2 GPA after their first year.
Reaching New Heights (Leadership)
Reaching New Heights students will be housed in an area of Willow Hall. The RA and the students will spend the year focusing on defining leadership and exploring opportunities to both hone and showcase their leadership skills. Of course there are many opportunities to take a position as a leader on campus at RWU, but there are way each day that we can take a stand and make our world a better place by showing leadership on a variety of topics. The Reaching New Heights community is the perfect forum to discuss the impact leadership on a variety of levels and also a place to engage in our community through social, educational and service-oriented programs.
Healthy U. (Wellness)
Maple Hall houses a unit of students who are interested in various aspects of health and wellness. Currently in Maple Hall Unit 12, "Health U." helps resident learn that wellness is much more than exercising and eating right. Residents of this unit will embrace the concept of wellness from a holistic perspective; engaging in education, social, physical, cultural, emotional, spiritual and service learning programs. This is a substance free, tobacco free and alcohol free unit. Past programs have included a trip to a New England Revolution (professional soccer) game, "Healthy Cooking" sessions with RWU Chef Bob Lavoie, and hiking in Purgatory Chasm State Park in Sutton, MA
Sign Up
Now that you know a little about Living Learning Communities , here is how you can sign up for one of these very special living areas:
Incoming freshmen should indicate on their New Student Placement Questionnaire, that is located through your MyRWU account. Once you have deposited into the University, Admissions will send you your log-in and password to your MyRWU account. Through the "Services" tab, you will find the questionnaire under the "Residence Life" tab located on the left hand side. Question #3 asks if you are interested in a Living Learning Community.
Returning students - please watch for special sign-up information in Lottery materials available in the Spring.
Good luck in your decision making. If you should have any questions concerning the Living Learning Communities or Special Interest Housing options, please do not hesitate to ask any Residence Life & Housing staff member. We look forward to seeing you next Fall as members in this new and expanded program.