How
do I apply for one of the Learning Community programs?
Virtually
all residential freshmen will live in a residence hall where their classmates
from their first year seminar course in the Fall semester also live. About
one-quarter of the class opts into one of the offered themed learning
communities. Information about the themed communities is available on the web
and a brochure
with highlights is mailed to all accepted new students during
the Spring semester.
Students interested in a themed program must apply on line, but may not apply
until they have paid their deposit to hold their spot in the new class.
Selection into the themed communities is done primarily on a random basis but priority
consideration is given to applications received before May 1, 2008 (and June 15, 2008
for commuting students). If you do not have access to the internet to access the
form, please call Teri O'Brien at 610-519-4550.
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Is everyone accepted into
the program?
Selection into a themed learning community is done primarily on a random basis with some consideration of a few factors, including
the date of application and gender. The programs attempt to have a cross section
of students from all four Colleges (Arts
& Sciences, Nursing,
Engineering and
Villanova School of Business) and from all geographic
regions for the residential programs. Priority consideration is given to applications
received before May 1, 2008 (and June 15, 2008 for commuting students). Apply
early if you are interested to increase your chance of obtaining a place in your
program of first choice.
When will I find out if I am accepted into a Learning Community program?
You will most likely find out in mid-July. If you are selected, your class
schedule will automatically be adjusted by the Registrar's Office to ensure that
you are enrolled in the appropriate section of the first year seminar course
Augustine and Culture Seminar (Traditions in Conversation and Modernity and its
Discontents) and the one-credit
workshop, if applicable. Likewise, your housing assignment
will reflect your selection into a program. Some participants may not find
out they have been selected until later in the summer.
Are the
Learning Community Programs just for freshmen?
The themed learning communities are designed for first year students and your
commitment is one year only. There is a Sophomore Service Learning
Community that interested students apply for during Spring semester of their
freshman year.
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What
are the benefits of being in a Learning Community?
The themed Learning Communities are designed to enhance the experience of the student
in an area in which the student has a special interest. The themed
communities also assist students during their first year
in discovering the links between the learning that students experience inside the
classroom with their learning experiences outside of the classroom. Students
participating in the programs have been very happy with their choice to participate.
One student remarked: "I think the experience is a very beneficial thing for
incoming freshmen to get involved in. It allows them to make close bonds outside
of the classroom and makes the hall seem more like a community. It helps students
learn more about what Villanova has to offer."
The students become active members of a living and learning community and are
enriched with what they learn and the friendships they make.
How much of a time commitment does participation in a Learning Community require?
Students in Leadership Experience, Citizenship for a Diverse World, or Healthy
Living are enrolled in an additional seminar class that meets
once-a-week, most weeks, for 60-75 minutes. The class begins at the outset
of the school year and ends at Spring Break, which is in early March. Some
assignments are given in the class though much of the grade is based on
participation and attendance at class or other events. Additional optional
programming is offered for students to participate in, at their own discretion.
Students in Politics of Freedom, Justice: From Adam to Eve, Environmental
Leadership, Global Community, or Performers and
Artists are required through their ACS first year
seminar course to participate in field trips, talks, and other activities
organized by the individual ACS professor. The work load in any of the
programs is not substantially heavier than for other first year students.
What
if I apply to one of the programs and do not get in?
In the
application, you may indicate order of
preference for the various themed programs. If you are not selected for one
of the themed learning communities, you will still be assigned to a first year
seminar class (ACS) and housing with your ACS classmates. We will also automatically
put your name on a wait-list for the program that you applied for. Should
you decide you do not want to be on the wait list, simply contact us and we will
remove your name (through e-mail teri.obrien@villanova.edu
or by phone at 610-519-4550).
May
I apply to a program if I have a preferred roommate?
Yes. Both you and your preferred roommate must apply to the program that you are both
interested in. On the application, space is provided for you to indicate who
your preferred roommate is. PLEASE NOTE: Both roommates must complete the application and
name each other as "preferred."
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Can students from all
majors participate?
Yes. Students from all four colleges (Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, and
Business) participate because all first-year students are required to take the
first year seminar course (ACS)
for two semesters during their freshman year. Once you are selected to participate
in a program, your class schedule will automatically be adjusted to register you
for the appropriate section of the seminar(s).
Will my status as a varsity athlete affect my ability to participate?
No. Several varsity athletes have participated in the themed communities in the past.
However, if you are considering participating in a learning community and you are a varsity
athlete, be realistic about your time management skills. Being a varsity athlete
does require a significant time commitment, along with your normal academic load.
Where can I find out more information about the residence hall where the program
will be housed?
Leadership Experience, Citizenship for a Diverse World, and the Healthy Living
will be housed on
south campus for the 2008-2009 school year in
St. Monica Hall or
Katharine Hall with about 190 students.
Politics of Freedom will be housed in
O'Dwyer Hall on main campus for the 2008-2009 school year. It will consist
of about 80 students.
Environmental Leadership, Global Community, and Performers and Artists will be
housed on
south campus for the 2008-2009 school year in
Katharine Hall.
Justice: From Adam to Eve will be housed in
Delurey Hall on main campus for the 2008-2009 school year.
Are the residence halls involved with the programs co-educational?
Yes. The Halls are co-educational by floor. Each floor/gender has its own bathrooms.
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