Bridgewater State University Office of Residence Life and Housing is a featured program.
The Office of Residence Life & Housing has six Residential Learning Communities (RLCs), three of which have first year students; First Year Service-Based, First Year Honors, and Science and Math. Each of these RLCs are housed in Scott Hall on the west side of campus. RLCs provide an opportunity to partner academics and particular topics in a living and learning environment. This encourages students to form connections with faculty, staff, and other students who have similar interests. These students are able to grow and develop into engaged citizens in our community with the benefits of targeted programs, additional resources, and ample support.
These first year students were able to participate in the RLC Early Move In Program where they were able to move in a day early to get to know other students in their RLC through activities and meals. In addition to the Resident Director and eight Resident Assistants who work with all students in Scott Hall, there is a Graduate Intern, four Senior Programming Assistants, and five Program Assistants who work with RLCs students specifically.
The First Year Service-Based RLC helps students gain awareness and knowledge of social issues, engage in dialogue and reflection about civic engagement, and learn how to become agents of change. This RLC is made of first year students who want to make a difference, which they have already begun through participating in service projects and attending a one credit course. Since the beginning of this year, they have volunteered at the Bridgewater Autumn Fest and Big Brothers Big Sisters, made friendship bracelets and coloring books for a children’s hospital, and made lunches for the homeless at Father Bill’s in Brockton, MA.
The First Year Honors RLC is made up of first year students who have been accepted into the Honors Program and want to live with other students who are striving for academic excellence. Through this opportunity students are able to create a stronger connection with the Honors Center and participate in a required one credit course that offers resources and leadership skills for students. In the past two months, students have attended the Involvement Fair, learned about Strengths Quest, and participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the library.
The Science and Math RLC offer students majoring or minoring in math or science an opportunity to live together and participate in a one credit course. This community is made up of first year and upper class students who are able to form mentoring connections that will assist in their academic success. In addition, there are three Residential Mentors who live in the RLC who offer study hours in Scott Hall to assist in any academic classes. Since September, the class has had a tour of the Conant Science and Mathematics Building’s research labs and equipment, a library introduction, interviews with faculty, and working on group projects.
>> Click here to learn more about Bridgewater’s Living Learning Communities
Submitted by Ryan N. Greelish, Resident Director, Bridgewater State University