University Housing

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residential learning communities

Residential Learning Communities

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The primary objective of residential learning and theme housing at San Francisco State University is to provide an environment where students can explore the interconnected relationship between what is learned and what is lived.

The communities bring together diverse groups of residents with common intellectual, political, and/or social interests. We hope to support the development of residential communities sustained by commitment to intellectual inquiry, personal and collective introspection, and social action.

Moreover, we believe the existence of such communities stimulates critical dialogue within the Residential Community regarding the meaning and function of human difference and group solidarity.

Importance of Living and Learning Agreements

Living Learning and Theme Communities are proven to increase the likelihood of student success in the first year.  In offering these communities, University Housing and our SFSU campus partners are committed to creating a holistic learning environment that provides peer networking opportunities, increased faculty support, and community based learning inside and outside of the classroom.  The success of the students in these communities relies on a partnership between University Housing, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and most of all the community residents.  Because of this, we require all residents of the Living Learning and Theme Communities to echo our commitment to this enhanced learning environment by completing a Community Agreement for your specific community.  Links to specific Community Agreements are available on the individual community web pages.

All Residence Communities have the common objectives:

  • facilitate students' academic and social integration into the university,

  • help students plan their academic future,

  • reinforce students' development of essential academic skills and building important academic support skills,

  • help students to develop key personal and interpersonal skills,

  • foster cultural sensitivity and civility, and

  • improve retention and facilitating graduation.

  • Click on the individual learning community links for detailed information:

    Learning Communities* for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

    *The learning communities are academically supported by faculty from each college. Students must enroll in classes in relation to the community they decide to reside.

     

    FASTrack Learning Community

    The goal of the FASTrack Learning Community is to provide resources for undeclared residents as they decide on a major. FASTrack Learning Community is located in the Towers at Centennial Square.

     

    Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSS) Learning Community

    The Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSS) Learning Community is designed to assist students majoring in programs in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (including majors in Anthropology, Criminal Justice Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, International Relations, Labor Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Urban Studies) to acclimate to university life through academic, college-based, social, and residential connections. BSS Learning Community is located in the Towers at Centennial Square.

     

    Science & Technology Theme Community

    The Science & Technology Theme Community is designed to make the transition to college life easier for first-time freshman students majoring in science, mathematics, and engineering fields. Science & Technology Theme Community is located in a building named after itself: the Science & Technology Theme Community.

     

    LiFE Learning Community

    The LiFE Learning Community provides an environment where students majoring in programs in the College of Health and Human Services (including majors in Child and Adolescent Development, Consumer and Family Studies/Dietetics, Health Education, Kinesiology, pre-Nursing, pre-Physical Therapy, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Apparel Design and Merchandising, and Interior Design) can explore the interconnected relationships between what is learned and what is lived by participating in programs such as Stress Less Day, Smoking Cessation Program, and Wellness Week. LiFE Learning Community is located in the Towers at Centennial Square.

     

    Humanities Learning Community, IDEA

    The Humanities Learning Community, IDEA, is specifically for Freshmen who have declared or are interested in majoring in the College of Humanities (including majors in American Studies, Chinese, Classics, Comparative Literature, English, French, German, Humanities, Italian, Japanese, Journalism, Modern Jewish Studies, Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion, Spanish, Communication Studies, Technical and Professional Writing, and Women Studies) or Liberal Studies. Humanities Learning Community is located in the Towers at Centennial Square.

     

    College of Creative Arts Theme Floor:The M.V.P. Living Learning Community is specifically for Freshmen who have declared a major within the College of Creative Arts (i.e.  Art, Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts, Cinema, Design and Industry, Theatre Arts, Music and Dance). Residential learning communities are created when a common bond links residential and academic programs

     

    Business Learning Community

    The Business Learning Community or "Business Matters" is designed for freshmen who have decided to major or minor in business or are considering doing so. Business is a large and exciting field and students will learn about the wide variety of business careers and the concentrations offered to business majors and minors such as Accounting, Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality Management, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing and Management. The Business Learning Community is located in the Village at Centennial Square.

    Residential Theme Communities* for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

    * The theme communities provide the resident with a social/lifestyle experience. Students are encouraged to enroll in classes in relation to the community they decide to reside.

    Residence Halls Theme Communities for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

     

  • Women's Floor: For female students of any major who wish to live in an all-female environment and explore women's issues

  • Substance-Free Living Theme Floor: For students of any major who wish to live in an environment free of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and behavior associated with these issues

  • Quiet Floor: This theme floor is for students who need an extra quiet environment for sleep and study. No blaring stereos on this floor!

  • Towers at Centennial Square Theme Communities for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

     

  • Substance Free Living Theme Floor: For students of any major who wish to live in an environment free of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and behavior associated with these issues
    • Towers Residents' Environmental Organization (TREO) Theme Floor: For students of any major who are committed to environmentally responsible living. Planned activities for this community will focus on such topics as: sustainable living on campus, vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, and community outreach.
    • Academic Intensive Motivation (AIM) Theme Floor: For students of any major who choose to have an environment with more stringent quiet hours, access to study nights, access to study groups, etc.
  • Village at Centennial Square Theme Communities for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

     

  • International Learning Community: For students who want to learn more about the world and its cultures.

  • Residents are encouraged to bring forth proposals for theme floors which meet the core goals of our housing program. Proposals will be reviewed by Residential Life professional staff, and will be judged on the following criteria:

     

  • Residency on the proposed theme floor must be open to and inclusive of all continuing Residence Community students.

  • The floor must be consistent with the mission of the Residential Life Program. The floor must incorporate concrete academic/learning objectives.

  • The floor must make a positive contribution to the quality of the Residential Community.



  • Contact your RA if you are interested in learning more about the Theme Floor application process.

     

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