The Freshman Center

University 100 Living Learning Communities

The University 100 Living Learning Community is an exciting opportunity for freshmen to find a smaller home within the larger Mason community. This Living and Learning Community allows students to be connected to a moderately sized group of students all enrolled in a common course, University 100, as well as to a smaller subset of students interested in a particular theme or academic discipline. The University 100 Living Learning Community will be housed in Carroll Hall, Dickenson Hall, and Essex Hall located in the University Commons. For more information about the facility, click here.

While University 100 will be the common element, there will be ten sections, each with a particular emphasis or focus. The following are the available sections of the University 100 Living Learning Community:

1. Art and Visual Technology (AVT)

   The Art and Visual Technology section is available for incoming freshmen students who are declared or intend to declare AVT as their major. Participants of this section will be required to enroll in both University 100 and AVT 100 New Majors Colloquium. Each course is for 1 credit. The AVT section will give students a chance to develop friendships, build networks of support, and participate in fun and enriching activities outside of their art. The AVT floor will support a strong sense of community and encourage academic and social development, but would also provide a much-needed diversion for the AVT students.

2. BRIDGES (Building Respect for Identities, Diverse Gender Expressions, & Sexualities)

   The BRIDGES section is available for incoming freshmen students and upper-class students who are interested in exploration, awareness, development, and study of all sexual orientations and gender identities as they are developed socially, academically, and personally. Freshmen participants will be required to enroll in University 100 and upper-class participants will be encouraged to enroll in a University 300 course on leadership (geared toward mentoring, peer advising, counseling in the residence hall environment) along with courses with LGBTQA themes. In addition to the course-work, participants will also have co-curricular programming opportunities. Examples of available programming include;: a Safe Zone workshop geared toward residence hall issues, “meet-n-greets” with LGBTQA faculty and staff, workshops on positive LGBTQA identity development, and at least one field trip to DC to explore LGBTQA-related resources.

3. Healthy Living

   The Healthy Living section is available for incoming freshmen students and offers extended quiet hours on the floor while also helping floor participants gain awareness of their own study habits, learning styles, and strategies for test taking. Participants of this section will be required to enroll in the Healthy Living section of University 100. Advantages to living on the floor include programs on academic success, a space free from excess noise to support better studying and sleeping, and chances to meet students with similar aspirations. Residents and their guests commit to keeping the floor free from excessive noise and to developing mutually respectful community standards.

4. Information Technology and Engineering

   The IT & Engineering section is intended for incoming freshmen students in the Volgenau School of Information Technology & Engineering. Participants of this section will be required to enroll in both University 100 and a special section of ENGL 101 focused on topics of interest to Volgenau School students. The IT & Engineering section will give students a chance to develop friendships, receive support from students and staff to cope with the academic demands of this major. Special programming will also be available, including information and opportunities relating to career development in the IT&E field.

5. Latin American Studies

   The Latin American Studies section is available for incoming freshmen students who are drawn together by a common heritage or are interested in broadening their understanding related to Latin American studies. This section will provide a pathway for students who might not be aware that there is a Latin American Studies minor at Mason and help connect interested students to this academic opportunity. Participants of this section will be required to enroll in University 100 for the Fall semester and encouraged to choose from a variety of options relating to the Latin American Studies minor in the Spring semester. The Latin American Studies section will give participants the opportunity to live and take classes with other students interested in Latin American Studies and will provide numerous opportunities for participants to engage in discussions about this issue, participate in cultural activities, and engage with faculty and staff doing work in this area.

6. Major and Career Explorers

   The Major and Career Explorers section is available for incoming freshmen students who are undeclared/undecided and will assist these students in transitioning to Mason and choosing a major. Participants of this section will be required to enroll in University 100 for the Fall semester and will be strongly encouraged to take University 200: Major/Career Decisions a 2 credit course which will assist in major and career exploration for the Spring semester. Participants will be able to participate in various academic and social activities organized by the Resident Advisors and staff to ensure continuity and connection. Movie nights, theater, game nights and mid-term study strategy workshops are but a few examples of activities that will be provided by this section. To tie in the major exploration component of this section, outside activities would include career panels organized by Career Services, speakers who come to the floor or class to talk about personal career paths and majors, and on-site advising scheduled on a regular basis.

7. School of Management

   The School of Management section is designed for pre-business freshmen who are interested in living and learning in a community that has a shared interest in the field of business. The School of Management section is a selective program intended to assist first year pre-business students with their transition to college. Students who plan to live on Mason’s campus freshman year and who are interested in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing or Information Systems and Operations Management as a major are invited to apply. Participants are required to apply for this program and are required to enroll in University 100. Participants in this section will have a distinct advantage as they participate in a myriad of business related events and activities throughout the year designed to increase their development, skills, and networking opportunities. Further, participants will have the opportunity to work closely with an academic advisor to explore business majors and careers as well as to learn about opportunities that in many cases students would not learn about until later in their collegiate experience (e.g., internships, networking skills, etc.)
   
   Application Process for School of Management section:
   Step 1. Complete the Online University Housing Application no later than May 1, 2009. On the University Application, under the Living and Learning Community drop down box, select Freshmen-School of Management. Step 2. Pay Housing Deposit no later than May 1, 2009. Step 3. Submit the SOM Living & Learning Interest Form online. Space is limited. Submit your Interest Form by May 1st for priority consideration.

8. Sustainability

   The Sustainability section is available for incoming freshmen students that are interested in “Green” issues. Participants will be required to enroll in University 100 for the Fall semester and in the Spring semester participants will have the opportunity to enroll in any number of courses listed under the sustainability minor. Participants will live and take classes with other students interested in sustainability. There will be numerous opportunities for students to engage in discussions about this issue, initiate projects both in their own living environment and the environment around them, engage with faculty and staff doing work in this area, and live in a manner consistent with sustainable practices.

9. Teachers of Tomorrow

   The Teachers of Tomorrow section is available for incoming freshmen students who are pursuing a career as a teacher. Participants will be required to enroll in University 100 for the Fall semester. Participants will have the opportunity to live in a warm and inviting community that will allow participants to fully explore teaching as a career path. Activities will include discussions about the issues related to teaching and engage with faculty and staff working in this field.

10. Focus on Writing

    This section is available for young writers who are interested in developing their core competencies in writing as well as honing advanced skills in specialized writing abilities. Participants in this section will be required to enroll in University 100 and an English 101 course in composition. Participants will also enjoy additional activities beyond the basic offerings that include competency and awareness building undertakings such as readings by visiting writers, Fall for the Book events, theater, concerts, etc. In addition, students will have the opportunity to be mentored by a graduate student.

Program Goals

• Assist with academic, social, and cultural transition to college
• Foster a sense of community and school spirit
• Introduce commonly used technology at Mason
• Develop sound decision making skills and enhance critical thinking skills
• Improve interpersonal relationships
• Present services and opportunities for involvement on campus
• Offer students an option for a more intentionally quiet studying and living environment

To register and to find additional information about these communities, visit: http://housing.gmu.edu/general/llc/