Welcome to Living/Learning Communities

Since inception in 1996, the Living-
Learning programs at Bloomsburg University
have been a forum for the exchange of ideas
and information regarding residential
out-of-class education.

Through the years the Learning Communities have fostered a collaborative atmosphere for faculty, university staff, and students to construct new understanding and innovative strategies for integrating the in-and out-of-the-classroom experience.

The Learning Community experience may be for you!

• To meet people with similar interests
• To participate in social activities related to your major
• To live with like-minded individuals
• To enjoy a quieter study environment
• To maximize your academic program's effectiveness with in-hall faculty interaction
• To find help and encouragement informally though networking with your peers
  
  
  

Bloomsburg University offers five Learning Comuunities for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Education House
Honors Learning Community
Frederick Douglass Institute Learning Community
Presidential Leadership
Health Science House
Gender and Diversity Living and Learning Community

Education House (back to top)
Est. Fall 2003
Northumberland Hall, Coed by Door

Education House was designed by students for students majoring in Special Education, Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Secondary Education and the Education of Deaf & Hard of Hearing. This Learning Community features common lounge/study areas, computer access in individual rooms and a 24-hour computer lounge, a program resource room, and faculty offices on the main floor. Activities include:

• Early move-in for program participants
• Annual Knoebel's Grove Amusement Park trip
• Open House for educational organizations: SLED, PSEA, ACEI, SCEC
• PRAXIS exam preparation sessions
• Blue packet meetings
• University Seminar classes taught in-hall
• Faculty interaction
• Resume and cover letter workshops
• Campus day care observation/participation opportunities

Education House is paired with the academic learning communities next door in Columbia hall.

Honors Learning Community (back to top)
Est. Fall 2001
Luzerne Hall, Coed by Floor

Honors Learning Community is designed for students participating in the University Honors Program. Upperclassmen and freshmen live together in this relaxed, informal and interactive environment. This Learning Community features common lounge/study areas, computer access in individual rooms and a 24-hour computer lounge, the Honors Center on ground floor with faculty offices and seminar rooms. Activities include:

• Early move-in for program participants
• Continuing Honors scholarships
• Faculty advising, in-hall
• General, Executive and Honors Class meetings
• Honors Advisory Committee meetings
• Honors Program Committee
• Monthly Newsletter
• Summer Study Abroad

For more information on the Honors Program, contact:
Dr. Emeric Schultz:
Phone: 570-389-4713

Frederick Douglass Institute Learning Community (back to top)
Est. Fall 2001
Elwell Hall, Coed by Door

Designed for participants in the Frederick Douglass Institute for Excellence, members of this Learning Community share similar interests and majors, attend classes together, receive advisement and attend special events in the residence hall. This House links
the academic and residential experience of Bloomsburg University students during their freshman and sophomore years.

Students selected for this program enroll in a cluster of three courses with other Institute participants (one writing course and two general education courses). Participants are also enrolled in the one-credit University Seminar
course together, which assists new students with transition to college. Activities include:

• Early move-in for program participants
• Common courses with friends & floormates
• Field trips
• Conferences
• Poetry Readings
• Dramatic Presentations
• Special Holiday Dinners
• Academic Advising
• Workshops

For more information about the Frederick Douglass Institute for Excellence contact:
Dr. Betina Entzminger (570) 389-4432
Dr. Ekema Agbawl: (570) 389-4828

Presidential Leadership House (back to top)
Est. Fall 1998
Schuylkill, Coed by Door

The Presidential Leadership Program (PLP) House is designed for recipients of the Presidential Leadership Scholarship. Upperclassmen and freshmen live together in this relaxed, informal and interactive environment. The Presidential Leadership Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to further develop their leadership skills, promote a sense of community among members, and provide volunteer service to both the campus and town communities. The PLP House features a study lounge and computer access in individual rooms. Activities include:

• Early MoveIin for Program Participants
• Continuing Scholarships
• General and Executive Officer Meetings
• Leadership Workshops
• Community Service Opportunities
• Social Activities On and Off Campus
• Formal Year's End Dinner

Health Sciences House (back to top)
Est. Fall 1996
Columbia Hall, Coed by Floor

The Health Sciences House is designed for students majoring in Allied Health, Biology, Exercise Science, Medical Technology, Medical Imaging, Nursing, and Speech Pathology/Audiology. Upperclassmen and freshmen live together in this relaxed, informal and interactive environment. This Learning Community features common lounge/study areas, computer access in individual rooms, a 24-hour computer lounge, and a fireside lounge and recreation room on the main floor for hall programming. Activities include:

• Fall Into Health Program Series
• Spring Into Health Program Series
• Field Trips
• Tutoring
• Special Holiday Dinners

Learning Communities @ BU (back to top)
Traditionally, students in the Houses and Learning Communities participate in the following activities:

Amusement Park Adventures
Held in both August during Orientation week and again in April, learning community members from across campus travel together to Knoebel's Grove in Elysburg, PA or to Dorney Park/Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA for a day of fun and good times.

Academic Achievement Reception
Each January, the university's faculty and staff host a reception recognizing Learning Community members who earned a 3.0 or better overall grade point average during the fall semester. Eligible students receive a university certificate of achievement for their professional folder.

Learning Community Bash!
In April, all Learning Community members attend the year's-end social celebration.