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Living learning program builds communities

A luncheon was held in Brown Hall on June 20 for the faculty of Living Learning Communities (LLC), a GSU Title III program. The luncheon introduced the faculty to the Living Learning Communities’ mission, goals, benefits and communities.
Clair Lewis, assistant professor and academic advisor for first year experience, is the coordinator of LLC. She said the mission of the program is to enhance students learning and intellectual development during the first year of college.
“The development of the learning communities enhances student learning by bringing faculty and students together to promote greater interaction with one another,” Lewis said,
The goals of the program include, providing a setting for academic and social support, providing an opportunity for residential life and academic affairs to model a responsible and collegial partnership, to provide a setting for students to become socialized to what it means to be a college student, and to provide students with opportunities to increase critical thinking, problem solving and self-esteem skills.
“Last year was the pilot run for the program. We were setting up our communities and grouping students by classes – English, first year experience and math. This year we have refined our program and have the communities structured by majors and have expanded to include major areas for freshmen such business, liberal arts, and sciences. Next year we hope to incorporate the nursing program,” said Lewis.
The LLC for this academic year will include English, math, first year experience, business, biology, psychology and sociology courses. The following faculty will work with the LLC: Melanie C. Thomas and Beatrice McKinsey, English; Eugene Taylor, math; Kathy Lathon, FYE; LaQuetta Anderson, biology; LaShay Blake, psychology; and Frances Staten, sociology.
According to Lewis, the benefits of LLC are to increase student academic involvement, improve academic and improve intellectual performance, which will help to increase student retention.
“The LLC is an outstanding opportunity for incoming freshmen to live in an environment very supportive of learning and conducive to developing wholesome social relationships. The program has made excellent progress in its start-up year,” Gloria J. Rabon, activity monitor of LLC, said,
Rabon is also the director of Professional Laboratory Experiences in the College of Education.
Beverly Hill-Hercules is the director of Title III Program, and Altha Madison is the Program Assistant for LLC.