In an effort to make the program run more efficiently, Clair Lewis, director of Grambling State University’s Living Learning Communities, held an advisory board meeting. “This program will build on existing programs and services for new students and will include new initiatives to enrich the educational experience and to assist students in making a successful transition to GSU,” said Lewis.
She said the goal of the program is to create a freshman learning community that is supported by the administration, faculty, Academic Support, Student Services, and Residential Life. “We need people throughout the area to help,” Lewis said.
According to Lewis, living learning communities are not a new concept and have existed since 1972. However, it is new at GSU and she hopes that GSU will set standards for other living learning communities to follow.
Students participating in the Fall 2007 LLC will be grouped in English, First Year Experience, biology, math, business, CIS, sociology, and psychology courses.
The advisory board, chaired by Lewis, also includes Valenica Clemmons, Mariane Hall, Shakira Hardison, Dr. Dagne Hill, Dr. Charles Humphrey, Patricia Hutcherson, Demetria Johnson, Winfred Jones, Shelia Moss, Yasmine Ocal, Gary Poe, William Sanders, Veterine Simpson and Tundra Turner.
Dr. Robert Dixon, Beverly Hercules and Karen Martin are members of the administrative board. Lewis said, “Title III and Dr. Dixon have been very supportive of this program.”
The project title of this Title III program is Strengthening Student Learning Experience Through Learning Communities. Hercules is the director of the Title III program at GSU.
Dixon, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “This program will integrate what faculty members like to have happen into the residence halls their living space. The Living Learning Communities can play a major role in helping us to achieve our mission. Your commitment motivates me.”
Lawanda Sykes, Totsha Douglas, Mary Boden-Harris, Susan Wiley, Kathy Lathon, and Gloria Horton are the people who are assisting Lewis daily. Alisha Honore, Brittany Thompson, and Ulric Joseph are student assistants.
“Mrs. Horton has worked with students for over 16 years, so she knows the importance of programs such as the Living Learning Communities,” said Lewis. Horton is serving as the program assistant.
The benefits of Living Learning Communities Program are increased student academic involvement, improved student academics, improved intellectual performance, and increased student retention.
“The mission of this 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,” said Lewis.