Research shows that students who participate in living-learning communities are more engaged and have higher retention rates and higher GPAs than their counterparts in traditional campus housing assignments. For this reason, creating or enhancing LLCs continues to be a priority at many institutions. Campus administrators are looking for guidance at every step in the process, from understanding what it takes to develop a successful program to engaging constituents and launching their communities. Join us for a three-day institute that will take a step-by-step approach to designing or improving living-learning communities.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event is ideal for directors of housing and residential life and academic affairs administrators at residential colleges and universities that are considering or have recently implemented living-learning communities at their institutions. Other student affairs and academic affairs administrators involved with the development or management of these programs will also benefit from this content. This conference is particularly well-suited for those institutions with minimal experience with living-learning programs or those institutions looking to make major improvements to existing living-learning programs. Cross-functional teams are strongly encouraged to attend.

Optional Workshops

Pre-conference workshop

Leveraging Assessment Data for New and Improved LLCs

This pre-conference workshop will provide you with an overview of NSLLP survey approach and methodology as well as insights as to how your campus’s NSSE and EBI data should impact the development of your living-learning programs. You will leave this session with an understanding of how to leverage this data to make the case for initiating or continuing support of living-learning programs on your campus.

Post-conference workshop

Budgeting Considerations for Living-Learning Programs

The post-conference workshop will be a hands-on budgeting workshop. You will review sample budgets from living-learning programs, gain an understanding of which departments are responsible for each item, and discuss how to prioritize your program’s needs. The workshop will conclude with a showcase of innovative ideas for soliciting resources. You are encouraged to bring your current budget for review by the conference faculty.