Abstract:
The purpose of this creative project was to develop the structure and initial year of
operating plans for a service-learning living-learning community to be used at traditional
four-year universities or colleges in the United States. The program targets students in all
class standings and from five specific academic majors. Expected outcomes from this
program include, but are not limited to the following: increased relationships between
the community and school; increased levels of civic engagement; increased levels of
student retention; higher degree of career confidence; higher levels of career preparation;
increased worldview and understanding of the connection between academic majors and
local, state, national, and world issues; increased understanding of how students can
make a difference through their areas of study; and local, state, and national recognition
for the college or university.
This program will be significant as colleges and universities increasingly
recognize the importance of preparing their students to be leaders in a world that
experiences more challenges each day. Students need to understand the power they have
within their chosen career path to make a difference. This is a level of awareness more
employers are looking for as they continue to grow their community relations departments. Additionally, as graduation rates become more important, colleges and
universities are looking for powerful retention tools and this program creates one. Not
only does this program positively impact society and the school, but it also helps
individual students develop a stronger worldview and an understanding and respect for
their place in it.
