Students Build Community Through UK's Expanded Living Learning Program

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2014) — Every year, the Office of Residence Life of the University of Kentucky Division of Student Affairs shakes things up a bit in the world of living learning programs at the university.

The 2014-2015 Living Learning Program offers 18 robust communities, including six new programs. Returning communities include the Agricultural Residential College (Woodland Glen II), Arts and Sciences Wired Residential College (Champions Court II), Engineering Residential College (Champions Court I), Fine Arts Residential College (Roselle Hall), First Generation Community (Baldwin Hall), Global Village Community (Smith Hall), Healthcare Residential College (Haggin Hall), Honors Community (Central I and Central II), Entrepreneurial Studies / i-Net Community (Champions Court I), Leadership and Service Community (Woodland Glen I), ROTC Community (Woodland Glen I) and Wellness Community (Ingles Hall).

New living learning communities this fall include the Business Enterprise Community (Champions Court I), the Communication and Information (CI) Connect Community (Champions Court I), the EDLife Community (Champions Court I), Environment and Sustainability Residential College (Greenhouse) (Woodland Glen II), the Kinesiology and Health Promotion Community (Ingels Hall) and the Transfer Student Community (Baldwin Hall).

Business Enterprise Community — For students in the Gatton College of Business and Economics

Students will have the opportunity to explore the multidisciplinary aspects of business through connected coursework, networking with business executives and regular interactions with faculty, staff and peer mentors. The co-curricular programming focuses on leadership, community engagement and professional development. The community seeks to inspire the “entrepreneurial spirit” in students.

CI Connect Community — For students enrolled in the College of Communication and Information

This community provides programs that highlight internships and career options in communication and information, strategic partnerships with professionals in the field, interaction with CI faculty and staff, academic support for technological software related to the major and onsite courses that foster interdisciplinary learning from the College of Communication and Information.

EDLife Community — For College of Education students interested in teaching

This community offers education-related programming, site visits, mentoring and networking opportunities; regular engagement and support from faculty and upper class peer mentors; and the opportunity to contribute to the new Fayette County STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) high school, located near campus. A connected course provides students exposure to the world of school districts, policy, cultural environment and teaching.

Environment and Sustainability Residential College (Greenhouse) — For students interested in sustainability

This community provides opportunities for students to live and learn about the diverse aspects of sustainability and the environment both inside and outside the classroom through a connected class, group activities and field trips. This community fosters interactions with faculty and peer mentors and is designed to build friendships and facilitate academic success while learning about issues and opportunities in environment and natural resources. This residential college is a partnership between the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Community — For students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of kinesiology and health promotion

This community provides social and professional activities with kinesiology and health promotion peers and faculty, connected courses taught in the residence hall, engagement with upper class peer mentors and programming dedicated to professional development, networking and community building. Students will gain experience leading and teaching others to live healthy lives.

Transfer Student Community — For students transferring to UK from another two-year or four-year college

This community will assist transfer students in making a successful transition to UK. The goal of this community is to help transfer students become more integrated into the academic and social community at UK. Students in this community will have regular interactions with faculty both inside and outside the classroom, receive support from upper class peer mentors and receive tutoring in the residence hall for UK Core classes.

Students in the Living Learning Communities will move into their residence halls Wednesday, Aug. 20.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu

VIDEO CONTACTS: Amy Jones-Timoney, 859-257-2940, aljoneb@uky.edu OR Kody Kiser, 849-257-5282, kody.kiser@uky.edu