May 2001

On-Campus Housing: More Than Just a Bed By Jeremy Lasich Academic achievements are usually the basis on which college students judge their success at school, but perhaps just as important are the social experiences. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is doing its part to make sure that students get the best of both worlds. Students who reside at Mason during their college experience are offered a number of academic initiatives, including the Living Learning Programs (LLPs) and Mason Topics. Living Learning Programs LLPs offer students living arrangements with others who have similar goals, interests, lifestyles, and/or cultural interests. The Healthy Living and the Quiet Living floors are residence hall communities intentionally designed to expand students' learning beyond the classroom. The Healthy Living Floor is geared toward students who are interested and committed to their health and well being. The advantages to living on this tobacco- and alcohol-free floor include programs on stress management, low-fat cooking techniques, nutrition, exercise, academics, and time management. The Quiet Living Floor is home to students who are interested in a more tranquil atmosphere where they can focus on their academic and personal interests. The benefits include programs on academic success, a quieter place for studying and sleeping, and the opportunity to meet other students with similar aspirations. Housing and Residence Life also offers three University 100 LLPs, which allow students to receive credit for living on the Community Service Floor, the Performing Arts Floor, or the Conflict Resolution Floor. Mason Topics Students enrolled in the Mason Topics program live together in one of four communities, and residents take two or more courses together, forming a unique group in the freshman dormitories. The Mason Topics options are the Information Society, the Environment, Ancient Studies and Modern Frames, and the American Experience. The Information Society program enhances students' understanding of the technological changes and social institutions in the world. Students engage in thought and discussion on such issues as the distribution of electronic and digital resources to the world's population and how these changes modify what students see, hear, think, and feel. Classes include computer science, communications, sociology, and history. Students in the Environment program are introduced to oral and written skills that will prepare them to be advocates for the world they live in and for the science that explains how our planet works. Residents learn how to make a difference and meet others who appreciate their interest in preserving our natural resources. Classes include environmental science, government, ethics, and geography. Ancient Studies and Modern Frames offers a venue for students who are interested in ancient civilizations, cultures, and literature. Students can explore how the past lives on in today's world. The course provides the opportunity to learn about the rich diversity central to Western civilization, from ancient Mediterranean origins to present political structures and culture. Classes include philosophy, literature, history, and art history. In the American Experience, students discuss the Constitution and discover the traditions that have shaped our familiar political institutions. Classes include government, American history, sociology, and folklore and film. Other Academic Initiatives Students not interested in committing to one of the community options can participate in the other initiatives and programs offered by Housing and Residence Life. One of these opportunities is the Sunday Cinema and Supper Series, where residents are encouraged to take a study break approximately once a month and come to the lounge to enjoy a free dinner and movie hosted by a George Mason professor. George Mason faculty members also offer Fireside Chats that focus on topics relevant to current events or issues to spark conversation among residents. In addition, study sessions facilitated by Mason faculty members and monthly dinners and socials with faculty and staff members are available. One of the biggest highlights for the Office of Housing and Residence Life is the annual Academic Achievement Banquet. The event, which is held in February, recognizes residence hall students who achieve a 3.75 grade point average or above. President Alan Merten, Provost Peter Stearns, and several deans, directors, and faculty members attend the event.