Living-Learning Community Design for Community Design for Community Colleges that Offer Student Housing.

Living-learning communities (LLCs) are college-sponsored initiatives geared
towards the residential members who chose to reside in student housing. These
specialized residential entities provide students with opportunities to participate in a
common curriculum with other members of the community with an educational focus.
The residential community is a structured environment designed to meet the needs of the
student by offering a nurturing environment predicated on developing relationships with
peers, faculty, and staff. The shared academic endeavor and structured activities create
opportunities for the student to develop social skills and enhance their academic acumen. This study focuses on several of the most successful practices implemented in
higher education in the areas of student persistence, retention, and graduation. The
concepts and constructs needed to design an LLC are discussed by this study constitute
the tools for a successful residential community. The study also provides information on
how to successfully implement a living-learning initiative, with a suggestive model for
community colleges with residential housing. The suggestive model has not been tested
in a residential setting but can be used as a guide for a housing entity considering
implementing a residential community. The tools suggested in this study encourage the buy-in of several internal institutional stakeholders (housing office, faculty, and engaged student members). The information provided in the study emphasizes the importance of the following elements that are essential for student success as it pertain to LLCs: successful transition to the institution, relationship with peers in the residential setting, social skills development, service learning component, utilization of the Student Development Theory, creation of a personal development plan, enhancement of leadership skills, and successful completion of the academic endeavor (student success). The eight modules associated with the suggestive model are based on successful learning community practices that have been implemented in higher education.