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Added advice section
= Advice for leading a Living Learning Community =
Leading a Living Learning Community requires a great deal of creativity, passion, community building, and patience. Bradley Dice conducted interviews with University Innovation Fellows Jillian Jacques, Corey Brugh, Asya Sergoyan, and Nicole Parker to crowdsource ideas for leading residential communities themed around innovation and entrepreneurship. Some common pieces of advice include:
*'''Build in mentorship and support from older students''' (whether a Resident Assistant or other community leader). This makes experiences memorable and establishes a lasting sense of connection to the campus.
*'''Include residents as co-creators of their experience.''' Corey told his residents, "You get to define what this experience is going to be," and they responded with ideas for events and active participation. "You can't picture what this experience should be until they tell you what they want and help you design it," he advised.
*'''Consider the experience after the Living Learning Community.''' How should this experience shape the students' college careers? As a leader of the LLC, you are one part of a greater ecosystem.
*'''Tell the story of your students, and let their passions be known''' to the faculty, staff, and administrators who are key partners in the LLC. Work with Admissions, Communications, Residence Life, and other stakeholders who can feature exciting activities from your community.
*'''Incorporate your residents' passion for innovation and entrepreneurship''' alongside the themes suggested by Housing or Residence Life. Ask for their thoughts on a topic to provoke open conversation.
*"'''Show your energy and passion.''' The first-years will feed off of it," recommended Asya.
*'''Encourage your residents to have a growth mindset''' through games or activities that help reduce their fear of failure.
*'''Host faculty members or outside speakers.''' This enables Resident Assistants to focus more on promoting the event and less on the programming itself.
*'''Provide consistency through regular events''' like a weekly/monthly dinner. This can help with the hectic pace of a new student's schedule.
*'''Partner with other groups to reduce costs and meet new people.''' Think of other Living Learning Communities and how you might be able to offer interdisciplinary experiences, share ideas, and learn from one another.
*'''Find allies within Residence Life or related academic programs.''' Having strong relationships with partners is essential to the success of the community.
= Examples of Living Learning Communities =