Ohio State offers more than 30 living-learning programs to help students adjust to the challenges of college as well as any challenges that may arise after graduation. Barbara Kefalas, coordinator of Residence Education, said the programs help form a small community for students with similar interests.
“About 50 percent of incoming freshman are in the programs according to their majors or academic area, cultural interest, and lifestyle,” Kefalas said. Living-learning programs are also offered for honor and scholar students.
The students in living-learning programs live on the same floor in their residence halls, can take one or two classes together, can participate in field trips and study abroad, and can e-mail mentors such as OSU alumni. The program also offers in-hall tutoring provided by teaching assistants and hired upperclassmen who are experts in their area. Kefalas said the students have more access to faculty and academic advisors.
The Upperclass Living-Learning program focuses on the needs of students in their sophomore to senior years. The program provides opportunities for co-ops, internships and community service projects in the area. The program also offers career and resume workshops and job fairs.
The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy program is offered to students who are interested in public service. Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in the Washington Academic Internship program and take trips to the Statehouse and other government sites.
One student in the program, Megan Kilgore, said the program provided a strong family-like foundation and allowed her to live with students who shared the same interests as her.
“Students in the first-year business cluster have designed a store that will be featured in the City Center shopping mall,” Kefalas said. She also mentioned the Mundo program provides an environment for diversity, service, and learning. The program performs service projects and allows students to study across the country.
“The program exposes students to other cultures that otherwise may be difficult for students to see because of different socio-economic status,” Kefalas said.
Some other living-learning programs are the Afrikan-American, Spanish Language Community, Women in Engineering, Ford program for Business and Engineering, Honors Residence Halls, Human Ecology, Study Intensive and International House.
Kefalas said students can either indicate on their freshman application which program they would like to be admitted into or must submit an application to see if they qualify. Certain programs require an essay to be completed and must meet certain criteria such as a GPA and major requirement. Any student wishing to become involved in one of the living-learning programs can contact the Office of Residence Life.
