The Programmatic Approach: Residential Learning Communities
At St. Olaf, Residential Learning Communities are intentional spaces developed within the on-campus living experience hosted by Residence Life and supported by the Academic Division and/or Student Life. Residential Learning Communities provide an opportunity for students to engage in focused community and learning nested in the residential college framework alongside students with similar interests and/or coursework.
Communities have the ability to apply each year and the programs support short-term tenure of a program. Approval of a Residential Learning Community is based on service and contribution to the community in addition to space for each academic year.
The Residential Learning Community framework has three programmatic community pillars.
- Living/Learning (LL)
- LLs are structured around at least one academic credit-bearing course. The Academic Division must participate in leadership of these communities (e.g., Enduring Questions).
- Theme Housing (TH)
- THs support a shared interest that may involve a social issue or academic interest. Academic departments may support these communities (e.g. Language Residential Communities), or they may be based on a common identity or commitment (e.g., Eritaj, Lavender, and Marlys Boone communities).
- Affinity Housing (AH)
- AHs provide opportunities for student-led initiatives supported by Residence Life without an expectation of continuity from one academic year to the next.
New Students
Enduring Conversations
Students participating in Enduring Questions live together in the same Residence Hall during their first year at St. Olaf College. Typically, Enduring Questions students room together with a student not in the program. This allows students to learn and grow outside of the classroom and build lasting friendships on-campus.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Residence Life strives to support students who request Gender Inclusive Housing. Typically, housing for first year students are within traditional style (double corridor) residence halls. Student support can look different for each student. A member of the Residence Life team can speak directly you as you go through the Roommate Selection process as a New/Transfer Student. To request outreach, please indicate so in your New/Transfer Student Housing Agreement. You may also email housing@stolaf.edu.
Returning Students
Academic Language Communities
Criteria for acceptance into the academic language communities are established by their respective departments. The academic language communities focus on fluency, study tables, immersive experiences, and campus programming. Please contact the specific academic department with your questions, interests, and information about the application process.
Chinese Language Community
Japanese Language Community
French Language Community
German Language Community
Det Norske Bofelleskap
Russian Language Community
Spanish Language Community
Cultural Learning Communities
Our current Cultural Learning Communities are under the oversight of the Taylor center. These communities serve as a strategic programming arm for the Taylor Center focusing on social and educational events that build community among multicultural students, international students, and LGBTQIA+ students. The application process takes place through the Taylor Center; for more information please check out the link below.