Living-Learning Clusters

• RLLC Kickoff
  These are signature experiences for all Learning Cluster members, Faculty/Staff partners, and Residential Life support staff.

• Signature Experiences
  These are experiences specifically designed by Professional Staff and Campus/Academic Partners to encompass the purpose of the Learning Cluster in a culminating opportunity that general students would not experience.

• Service Experience
  These are experiences to engage the Learning Cluster in service opportunities with a focus on the purpose of the Learning Cluster in the larger context of the Plymouth State and Town of Plymouth.

• Community Experiences
  Students will have Community Experiences dedicated explicitly to accomplishing the Learning Outcomes for their Learning Cluster

First-Year LLCs

All Living-Learning Clusters designed for First-Year students will be housed in Geneva Smith Hall. In order for new incoming First-Year students to reside in Geneva Smith Hall, they must be a member of a Living-Learning Cluster.

Information on Geneva Smith Hall

Named after Geneva M. Smith, a PSU math professor for forty years. Professor Smith also taught history and was one of the founding professors of social studies education, a program celebrating its 100th birthday this year!

• Total Bed Spaces: 192
• Number of Community Advisors: 6

Community Amenities

• Community Rooms on all Residential Floors
• Community Kitchens on all Residential Floors
  • Includes stove, oven, and microwave
• Recreation Lounge off of the Lobby
  • Includes TVs, Billiards, and Table Tennis §Laundry Room off of the Lobby
• Open Lab on the First Floor
  • Includes study and programming space

The Health Professions Residential Learning Cluster is an opportunity for first-year students majoring in Allied Health Science, Exercise and Sport Physiology, and Nursing to fully explore their chosen career path, develop as leaders in their field and successfully transition to the college environment. Health Professions RLC students will take at least two common courses over the year, receive additional support and mentoring from a collaborative team of faculty and staff, and engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the paths to potential careers in the health professions
• Demonstrate awareness of the requirements to progress through specific health sciences majors by creating a personal progress plan to guide them through subsequent years in their major
• Participate in (or take a leadership role) in a campus organization
• Recall important information regarding academic advising (e.g., name of advisor, where advisor’s office is located, essential questions to ask during an advising session)
• Demonstrate awareness of the myriad campus resources at Plymouth State University by using at least one service during the year
• Students will be able to describe one interaction with faculty outside of the classroom.

Common Shared Courses

• Fall Semester
  • BI 2110 Human Anatomy/Physiology I
  • BI 2130 Human Anatomy/Physiology I Lab
• Spring Semester
  • BI 2120 Human Anatomy/Physiology II
  • BI 2140 Human Anatomy/Physiology II Lab

The Get Psyched Residential Learning Cluster is an experience for first-year psychology majors to explore their major and become immersed in Psychology at PSU. Through a common shared course and shared experiences within Get Psyched, first-year students have numerous opportunities to build strong interpersonal relationships. In addition, students will be able to explore and understand career paths within the field of psychology. Experiential learning opportunities, support, and guidance will be offered by Psychology faculty and Psychology student ambassadors.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe various career paths within the field of psychology, as well as opportunities at PSU to explore these paths
• Recognize subfields within psychology and how these fields are applied in the world
• Participate in Psychology Club or another student organization
• Develop self-efficacy, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills

Common Shared Courses

• Fall Semester
  • PS 2015: Introduction to General Psychology
• Spring Semesters
  • TBD

Affinity Clusters enables members of recognized student organizations to live together in campus housing. These groups are formed around a shared interest or common goal to elevate the residential experience and promote a sense of belonging. In addition, members of affinity communities live the campus mission of Ut Prosim by giving back to the area through service and educational and social events.

Targeted Population: Upper-Division Students

Housing Location: White Mountain Apartments & Merrill Place Seventh Floor

Learning Outcomes

• Develop meaningful interpersonal relationships
• Engage in realistic self-appraisal
• Develop an appreciation of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Develop personal values and ethics
• Understand social responsibility

The Q Cluster is a space for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community at PSU. The overarching goal of this Cluster is to foster an active, inclusive, and accepting community for all residents. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly around equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Targeted Population: Upper-Division & First-Year Students

Housing Location:
Upper-Division Students – Mary Lyon Hall First Floor
First-Year Students – Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes

• Identify peer support among individuals who understand what LGBTQ+ students experience on college campuses
• Develop improved academic success by sharing resources
• Interactions and Engagement with LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty an intentional and frequent manner

The Sustainability Residential Learning Cluster is an opportunity for first-year students to creatively and consciously build a more just and sustainable campus and world. Successful living communities are built around a sense of shared purpose that is grounded in residential, academic, and co-curricular experiences.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and discuss the idea and practice of sustainability.
• Describe the paths to potential careers in sustainability.
• Participate in (or take a leadership role) a campus organization.
• Recall important information regarding academic advising (e.g., name of advisor, where advisor’s office is located, essential questions to ask during an advising session)
• Students will be able to describe one interaction with faculty outside of the classroom.

The Scholars Cluster enables first-year students in the University Honors Program or a strong commitment to academic success to live in a shared scholarly-focused community. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly to academic success and signature experiences from Honors Program faculty.

Targeted Population: First-Year Students

Housing Location: Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes

• Engage in collaborative and transformative educational experiences the development of the whole scholar
• Develop a nurturing and supportive environment creating a solid academic foundation
• Integrated academic transition into college through engaging activities/events

The Wellness Cluster enables first-year students to understand better holistic wellness and how they can live well in all aspects of their lives. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly to educate students on various dimensions of wellness and is made for those seeking a community focused on living a well lifestyle.

Targeted Population: First-Year Students

Housing Location: Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes

• Develop an understanding of pathways to a healthy lifestyle
• Exploring physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and environmental dimensions of wellness
• Cultivating your understanding of health and wellbeing

The Leadership Cluster enables students of all intended careers or fields of study to engage in a community dedicated to developing their leadership skills and cultivating positive change. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly to activities focused on strengths reflection, personal values, and areas of interest. At the conclusion of the year, students will receive an emerging leaders certificate from Residential Life and Student Life.

Targeted Population: First-Year Students

Housing Location: Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes

• Identify involvement in leadership, citizenship, and relationship-building experiences
• Develop personal Clifton’s Strengths Finder Inventory and application to leadership experiences
• Interactions with successful alumni, community members, and civic leaders
• Utilize interactive workshops, experiential activities, and service-learning opportunities

The Explorers Cluster is focused on first-year students in the process of exploring academic majors and/or different career fields. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly to major and career exploration with various campus partners and academic advisors.

Targeted Population: First-Year Students

Housing Location: Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes

• Identify PSU Clusters and majors offered at Plymouth State University
• Develop a deeper understanding of different career areas
• Identify personal strengths and areas of improvement within themselves
• Utilize self-assessments to identify interests, skills, and values

The Diversity Scholars Cluster is a space for First-Year Diversity Scholars at PSU. The overarching goal of this Cluster is to enhance diversity at PSU. This Cluster will offer community experiences tailored explicitly around inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.  

Targeted Population: 
First-Year Diversity Scholars Students

Housing Location: 
Geneva Smith Hall

Learning Outcomes 

• Develop meaningful relationships with peers and IDEA Center staff  
• Celebrate diversity  
• Experience belonging, success, and empowerment