The Kaleidoscope Residential Learning Community (RLC) provides a welcoming and supportive community for all first-year students who are interested in engaging in meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ culture, identity, belonging, and personal growth as they transition into their first year at Tulane. Kaleidoscope fosters a space where students can explore an array of perspectives through intentional discussions, shared experiences, and community-building programs. The Kaleidoscope RLC offers a cohort-based TIDES course, cultural outings, and communal gatherings designed to enhance connection and learning. Topics of discussion may include LGBTQ+ issues (for example, history and leadership), sexual orientation and gender identity development, social belonging, and the ways in which individuals contribute to welcoming communities.
The Kaleidoscope RLC is open to all first-year students, regardless of sex, gender, or any other characteristic protected by law.
HRL works in partnership with the Carolyn Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life (CIL) on the Kaleidoscope RLC. If you have questions about the RLC content or programming, please contact Dr. Eric Pegués (epegues1@tulane.edu), Interim Director for CIL and Director of Strategies for Excellence & Opportunity.
Below are a few examples of past programs that Kaleidoscope RLC students have participated in through the RLC. The programs vary each year with input from RLC students, staff, and faculty.
- Family Dinners: Once a month, CIL staff host a Family Dinner for Kaleidoscope residents to come together share a meal and recharge for the upcoming week. This is a great informal social setting to get to know each other and build community.
- Trips: CIL works to plan outings off campus in New Orleans and the greater gulf south region.
As a member of the Kaleidoscope RLC, you must take a Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminary (TIDES) course that is affiliated with the RLC. The TIDES program offers first-year courses to students to promote interdisciplinary scholarship and exploration. For descriptions of the courses being offered in each RLC please see the RLC application.
The Kaleidoscope RLC will be located in Wall Hall. Wall Residential College is one of Tulane's First-Year communities. Wall features single-, double-, and triple-occupancy suite style rooms.
We acknowledge that Suite Style housing carries a higher price than Communal Style housing, however we have found that Wall Hall (a suite style community) offers the most accessible type of living for our gender diverse populations.
By applying to Kaleidoscope RLC you accept that your costs may be higher or lower than the average First-Year housing cost depending on if you are assigned to a suite style double or triple.
To see more about the differences in housing rates and costs click here!
The RLC application can be found on your Housing Portal when you apply for housing. You must fill out both a Housing Application AND an RLC Application to be considered for the RLC.
