Drawing on the legacy of Newcomb College, Spark provides a place for first-year women to find their “spark” – their own Tulane pathway – as they forge connections with one another and with faculty, staff, and alumnae through the gender-focused programming and opportunities provided by Newcomb Institute.
Spark Residential Learning Community encourages first-year women to build and engage in creative, intellectual, and social justice communities at Tulane, in New Orleans, and beyond. Guided by faculty, staff, and students from Newcomb Institute, you will engage in activities, events, and courses that focus on gender, leadership, and social change.
HRL works in partnership with Newcomb Institute on the Spark RLC. If you have questions about the RLC content or programming, please contact Julie Henriquez Aldana (jhenriquez@tulane.edu),, Program Manager of Student Leadership and Engagement at Newcomb Institute.
Below are a few examples of past programs that Spark RLC students have participated in through the RLC. The programs vary each year with input from RLC students, staff, and faculty, but you can expect to participate in programs such as:
- Faculty dinners with faculty from a variety of disciplines
- New Orleans excursions to women-owned businesses and organizations
- Critical Conversations on topics related to gender
- An annual retreat
- Social events with “Fireworks” (Spark alumnae)
As a member of the Spark 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 Spark RLC will be located in Josephine Louise Hall for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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.
