In 2014-2015, Tulane’s Department of Housing and Residence Life began creating its residential curriculum. Learn more about what this means for our students:
Tulane’s Residential Curriculum begins with our Department Mission, Educational Priority, and Educational Pillars.
Department Mission
Fostering residential communities that inspire and empower student learning and growth.
Educational Priority
Students living in residential communities at Tulane will be engaged scholars and responsible community members through transformational and purposeful learning opportunities.
Educational Pillars
Live:
To LIVE is for students to feel a sense of being a Tulanian and to develop a stronger awareness of one’s identities. Providing physical spaces, opportunities and resources aids in our students' advancement by allowing them to focus on wellness, learn basic life skills, and understand personal responsibility for living both on and off campus.
Learn:
To LEARN is for students to develop their academic, personal, and career interests, while deepening their understanding of themselves in relation to others. Living on campus provides opportunities to connect with campus partners, faculty, and peers through engagement strategies and intentional interactions. By participating in activities and reflecting on experiences, students will better navigate their academic and career journey, construct healthy relationships and engage with difference.
Grow:
To GROW is for students to integrate their residential experiences and learning with their collegiate and whole lives. By striving to foster inclusive communities, encouraging increased autonomy and responsible decision making, we model our mission and educational priority. As a result of gaining a deeper understanding of the world, students are better able to apply themselves as leaders and engage in purposeful service to their communities.
10 Essential Elements of a Curricular Approach
- Directly connects to the institutional mission
- Learning goals and outcomes developed are based in a defined Educational Priority
- Basis in developmental theory and research
- Engagement strategies are developed to advance learning outcomes
- Engagement strategies go beyond programmed events
- Student staff are utilized in roles appropriate to their skill development
- Learning is scaffolded and sequenced to follow time-based development
- Key stakeholders are identified and involved
- Peer-Review is accomplished through an intentional process
- Assessment occurs at all levels: From Educational Priority to learning goals and outcomes
Additional 11th Element: Learning is customized and accomplished through peer engagement and learning partnerships
Kerr, K.G., Tweedy, J., Edwards, K. E., & Kimmel, D. (2017, March –April). Shifting to curricular approaches to learning beyond the classroom. About Campus, 22(1), 22-31. doi:10.1002/abc.21279
Through partnership programs and engagement strategies, we bring our Residential Curriculum to life. From Residential Learning Community Programs to Campus Events, we provide opportunities for students to connect with themselves, faculty, and peers every day.
Our strategies promote individual and group engagement, including:
- Bulletin Boards
- Monthly Newsletter
- Cultural Celebrations
- Community Living Standards
- Community/Floor Meetings
- Study Break Programs
- Student Leadership Opportunities
- Roommate Agreements
- Social Community Builders hosted by your RA
- Monthly educational programming hosted by your RD, HRL, and various Campus Partners
- Intentional Conversations, one-on-one, between you and your RA
…and more!
