Why Start a LLC?

Faculty should consider starting an LLC for a lot of reasons. Here are some:

LLCs are places where rigorous learning happens. Students need to be academically challenged in order to experience higher-order thinking. As faculty increase academic rigor in their courses at Keene State College, they should also consider creating rigorous learning environments outside of the classroom. Studies in higher education show that LLCs positively impact student grade point average.

More meaningful interactions between faculty and students happen with LLCs. A student’s experience in college is positively impacted by more meaningful interactions with faculty in and outside of the classroom. As research demonstrates, these interactions happen a lot in LLCs and have a very positive influence on student cognitive growth and development.

Try out a new high-impact pedagogy with an LLC. LLCs are a high-impact educational practice for faculty and the college to reach a wider spectrum of students (those who may not be ready for other high-impact practices, such as undergraduate research, study abroad, or internships).

LLCs are shown to help recruit and retain students in specific disciplines. LLCs that focus on particular disciplines are additional ways for Keene State College to support students so they are retained in specific majors and prepared for professional life after college. For example, given the recommendations of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, colleges must graduate more students in the natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The BEST LLC is helping to reach that goal at Keene State.

LLCs directly relate to the College-Wide Learning Outcomes at Keene State College. Research shows that students in LLCs apply more critical-thinking skills and apply knowledge to new settings. Students in LLCs also express more commitment to civic engagement and act on their commitment by volunteering more frequently.

LLCs are collaborative programs. LLCs are supportive environments where students more frequently interact with academic mentors and student services staff who collaborate across Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

LLCs create a smoother transition to college for first-year and first-generation students. Students in LLCs report that they make a smoother transition to college, both academically and socially (particularly for those who are first-generation students). The transition to college marks a significant milestone in a student’s life and the transition can be a serious source of stress for the first-year student. The 2014 KSC National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Report indicates that this is a challenge that Keene State College needs to address more.

LLCs could help address the nationwide problem of college drinking. Students in LLCs are shown to exhibit better behaviors related to drinking alcohol.

LLCs increase student retention. Academically-focused LLCs may help Keene State College reach its goal to increase retention of first-year students from 76% to 85%.

Keene State College’s Academic and Co-Curricular Strategic Plan recommended LLCs. According to section 1.1.3 of Keene State College’s current Academic and Co-Curricular Strategic Plan, “we will expand the scope of academically-focused Living Learning Communities on campus by the fall of 2016.”