Exploring Living Learning Community Programming Graduate Student Practicum
Office of Academic Advising ▪ University of Northern Iowa
Focus Area: Student programing and engagement with the Exploring Living Learning Community.
Office of Academic Advising: The Office of Academic Advising is part of the Academic Affairs Division.
Academic Advising provides services to assist students in achieving their personal, academic, and career
goals at UNI. Academic Advising focuses on student populations in transition - first year students, students
exploring major options or “deciding” students, students seeking alternate majors, and students
reassessing their current academic situation (e.g. students re-admitted after suspension and students on
academic warning or probation). The professional academic advising staff helps students clarify
life/educational goals, utilize both on- and off-campus resources, select appropriate coursework and
other educational opportunities, and assist in resolving academic difficulties. Academic Advising
coordinates undergraduate advising for all new student orientations and registrations as well as campuswide advising events.
Exploring Living Learning Community (LLC): The Exploring LLC was established on two floors in Bender Hall
(100 total students / one floor for women and one floor for men) in the 2014-15 academic year. Starting in
the 2015-16 academic year, the Exploring LLC expanded to be the emphasis of all floors in Bender Hall.
This living learning community is organized around the goal of proving programming, resources and
connections related to exploring academic and career opportunities as well as engagement /
involvement on campus. Enrollment in a common course for students living in this community will be
encouraged.
Although intended for first-year new students from high school, a student of any classification at UNI can
benefit from the goals and purpose of this community.
The exploring components of this community will be planned, developed, and conducted by the Office
of Academic Advising. Students residing in the Exploring LLC will be encouraged to:
•
Participate in career exploration events and exercises
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Engage in personal reflection both on their own and in programmed events
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Explore the opportunities for engagement and become part of the campus community
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Be active in residence life in Bender Hall
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Set personal goals for academic and career success
An environment for both personalized experiences as well as in small and large group interactions will be
established to assist students in their academic/career decision making and to help students build
confidence, enhance their learning, and to become an active member of the UNI community.
Goals / Expectations: The Exploring LLC will be an important component to the Office of Academic
Advising’s mission to assist with a student’s transition to college and to UNI, as well as provide support for
student academic success and personal career/academic exploration. In the programming practicum,
the graduate student will be an integral part of the Exploring LLC team in the development of these goals
and activities:
SEE BACK OF PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
•
Use Appreciative Advising as the foundation and intentional collaborative practice to help
students optimize their educational experiences and achieve their dreams, goals, and potentials.
•
Support the transition to UNI and to college as well as development as a college student
•
Create an environment of shared learning through engagement, collaboration and visual identity
•
Utilize special programs, opportunities and advising to support students in their career decision
making – focusing on exploration of self, academic programs, and careers – and discovery of self
and shaping their education.
•
Offer formal and informal programming as well as one-time and continued learning opportunities.
•
Promote on-campus or community service engagement and leadership
In addition to the programing responsibilities, the practicum student will also:
1. Develop an awareness of and engage in the practice of applications/techniques of academic
advising.
2. Increase knowledge and application of student development theories.
Graduate Student Practicum Requirements:
•
Participate in training as required related to the living learning community, working with first-year
students, and the Office of Academic Advising
•
Establish a regular weekly schedule in the Office of Academic Advising for planning, development,
and collaboration as well as flexible hours for individual and group interactions with students in the
living learning community.
•
Evening work will be required with this practicum experience.
•
Attend a one-hour / once a week Living Learning Community team session
Application: This practicum experience is available for either fall or spring semesters. Please submit these
materials to David Marchesani in the Office of Academic Advising:
1) Cover letter outlining personal qualifications and professional goals
and
2) Resume
All application materials must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 15 for fall semester and
November 15 for spring semester practicum. Interviews with all candidates for the practicum will be
conducted prior to final selection(s).
Office of Academic Advising Graduate Student Supervisor:
David Marchesani, Associate Director ▪ Office of Academic Advising
david.marchesani@uni.edu ▪ 319-273-3046
102 Gilchrist Hall ▪ University of Northern Iowa ▪ Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0389