The Effects of a Living-learning Community within the Department of World Languages and Cultures

Abstract

As the Resident Advisor for the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s inaugural year of the World Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community (WLC LLC), Molly Williams conducted a comprehensive study of the community’s effectiveness over the course of a year. The study delves into the academic and social impact on first-year students’ transition to higher education within this unique LLC, where students study Spanish, German, French, or Chinese. Employing an autoethnographic approach, data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively through observations, interviews, and surveys. The research has yielded valuable insights that contribute to the growth of the WLC LLC at UMD, shedding light on effective strategies for building a robust social and academic foundation.