Dozens of schools--including Baylor and Trinity College--have announced a switch to a college house (AKA residential college) system. Considering joining the ranks? You might look to Franklin & Marshall. It implemented the model in 05, delivered a new dorm in 2011, and Dean Kent Trachte is seeing a significant impact.
[caption id="attachment_50731" align="alignnone" ] Photo: Nick Gould/Franklin & Marshall College[/caption]
Dean Trachte (right, with F&M president Daniel Porterfield, Robert Weis, and Patricia Ross Weis at the 2011 dedication for the newly-renovated Weis College House) tells us F&M had three goals: strengthen admissions, extend "the life of the mind" into residential life, and increase faculty/student interactions. A 2003 survey found that F&M applicants rated the schools academics high,but found its residential environment less attractive. Post-conversion, 56% of the incoming Class of 2016 said the college house system played a positive role in their decision to enroll. Dean Trachte says it changed the college culture and distinguished it from other universities.
[caption id="attachment_50732" align="alignnone" ] Photo: Ian Bradshaw;/Franklin & Marshall College[/caption]
How can you tell when there's a good "life of the mind? (No, surgery isn't required. Sorry, med students.) Students in the college houses formgovernments, attend classes held in the college houses, and have intellectual discussions in their common areas. And the colleges four-year graduation rate has increased 5% to 82% since the system was implemented. Increased student/faculty interaction probably helps; each college house has a faculty leader and an assistant dean who are involved in daily residential life.
[caption id="attachment_50763" align="alignnone" ] Photo: Ian Bradshaw/Franklin & Marshall College[/caption]
Dean Trachte tells us F&M is designing a new strategic plan, and the faculty is considering how to build upon the success. One possible focus: more apartment-style housing in the houses to keep upperclassmen on campus longer.
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