Inside Scoop: LSU SophomoreGOLD and Housing Applications

Even though it's only February, it's already time to start thinking about housing for next year. Housing reapplications will be taking place soon, a time when current residents can renew their contracts and select their spaces for next year. And this fall also brings the introduction of a new community that will have even us seniors wishing we could go back to sophomore year.

 SophomoreGOLD is a new living, learning, program in East Campus Apartments with events specifically geared toward sophomores. It places an emphasis on career planning, leadership, and community outreach...Oh, and did I mention that if accepted to the program, you will be GUARANTEED a spot in East Campus Apartments? For a virtual tour of the awesome on-campus apartments, click here.

I was able to get the inside scoop from Rhea Perkins, the Herget Residential Life Coordinator who is assisting with the implementation of the program. If you are a current freshman, or a curious onlooker....read on!

 

Tell me a little about the SophomoreGOLD experience? 

 The SophomoreGOLD Living-Learning Community (LLC)  is a new initiative with Residential Life and First Year Experience. We are teaming up to create the Sophomore Year Experience. The SophomoreGOLD LLC is the living component to this new experience.

ECA (The future location for SophomoreGOLD) on a spring day.

 What was the motivation behind starting a program like this? 

 Sophomore programming supports Residential Life as well as First Year Experience’s strategic plans.  This collaboration also supports the institution’s retention initiatives. In addition, research shows that sophomores are a unique student population that requires additional support and guidance.  

 Who would be an ideal candidate for SophomoreGOLD?

 The ideal candidate for the program would be any sophomore student who is committed to the LSU motto, “Love Purple Live Gold.”

 What do you hope sophomores will get out of the program? 

 We hope that sophomores will benefit from the academic success, career exploration, leadership development, and civic engagement initiatives.  It is our goal that the sophomores receive the support they need and utilize the resources provided while having fun and building lasting relationships in the process!

 Do you have any special events or programs planned?

 First Year Experience has an array of programming for the Sophomore Year Experience.  Some of the special events include various field trips to explore Louisiana, shadowing LSU alumni in their career of choice, round table discussions, and many other activities to help sophomores navigate their second year at LSU.  

 Where do you see this program going in future years?

This program could become a “one-stop shop” for all sophomore concerns, addressing all sophomore needs.

 How will applicants be selected?

Applicants will be selected based on their responses to the application questions.

 Are there any plans for a junior or senior program if this one is successful?

Not as of yet, however LSU is always thinking of new ways to better meet the needs of their students. A similar junior or senior program may be in the works.

 How can current freshman apply?

Freshmen can apply by simply clicking on the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7ZQ9PCM

 Interested? Then simply fill out the questions on the above link. Hurry though, applications are due next Friday, February  11. You will be notified of your status before housing renewal, so you won't have to wait around wondering. Questions? Email Rhea at rperkins@lsu.edu.

Returning students are not the only ones who need to be thinking about housing. For incoming freshmen and transfers, I encourage you to apply for housing ASAP! Housing is not guaranteed for freshmen, and assignments are given on a first come first serve basis. Currently, assignments are approximately 80% full for Fall '11, and are expected to fill up entirely within the next month or two. 

After expected capacity is reached, students who apply will be placed on a standby list and no longer guaranteed a spot. So, if you've been accepted to the University, and are looking at staying on campus (which is a totally awesome experience)—get those applications in. You can apply on your PAWs account, under student services. It's $150.00 dollar deposit, but if you cancel by June 1, you get all but $50 of that back.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or story ideas, feel free to email me at girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com.

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo