Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs

Committee Chairperson

Jeff McLaughlin, Ph.D

Committee Member

James Tweedy, Ed.D

Committee Member

Heather Horowitz, Ed.D

Committee Member

Jacqueline Hodes, Ed.D

Abstract

This thesis hopes to develop an experimental, multi-themed, Living Learning Community centered on multiple dimensions of college student well-being. These dimensions include the mental, spiritual, environmental, ecological, economic, social, and structural which all impact student success, potential, growth, and satisfaction of students in different ways. This community hopes to expose students to alternative ways of being and living. In this program students will be exposed to a variety of experiential learning opportunities in order to strengthen their awareness of mental health topics and their and ability to advocate for themselves and others in order to seek help. To explore and engage in sustainable practices with an emphasis on intentionality and mindfulness. And to create meaning and purpose in their lives by participating in this community as active citizens. A variety of frameworks, philosophies, and models will be utilized, some of which include, Paulo Freire’s problem posing model for education, Althusser’s work surrounding ideological reproduction within institutions of power, ecospirituality, ecofeminism, deep ecology, and Southeast Missouri States themed LLC’s. Student development theories such as Astin’s Student Involvement, and Parks Forms of Community have also influenced the intervention. In order to carry out this program and empower students to join, Astin and Astin’s Social Model for Change and Leadership development and Meyerson’s concept of the tempered radical will be applied. The overarching goal is to create and maintain a learning environment which is challenging, supportive, holistic, and transformative and a community which has a robust network of resources available to the students.

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