In an attempt to end the idea that academic buildings are only places for learning and residence halls are only places for socializing, a program called Living/ Learning Environment has been introduced.
This program has begun by bringing PSCI 330: International Political Economy, a political science class taught by Ken Gilmore, an assistant professor of political science, to the study lounge on the third floor of Binford Hall rather than to a traditional classroom environment.Robert Jackson
“Maybe it won’t work too well because only one class has been moved to this new learning environment. It’s not like the whole dorm has been integrated. A new location doesn’t mean there’s a whole different learning experience.”
Robert Jackson is a first-year resident of Binford Hall.

Stephanie Bookman
“In a classroom you’re more inclined to learn because you’re in a desk, and there’s a teacher standing in front of you. I mean, in the lounge there’s a big-screen TV. I think students could have a tendency to take it less seriously.”
Stephanie Bookman is a first-year resident of Binford Hall.

Morgan Fiddler
“I think that’s a good idea, because I could get two more minutes of sleep by just having to walk upstairs to class. But, people would probably start showing up to class more ridiculously dressed. I could just start showing up in my bathrobe or something.”
Morgan Fiddler is a first-year resident of Binford Hall who plans to double-major in English and music.

Jodi Gill
“The purpose of everything on campus is supposed to be educational, and that includes the residential communities. Students are really enjoying [the program so far]. We’re very open to anything we can do to make the student’s living experience more enjoyable.”
Jodi Gill, the associate dean of campus life, helped implement the new program.

Will Foppert
“I think people might be less focused in [in the dorms]. I wouldn’t expect a college to have class in dorms. We’re paying 20-something thousand dollars; we should probably be in a classroom.”
Will Foppert is a first-year resident of Binford Hall who lives next door to the third floor study lounge.