Residential Colleges
Including Warren Ashby Residential College, Ione Grogan Residential College, and Cornelia Strong Residential College
University Teaching and Learning Commons
114 Guilford Hall
336-256-1397
http://residentialcolleges.uncg.edu
Jennifer Stephens, Director of the Residential Colleges Office (RCO), Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations
Katherine Stamey, Business Coordinator for the Residential Colleges Office
Sara Littlejohn, Program Chair of Warren Ashby Residential College and Cornelia Strong Residential College, Department of English
John Sopper, Program Chair of Ione Grogan Residential College, Department of Religious Studies
Chrissy Flood, Associate Program Chair of Warren Ashby Residential College, Department of History
Sarah Colonna, Associate Program Chair of Ione Grogan Residential College, Women's and Gender Studies Program
Anne Barton, Associate Program Chair of Cornelia Strong Residential College, Department of History
Will Dodson, Residential College Coordinator of Warren Ashby Residential College and Cornelia Strong Residential College, Department of Media Studies
UTLC Curriculum Committee
Jennifer Stephens (Chair), Director of the Residential Colleges Office (RCO), School of Education
Katherine Stamey (Administrative Support), Business Coordinator for the Residential Colleges Office
Denise Gabriel, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Sara Littlejohn, Program Chair of Warren Ashby Residential College and Cornelia Strong Residential College, College of Arts and Sciences
Jessica McCall, College of Arts and Sciences
Brett Nolker, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Carrie Rosario, School of Health and Human Sciences
John Sopper, Program Chair of Ione Grogan Residential College, College of Arts and Sciences
Larry Taube, Bryan School of Business and Economics
Catherine Sykes, School of Nursing
Melody Zoch, School of Education
About
The Residential Colleges (Ashby, Grogan, and Strong) provide a small college environment within the large university setting, with the advantages of both available to students. Administrered by the Residential colleges Office in the University Teaching and learning Commons, the Residential Colleges are curricular and co-curricular academic communities designed around high-impact educational practices and populated by first- and second-year students who live together in a residence hall and take a common core of general education and capstone courses around a particular concept such as social justice and contemporary media literacies (Ashby), professionalism (Grogan), or sustainability (Strong). Having been a part of the UNC Greensboro academic community since 1970, these innovative living-learning environments offer a full slate of General Education courses in addition to a series of core courses that speak to and engage with a key concept that frames the curricular and co-curricular programming in each RC. The Residential College model is founded on the idea that students who engage with faculty, take classes together in small communities, and connect their intellectual and academic experiences to their lives and communities have a better chance at thriving in college, while learning to explore new ideas and asking how that knowledge might benefit others.
Open to first- and second-year students in every major on campus, the Residential Colleges help students develop a strong foundation in critical inquiry, writing, speaking, and problem solving, as well as personal and social responsibility. Rich in traditions, the Residential Colleges each maintain a series of annual signatures events and unique academic and social programs. The following unique curricular foci and signature pedagogies/methodologies integrate the courses and learning experiences within each RC:
Ashby Residential College in Mary Foust Hall
Curricular Focus: Social Justice and Contemporary Media Literacies
Signature Pedagogy/Methodology: Multi-literacies and Genre Work
Grogan Residential College in Grogan Hall
Curricular Focus: Professionalism
Signature Pedagogy/Methodology: Project- and Team-Based Learning
Strong Residential College in Guilford Hall
Curricular Focus: Sustainability
Signature Pedagogy/Methodology: Ethnography and Field Work
Vision
Drawing on our rich histories, the Residential Colleges offer students innovative and multidisciplinary courses, close working relationships with faculty, and leadership opportunities that encourage intellectual curiosity, personal development, and civic engagement. Additionally, the Residential Colleges provide opportunities for faculty to refine their teaching praxis through supported development in High-Impact Educational Practices (HIPs).
Requirements
Admission into one of the Residential Colleges is required for enrollment in courses and participation in co-curricular and social programs offered by the Residential Colleges. To apply for admission, incoming students submit a completed application form online during the university admissions process. Once enrolled in the Residential Colleges, students may earn graduation cords and be eligible for awards and scholarships by fulfilling the following minimum requirements:
- Fulfillment of RC-specific participation expectations, including residency in a Residential College
- Completion of 6–9 credits of core RCO courses that meet the university's General Education requirements
- Completion of a capstone RCO course, including presentation of an undergraduate research project
Ashby Residential College
University Teaching and Learning Commons
124 Mary Foust Hall
336-334-5915
http://utlc.uncg.edu/residentialcolleges/ashby
Sara Littlejohn, Program Chair of Ashby Residential College, Department of English
Christine Flood, Associate Program Chair of Ashby Residential College, Department of History
Will Dodson, Residential College Coordinator of Ashby Residential College, Department of English and Department of Media Studies
Faculty
Rebecca Adams, Department of Sociology
Frances C. Arndt, Director Emeritus, Department of English
Murray D. Arndt, Director Emeritus, Department of English
Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater, Department of English
Will Dodson, Residential College Coordinator of Ashby Residential College, Department of English and Department of Media Studies
Christine Flood, Associate Program Chair of Ashby Residential College, Department of History
Margaret Hood, Department of Biology
Lynda Kellam, Jackson Library and Department of Political Science
Larry Lavender, School of Dance
Jay Lennartson, Department of Geography
Sara Littlejohn, Program Chair of Ashby Residential College, Department of English
Matthew McNees, Department of English
Mark Moser, Department of History
Bennett Ramsey, Department of Religious Studies
Ashby Residential College Core Values
Liberal education, multiliteracies, innovative learning, and social justice.
Vision Statement
Ashby Residential College is a home on campus where students can relate serious academic studies to communal issues and personal development. Ashby upholds a tradition that fosters friendships, a commitment to life-long learning, and a responsibility to the community.
Mission Statement
Ashby Residential College, founded in 1970, is the oldest residential college in North Carolina. We foster a holistic academic community grounded in liberal education and multiliteracies. Our primary intellectual and social commitments are to global engagement, social justice, and multiliteracies, which includes sustainability, wellness, and global human rights. Our innovative, multidisciplinary curriculum and self-governing activities encourage students to:
- Integrate and apply knowledge to societal challenges with progressively higher levels of explorations and expectations;
- Organize, plan, and implement projects that foster personal development, innovation, leadership, and civic engagement; and
- Develop with faculty, staff, and alumni a strong and diverse community connected by a respect for individuality and a balance between public and private values.
Overview
Ashby Residential College, founded in 1970, is the oldest residential college in North Carolina. We foster a holistic academic community grounded in liberal education and multiliteracies. Our primary intellectual and social commitments are to global engagement, social justice, and multiliteracies, which includes sustainability, wellness, and global human rights. We value faculty-student interactions and emphasize small-seminar classes that meet UNC Greensboro general education requirements. In-house programs provide support in terms of advising, library access, research, and developing skills in speaking and writing. Self-governing activities encourage students to integrate and apply knowledge to societal challenges, implement projects that foster personal development, innovation, leadership, and civic engagement. Mary Foust Hall houses approximately 120 co-ed freshmen and sophomores. All students who have been admitted to UNC Greensboro automatically qualify for application to Ashby. Anyone who wishes to receive more information about the program is encouraged to contact the Ashby Office, located in 124 Mary Foust Hall, 336-334-5915, and to visit the website: http://ashby.uncg.edu.
Ashby Residential College in Mary Foust is an inclusive, two-year program that offers a unique living and learning environment for a co-ed student community of approximately 120 freshmen and sophomores with a limited number of Upper-Class Mentor participants. Ashby is a small college but with immediate and complete access to the diverse facilities, programs, and departments of a larger university. Ashby provides a setting that encourages innovative study, small classes, unity of academic and social experiences, and close student-faculty contacts. A Residential College Coordinator, who serves on the faculty, resides in the hall. Other faculty members have offices in the residence hall. Students and faculty serve on governing committees and participate together in special events within the community.
Every semester, the Ashby curriculum includes approximately eighteen courses taught by faculty from departments across campus. These courses meet UNC Greensboro general education requirements as well as requirements for a variety of majors. All students are asked to participate in one of the ARC multidisciplinary core courses, which represent four to five integrated courses from the Ashby curriculum, and to choose another class from the other curricular offerings, which represent a wide range of academic subjects. These seminars, along with varied types of independent study and community service work, make up approximately six hours of a student’s semester course load. The remaining semester hours are taken within the greater university. Ashby students are not only full members of UNC Greensboro, but are also encouraged to participate in the life of the university.
Grogan Residential College
University Teaching and Learning Commons
108 Grogan Hall
336-334-5898
http://grogan.uncg.edu
John Sopper, Faculty Program Chair, Department of Religious Studies
Sarah Colonna, Associate Program Chair
Faculty
Sarah Colonna, Associate Program Chair
Mark Engebretson, School of Music
Susan Fancher, School of Music
Britt Flanagan, School of Nursing
Denise Gabriel, School of Theatre
Margaret Hewitt, School of Nursing
Margaret Horton, Department of Biology
Sarmad Hindo, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Larry Lavender, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Dale Schunk, Department of Teacher Education Higher Education
John Sopper, Faculty Program Chair, Department of Religious Studies
Caitlin Spencer, Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations
Aaron Terranova, Department of Kinesiology
About
Grogan Residential College is a two year, residential and academic program that serves undergraduate students in all majors offered at UNC Greensboro. Recognizing the changing realities of work, Grogan helps students connect their passion, curiosity and interests to their learning and development as future professionals. Grogan offers a personalized approach, project based learning strategies, and opportunities for broad-based leadership and professional development.
Grogan College also serves as a “teaching innovations lab” where UNC Greensboro faculty develop new and more effective approaches to teaching and learning. Through its unique residential environment, dedicated faculty, innovative CORE courses and related experiential learning opportunities, Grogan College helps students develop perspectives, aptitudes and skills needed for sustained professional success in a changing world.
Mission Statement
Grogan Residential College fosters active lifelong learners and creative future professionals.
Members of Grogan College:
- take Grogan Core courses that connect passion and curiosity to learning and professional development.
- live with other students who share similar academic and professional interests.
- connect with faculty through courses, workshops, field experiences and other programs.
- engage with peer mentors.
- develop a capstone portfolio that effectively communicates the value of their Grogan experience and articulates their future professional path.
Strong Residential College
University Teaching and Learning Commons
121 Guilford Residence Hall
336-334-1325
http://utlc.uncg.edu/residentialcolleges/strong
Sara Littlejohn, Program Chair
Anne Barton, Associate Program Chair
Strong Residential College, founded in 1994, fosters a holistic academic community grounded in liberal education with an intellectual commitment to sustainability and hands-on research.
Strong College strives to help students make connections to the larger, global landscape by focusing on creating sustainable social, economic, structural, aesthetic, and environmental futures through fieldwork research, reflection, and learning—an approach that ultimately threads observation and analysis into intentional connections between education and social responsibility.
Students in this closely knit community will take at least two core courses focused on sustainable communities during their four semesters in the program and will also have the option of taking General Education courses open only to Residential College students. In the fourth semester, students will complete independent capstone projects structured around the concept of sustainable communities. During the two years of the program, students will develop their leadership skills through participation in Strong College committees and will live in Guilford Residence Hall.
Ashby Residential College Courses (ASH)
Grogan College Courses (GRC)
GRC 101 The Grogan College Experience 1
Introductory examination of critical issues in educational theory and practice related to the learning community concept. The course also exposes students to essential competencies for academic and personal success.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in a Grogan College Learning Community.
GRC 102 Topics in Connected Thinking: An Introduction to Interdisciplinary and Cross-Professional Problem So 1
Topical exploration of interdisciplinary and cross-professional thinking through real world applications and community engagement.
Prerequisites: GRC 101 or ISL 101. enrollment in Grogan College.
Residential College Courses (RCO)
RCO 101 College Writing I 3
A course in academic writing, focusing on analysis, argument, and critical reflection using the tenets of rhetoric. Instruction in drafting, revising, and compilation of a final portfolio.
GE Core: GRD
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Equivalent credit to ENG 101 and/or FMS 115. students may receive credit for only one of RCO 101 or ENG 101 or FMS 115.
RCO 102 College Writing II 3
A course in research-based writing, focused on analysis, argument, and critical reflection using the tenets of rhetoric. Instruction in research methodologies as relevant to college writing projects.
GE Core: GRD
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Equivalent credit to ENG 102 and/or FMS 116. students may receive credit for only one of RCO 102 or ENG 102 or FMS 116.
RCO 112 Contemporary Topics in Mathematics 3
Practical mathematical topics including set theory, properties and operations of number systems, algebra, geometry and consumer mathematics. Additional topics may be selected from logic, systems of numeration, and mathematical systems.
GE Core: GMT
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students may not receive credit for both MAT 112 and RCO 112.
RCO 114 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3
Survey of statistics intended for undergraduates in any discipline. Graphical displays, numerical measures, relationships between variables, elements of good data collection. Basic probability, introduction to inferential techniques including confidence intervals and significance testing. Emphasis on statistical literacy.
GE Core: GMT
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students may not earn credit for both RCO 114 and STA 108. may not be taken for credit by students who have received credit for ECO 250 or ECO 350 or who are concurrently enrolled in ECO 250.
RCO 115 College Algebra 3
Practical mathematical topics including Algebraic expressions, exponents, radicals, factoring, solving equations and inequalities, graphing, polynomial and rational functions.
GE Core: GMT
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students may not receive credit for both MAT 115 and RCO 115.
RCO 122 Beginning Spanish I 3
Introduction to Spanish with practice in listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Students may not receive credit for both RCO 122 and SPA 101.
GE Marker: GL
RCO 133 Residential College Service-Learning Seminar 3
Focus on community service in readings and field experience. Topics vary relevant to the instructor's area of expertise.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 155 Residential College Seminar in the Art of Discourse 3
An introduction to discourse in global professional, social, digital, and academic contexts, with an emphasis on oral communication and professional written and digital documents.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 202 Residential College Seminar in Historical Perspectives: Modern 3
Historical study of human culture from the 17th century to the present.
GE Core: GHP
LEC: GMO
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.
RCO 203 Residential College Seminar in Philosophical/Religious/Ethical Principles 3
Study of philosophical, religious, and ethical traditions that have shaped societies in the past and the present.
GE Core: GPR
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 204 Residential College Seminar in Literature and Rhetoric 3
Study of works of literature and the social and historical contexts from which they come.
GE Core: GLT
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 205 Residential College Seminar in Social and Behavioral Studies 3
Study of the interrelationship between individuals and society and of the social and intellectual contexts of events and situations.
GE Core: GSB
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 206 Residential College Studies in the Arts 3
Lecture and/or seminar in the arts.
GE Core: GFA
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 211 Residential College Seminar in Historical Perspectives: Premodern 3
Historical study of human culture from ancient times to the 17th century.
GE Core: GHP
GE Marker: GN
LEC: GPM
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 212 Residential College Seminar in Historical Perspectives: Modern 3
Historical study of human culture from the 17th century to the present.
GE Core: GHP
GE Marker: GN
LEC: GMO
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 213 Residential College Seminar in Philosophical/Religious/Ethical Principles 3
Study of philosophical, religious, and ethical traditions that have shaped societies in the past and the present.
GE Core: GPR
GE Marker: GN
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 214 Residential College Seminar in Literature and Rhetoric 3
Study of works of literature and the social and historical contexts from which they come.
GE Core: GLT
GE Marker: GN
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 215 Residential College Seminar in Social and Behavioral Studies 3
Study of the interrelationship between individuals and society and of the social and intellectual contexts of events and situations.
GE Core: GSB
GE Marker: GN
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 221 Residential College Seminar in Historical Perspectives: Premodern 3
Historical study of human culture from ancient times to the 17th century.
GE Core: GHP
GE Marker: GL
LEC: GPM
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 222 Residential College Seminar in Historical Perspectives: Modern 3
Historical study of human culture from the 17th century to the present.
GE Core: GHP
GE Marker: GL
LEC: GMO
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 223 Residential College Seminar in Philosophical/Religious/Ethical Principles 3
Study of philosophical, religious, and ethical traditions that have shaped societies in the past and the present.
GE Core: GPR
GE Marker: GL
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 224 Residential College Seminar in Literature and Rhetoric 3
Study of works of literature and the social and historical contexts from which they come.
GE Core: GLT
GE Marker: GL
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 225 Residential College Seminar in Social and Behavioral Studies 3
Study of the interrelationship between individuals and society and of the social and intellectual contexts of events and situations.
GE Core: GSB
GE Marker: GL
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 226 Residential College Seminar in Fine Arts 3
A historical survey of various art form(s) within historical, cultural, and material contexts. Students will explore the art form(s) through historical texts that emphasize artistic technique and production.
GE Core: GFA
GE Marker: GL
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
RCO 239 Non-Western Fine Arts Seminar 3
A global historical survey of non-Western art form(s) through an examination of historical, cultural, and material contexts. Students will explore the art form(s) through global historical texts and in-class experiential practice.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor .
RCO 252 Introductory Concepts in Biology 3
Introduction to major concepts in biology for students who do not plan to take additional biology courses. Explores basic aspects of biology, including genetics, physiology, and ecology. Specific topics may include conservation biology, biotechnology, and current issues.
GE Core: GNS
LEC: GLS
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students may not earn credit for both BIO 111/BIO 112 and RCO 252. Students may not earn credit for both BIO 105 and RCO 252.
RCO 253 Residential College Seminar in Life Sciences 3
Conceptual explorations in the life sciences.
GE Core: GNS
LEC: GLS
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 254 Residential College Seminar in Physical Sciences 3
Conceptual explorations in the physical sciences.
GE Core: GNS
LEC: GPS
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 255 Introductory Concepts in Earth Science 3
Survey of basic concepts and processes. Integration of issues pertaining to environmental sustainability with the nature of the earth's three primary physical systems: the solid earth and continents; the ocean basins and the oceans; and the atmosphere's weather.
GE Core: GNS
LEC: GPS
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students cannot earn credit for both GES 103 and RCO 255. Students cannot earn credit for both GES 106/GES 106L and RCO 255.
RCO 273 General Psychology 3
Survey of psychology. Includes psychology as science, nervous system, growth and development, sensory and perceptual processes, motivation, emotion, learning, social behavior, personality (normal and pathological), statistics, testing, intelligence, aptitudes, and achievement.
GE Core: GSB
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: Students may not receive credit for both RCO 273 and PSY 121.
RCO 301 Independent Study 1-3
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the nature and structure of research/scholarship in a variety of academic disciplines.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 302 Advanced Study 3
Advanced-level study.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College;
Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
RCO 306 Music in Context 3
Consideration of musical works in social, artistic, and economic contexts.
GE Core: GFA
GE Marker: GL
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor .
RCO 390 Research Capstone 3
Locating and using primary and/or secondary source materials, published and unpublished. Variable topics, related to residential colleges' curriculum. Offerings may include digital publications, fieldwork, or professional development research.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Admission to a Residential College.
Strong College Courses (STR)
STR 301 Strong College Tutorial 1
A small number of Strong College students meet with a faculty member to explore an agreed upon topic. Faculty member will guide the discussion.
Prerequisites: Students must be members of Strong College.
Notes: May be repeated for 3 hours of credit.