For nearly two decades now, the University has implemented a program that unites the concepts of living and learning in a manner solely unique to the Fairfield experience. The Sophomore Residential Colleges Program offers an educational model that provides distinctively designed academic courses, purposeful residential living experiences, and reflective mentorship meetings, all of which encourage students to examine their deepest truths and ask critical questions of both themselves and their peers. Assistant director of the Sophomore Residential Colleges, Jodie Fitzpatrick, remarks “Through the integration of students’ academic, mentoring, and living experiences, students have the ability to explore who they are and who they want to become in order to foster success, in not just their Sophomore year, but well beyond into their future as well.” The program offers students the choice to live in one of three residences, with each residence embodying a different theme: Service for Justice, Ignatian Leadership, and Creative Life.  

The Service for Justice Residential College, housed in 70 McCormick Hall, fosters a tight-knit community rooted in social justice and service that explores questions concerning identity development, a sense of belonging, as well as social and academic responsibility. Students are asked to introspectively examine their personal identities and culture based on their individual living and learning experiences. Through reflection, action, and service, students are challenged to see how they can use their privileges to help the oppressed and ultimately become agents of meaningful social change.

The Ignatian Leadership Residential College, housed in 42 Langguth Hall, provides a distinct opportunity for students to examine different dimensions of their lives from a variety of perspectives and leadership roles, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students reflect on some of life’s biggest questions as they explore how strengths, challenges, and worldviews impact their decision-making process. While gaining an awareness of their passions and identity, students practice and enhance leadership skills that call them towards the service of a greater good within society.

The Creative Life Residential College, housed in Loyola Hall, embraces creativity as an essential element of learning and developing one’s worldview. The program guides students to examine a greater awareness of themselves as creative individuals while also exploring fundamental questions of identity, community, and vocation. Creative Life is a bright, enthusiastic community which encourages synergy from all academic disciplines, engaging in a cross-medium and multi-disciplinary environment.

Throughout the years, the program has been met with considerable praise from the student body with countless alumni noting that living in a residential college was an invaluable experience and a highlight of their Fairfield education. Current sophomore, Megan Roy ‘21 said, “I have sincerely enjoyed taking part in a Residential College this past year, as it has enabled me to immerse myself into a brand new, close-knit community filled with people who come from different backgrounds yet share similar common goals and aspirations.” A junior at the University, Lauren Spaziante ‘20,  shared a similar sentiment when reflecting upon her program experience, stating, “I absolutely loved my time living in a residential college--it’s truly one-of-a-kind. From the mentoring programs to the specialized class offerings, you really cannot find an experience quite as unique as this one on any other campus.”

For more information about the Sophomore Residential College program, visit fairfield.edu/rescolleges. Please note that all applications for the incoming Sophomore class are due no later than February 25, 2019.