About Collins | Mission
The Ralph L. Collins Living-Learning Center aims to provide a small but diverse residential community that addresses the needs and interests of the student.
Our primary goal is to create an environment in which undergraduate students can succeed academically and grow as individuals in the process of exploring academic interests and avocations that will reward, challenge, and stimulate them. The objectives by which this goal is met are as varied as the student residents.
Undergraduates are given the opportunity to participate in the formulation of their own accredited University curriculum through Collins’ Board of Educational Programming. This student-centered curriculum, paired with an experiential learning philosophy, makes the Collins program unique in the nation.
We encourage students to teach as well as learn. Our active program—which includes student-planned workshops, performances, publications, book clubs, and film series—allows individuals to take the lead in their areas of interest.
Collins offers opportunities to learn and participate in a variety of artistic media in both academic and extracurricular settings. And, residents can grow in their understanding of the greater community by opting to participate in service activities that range from tutoring of children to environmental sustainability projects.
We provide quiet and comfortable study areas conducive to academic progress, as well as group meeting facilities, common areas, classrooms, computer labs, a student-run coffeeshop, and a library. Our full-service dining area serves as the social heart of the community and provides for a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Ample opportunities for academic, artistic, and philanthropic participation—in combination with providing for physical needs—establishes a culture in which it’s possible for students to expand their intellectual and personal horizons.
