TAMIU Residential Learning Community offers campus community experience
By Karina Moreno
“TAMIU is growing from a commuter campus to a more active student environment,” said Stephanie Hilbrand, residence hall manager of the new Residential Learning Community (RLC) at Texas A&M International University .
The RLC begins to function as housing for TAMIU, Laredo Community College , and the University of Texas Laredo Science Center students this fall semester. The community consists of four three-story buildings capable of housing 426 students.
Two hundred prospective residents attended a recent open house to catch a glimpse of the new dorms. “Many were very curious to see what a residence hall really is, which is why we had people not only from Laredo, but some from Eagle Pass and Corpus Christi,” said Hilbrand. “This is something totally different. This is the experience of a true community, of being involved with each other, rather than an apartment lifestyle.”
University Village is very similar to an apartment complex, and it is being redirected to serve upperclassmen, married, and/or graduate students. TAMIU has now adopted a rule that all out of town freshmen must live on campus, specifically at the RLC.
Hilbrand is responsible for supervising the resident assistant staff, which is made up of upperclassmen students who perform a variety of functions. “They will be responsible for planning developmental and social programs, as well as hosting on-campus activities,” she said.
“More on-campus activities attribute to the university's growth. This leads to the development of confidence and leadership skills, and, ultimately, helps the students find better jobs,” said Hilbrand.
“We hope to help students adapt with college. It is a big leap as it is, and we want to help get them involved and be successful,” said Hilbrand.
Resident advisor and TAMIU sophomore David Crawford said, “It is important to have dorms because it is part of the college experience. Being surrounded by people with similar interests as yours is part of being a college student. There is nothing like it.”
In an attempt to facilitate students' adaptation to college life, the RLC offers theme floors. “There are five themes on the RLC's floors, and they serve to group students of similar interests and schedules together,” said Crawford. There are 24 Quiet Hour theme floors, wellness/substance-free theme floors, performing arts theme floors, health professions theme floors, as well as all-female theme floors.
For the first time at TAMIU, a dining plan will be offered. All residents of the RLC are signed up for the meal plan upon completing their housing contracts. Dusty's Diner will be providing a buffet consisting of a variety of different entrées. Currently, there are two options for RLC residents: an unlimited meal plan or a plan that offers 180 meals per semester.
For further information on TAMIU's campus housing, contact the TAMIU leasing office at (956) 326-0160 or visit the offices at 4907 University Boulevard .
