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Engineering Learning Community (ELC)

Why Join an Engineering Learning Community?



About ELC

A Living-Learning Community is essentially a group of students who are chosen to live together on equal terms in a congenial atmosphere to pursue a common goal.

The mission of the Engineering Learning Community (ELC) program is to create a dynamic and collaborative living and learning environment for the motivated freshman resident students who are accepted into the program. By housing its students on the same floor, grouping its students in classes, directly connecting them with faculty, staff, and university resources, as well as organizing extra-curricular, civic engagement, and professional events throughout the freshman year, the ELC actively promotes academic success and fosters a sense of community among its students.

The College of Engineering is pleased to be offering two learning communities for the 2013-2014. Themes are TBD. Please see the ELC application to express interest in proposed themed communities.

Benefits

By joining an ELC, you will become a more active and responsible participant in your education. You will form close friendships and establish a sense of community that will provide you with great access to support and resources needed in order to be successful. As an active member of the Drexel Engineering Learning Community program, you will:

  • Live in Myers Hall on the same floor as other ELC member
  • Have a better opportunity to form effective study groups
  • Participate in weekly tutoring sessions in a designated residence hall study area
  • Interact with College of Engineering faculty members, students, organization leaders and engineering upperclassmen
  • Take an active role in Engineering programs
  • Complete civic engagement projects
  • Enjoy social outings that add to a meaningful college experience
  • Take field trips to locations in and around the Philadelphia area

To Apply

The Engineering Learning Community program application is available to all incoming first-year (non-transfer) College of Engineering students.

In order to be considered for the Engineering Learning Community program, you must:

  • Pay your $200 housing deposit
  • Complete your housing application
  • Complete the ELC application (information provided after completing your housing application)

To begin, see the University Housing website for details regarding first year housing application processes.  Note: You must pay your $200 housing deposit BEFORE you are given access to the housing application.  Once you complete the housing application, your will receive additional information on how to apply for the ELC program. The deadline for applying to an ELC is Wednesday, May 15th. If you've already applied for housing, you can still apply to the ELC program by re-entering your housing application and selecting interest in the ELC program by Wednesday, May 15th. ELC applications not received by that date will not be considered. Likewise, applicants who have not completed the University Housing application will be ineligible.
 
If you are having trouble with your housing application, please contact University Housing at housing@drexel.edu.

Please note that applicants who have a roommate preference (unless the roommate is also applying to the ELC program) and applicants who are part of the Honors program (which has its own Learning Community) may be asked to choose between the ELC and other options, if selected.

If you have any questions, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Learn more about the ELC from our students in this video.

 
 


Do I have to live in Myers if I'm accepted?

Yes, all Engineering Learning Community members are required to live in Myers Hall with their fellow community members.

I heard the ELC takes some classes together. Which ones?

Formally, ENGR 101, 103 and 103 (freshman Engineering design sequence) and UNIV 101 (freshman seminar).  Informally, due to the way fall schedule occurs, ELC members are often scheduled for other courses together, but likely not all courses will be with ELC members.

What if I get accepted into the Honors College and the ELC. Can I do both?

Yes, you can be an Honors College student and still participate in the Engineering Learning Community program.  You will be required to live in Myers Hall with your fellow community members (not Millennium Hall, where Honors College students reside) but you'll still maintain all other privileges that come with being an Honors College student including early registration.

I was planning to room with my best friend who is also coming to Drexel this fall. Can we still live together if I'm accepted into the ELC program?

Maybe.  ELC students are generally placed with other ELC members.  However, if you and your friend request each other and Myers as your #1 choice on your housing applications, there is a chance you could still become roommates.  There's also a chance that he/she will be placed in Myers so that you'll still reside in the same residence hall if not the same room.

Does my application to the ELC guarantee me a spot in a learning community?

No.  The Engineering Learning Community program averages about 250 applications each year.  In years past, those applications have been reviewed for only 40 spaces.  This year, we plan to offer two learning communities to accommodate more Engineering students.  While we cannot gauge the number of applicants each year, we can say that it is competitive.

With so many applications, how do you choose ELC participants?

We aim to create a snapshot of the freshman Engineering class by selecting a variety of majors, ethnicities, geographic locations (both domestic and international), as well as varying SAT scores.  These factors are considered in addition to a review of responses to each application question.

What types of students should apply for the ELC program?

Students who benefit most from the ELC program are those who seek a more intimate learning experience with their first year.  ELC members are linked not only for classes but through classes, faculty interactions, social and educational activities, and residential living.  Students who apply to the ELC program should be dedicated to contributing to this environment through leadership and active participation.  As we offer additional learning communities this year, applicants should be dedicated to the themes that they choose and plan to take ownership of the community and their first-year experience in it.

What do I do if I'm not accepted into the ELC program?

While the ELC program is a great way to get connected as first-year student, it's not the only way.  Students not selected for the Engineering Learning Community will still have opportunities to bond with classmates, roommates, hall mates, join social and education student organizations, and get involved with undergraduate research.  Opportunities abound throughout the year and students should check their Drexel email daily so as not to miss these opportunities.

Does it cost anything to participate in the ELC program?

No, there is no additional cost associated with the ELC program.  Most activities sponsored by the program are free to ELC participants with few exceptions.