Intentional Learning Communities (ILCs)

Intentional Learning Communities, or ILCs, provide students a shared experience with peers living and learning together to explore common interests. Each ILC is tied to an academic, identity, or social justice interest area. This type of residential experience allows students to focus on a deeper exploration of their common interests while also learning to develop, create, and explore a cooperative living environment. Each community works closely with a senior faculty or staff advisor, Community Living, and often are connected with School for Public Purpose Institutes as well as the student clubs/orgs connected to their community’s focus. These communities offer meaningful activities and experiences designed to engage students in leadership, intellectual engagement, social justice, citizenship and service.

Our ILCs

Modern Languages & Cultures Intentional Learning Community (I-Space)

Albion College offers language-learning housing for native language teaching assistants and language students in French, German, and Spanish. This ILC serves as a “living laboratory” where Albion College students can practice conversational skills with fellow students and native speakers. Residents affectionately refer to the community as I-Space as a nod to the history of the program’s first location in I-House.

Students pledge to speak the intended language when in the community. Eligible students can earn .25 credit units for one semester’s residency in I-Space, active participation in weekly language tables, and weekly cultural activities in the student’s respective language house. Students add this course during the first week of classes, after they have moved in.

New Proposals

If you are interested in developing an Intentional Learning Community, please visit the ILC Proposal webpage to learn more. We recommend consulting a Community Living staff member to discuss the proposal process further and to consider developing learning outcomes, programs, and an adviser relationship, all expected components of a successful ILC.

The proposals for 2023-2024 academic year have closed.