Future Residents – Living Learning Communities

Research has shown that college students are deeply concerned about issues, are involved personally as volunteers, and ready to consider voting. But they want political leaders to be positive, to address real problems, and to call on all Americans to be constructively involved. The Baker Center Learning Community gives you a chance to articulate your interests in politics and public service in an on-campus living experience with others of similar interests. Together, you will learn and explore the process of public policy and civic engagement. Named after former Tennessee U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador Howard H. Baker, Jr., the Baker Center Learning Community is directed by the faculty, staff and students at UT's Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. This close association with the Baker Center gives you access to the research, programs, conferences and events in various policy areas such as governance studies; energy and environment; global security; healthcare; and civic education and engagement.

Our goal is to create a learning community where everyone has the capacity to be both teachers and learners as we develop specific civic participation knowledge and skills. You will also develop your capacity to analyze and create strategic solutions for real-world issues while working collaboratively with others. During the year, you will undertake a continuing public policy case study that will include a simulation of a U.S. Senate Hearing on a bill and participate in a service learning project. Housed in Morrill Hall, the Baker Center Learning Community exists in partnership with the Honors Learning Community, allowing for you to be enrolled both in the Honors and Baker Center Learning Communities. Participation in the Baker Center Learning Community commits you to:

• Enroll in a special course for both the fall and spring semesters
• Participate in bi-weekly public policy roundtable discussions (subjects are chosen by students)

Applying for the Baker Center Community

Interested students should:

1. Complete an online housing application
2. Return your electronic housing contract you will receive after you are admitted
3. Print, complete and return by mail the electronic learning community application that you will receive after your housing contract is returned
4. All interested students must visit the Baker Center's website, www.bakercenter.utk.edu, to fill out a separate application run through the Baker Center

HONORS STUDENTS: Receive priority registration. Please fill out the application through the Baker Center (available at www.bakercenter.utk.edu) so they can gather demographic information indicating your interest. NOTE: Honors students should indicate interest on the housing learning community application for both the Honors Learning Community and the Baker Center Learning Community.

NON-HONORS STUDENTS: You must fill out the demographic information on the Baker Center application (available at www.bakercenter.utk.edu) and answer some brief questions about your interest.

If you have questions about the Baker Center Community, contact the Baker Center for Public Policy by phone at (865) 974-0931 or e-mail Gavin Luter dluter@utk.edu For additional housing information, please contact Rita Hensley at (865) 974-1421 or by email at rhensley@utk.edu.