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The Madison Eco Community

For Students in Any Major Interested in Sustainability and the Environment….

LOGO: Eco footprint imageThe Madison Eco Community is a residential learning community designed for 20 first-year students who want to explore environmental issues and how to live more sustainably on the planet. Students in the community live in the same residence hall (Wayland), take several classes together, develop outdoor skills through weekend nature and recreational activities, and participate in community projects and field trips. All majors, including undecided students, are welcome.

The goals of the Madison Eco Community are to help its members…

  1. Understand and communicate effectively about environmental sustainability through critical thinking, analysis, writing, and public speaking.
  2. Develop a personal environmental ethic through formal and informal reading, discussion, introspection, and outdoor recreation.
  3. Engage in meaningful change that reflects more sustainable lifestyle and community practices.
  4. Explore environmental careers based on each individual's interests and major.
  5. Build outdoor skills through such opportunities as camping, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, and geocaching.
  6. Connect to JMU student clubs that are environmentally-focused.

The Academic Program

In the fall, students enrolled in the Madison Eco Community will take the following course together, which are integrated by a "sustainability across the curriculum" theme:

  • SCOM 318--Eco Community Practicum

In the spring, students will take the following courses together:

  • GCOM 123-- Human Communication: Group Presentations
  • GSCI 104--Scientific Prospectivies
  • GWRTC 103--Critical Reading and Writing

For more information about the Madison Eco Community, contact any of the following professors: Dr. Alison Fisher at fisheraa@jmu.edu; Dr. Pete Bsumek at bsumekpk@jmu.edu

Our Mission Statement

The Office of Residence Life at James Madison University is committed to designing and maintaining a caring environment that encourages academic success, respect, personal growth and responsibility to one's community.

Photos

photo Trelawny Learning Community members take a road trip to Washington D.C. National Zoo PHOTO: TLC members
Roop Learning Community members take a trip to Kings Dominion in VA for a day filled with fun and physics study.