Tulane launches new women’s residential community

Incoming first-year women students at Tulane University now have the opportunity to apply to Spark, the University’s first women-focused residential learning community.

The Spark Residential Learning Community will bring together first-year students to build and engage in creative, intellectual, and social justice communities at Tulane, in New Orleans, and beyond. Drawing on the legacy of Newcomb College, Spark will provide a place for these women to find their “spark” – their own Tulane pathway – as they forge connections with one another and with faculty, staff and alumnae through the gender-focused programming and opportunities provided by Newcomb College Institute.

In addition to courses in the TIDES program on topics ranging from women in New Orleans to women’s writing, Spark students will have the opportunity to participate in community service projects, dinners with faculty, alternative break trips and other NCI programming, including lectures, film screenings and more. Another program, Critical Conversations, will be informal discussions facilitated by a staff member or student. Issues for discussion will include women’s depiction in media, intersectionality, sexual assault on college campuses and body image.

“I’m so excited to work with the residents of the Spark RLC,” said Amanda McKnight, Newcomb Scholars program coordinator. “This learning community is a natural extension of work that Newcomb College Institute does to enhance the undergraduate experience for women. We have a lot planned and eagerly anticipate the chance to help our students explore what Tulane and the city of New Orleans has to offer."

Students can apply to Spark beginning March 1. Spark residents will live in Josephine Louise Hall, one of the original buildings from the historic Newcomb College.

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