Residential Leadership Community
The Residential Leadership Community (RLC) is an academic leadership studies and development program maintained through a collaborative effort of the Division of Student Affairs, the University Honors Program, and the Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Agriculture and Extension Education. It is a one or two-year program and gives students the option to complete a minor in Leadership and Social Change.
The curriculum of the RLC teaches comprehensive historical and social leadership theories while developing communication, leadership, and group skills specific to individual students' majors and career goals.
Located in Peddrew-Yates Hall, a co-ed residence hall, the RLC is open to individuals from all majors. The small and close-knit community encourages responsibility, diversity, and growth through service learning and is conducive to a productive study environment.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Residential Leadership Community at Virginia Tech is to enhance students' leadership and interpersonal skills, enabling them to become more effective leaders in any organizational structure.
Course Requirements
Students in the RLC are required to take two three-credit courses, one in the fall and one in the spring. These courses offer an introduction to the basic principles of leadership theory and application.
LDRS 1015 Fall Course
This course explores the language, theories, ethics, and competencies of leadership. Through the examination of historic and contemporary leadership models, students gain knowledge and self-awareness to develop new competencies as leaders.
The concept areas are:
- Historical Leadership Theorists
- Transformational Leadership
- Transactional Leadership
- Charismatic Leadership
- Constructs of Diversity in Leadership
- Contemporary Leadership
- Servant Leadership
LDRS 1016 Spring Course
This course develops from the foundation of leadership theories learned in the fall course. In LDRS 1016, students engage in a praxis (project intensive) model course that develops such skills as participative leadership, communication skills, conflict resolution, and presenting skills.
The concept areas are:
- Leadership Applications in Team Settings
- Effective Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Group Dynamics and Team Building
- Project Planning and Maintenance
Contact Information
For questions about the Residential and Leadership Community program, e-mail livinglearning@vt.edu. For questions related to housing assignments, contact Housing and Residence Life at housing@vt.edu. You can also visit the RLC’s webpage.
