U. considers residential program

University officials are discussing plans for a residential living-learning program that could be established for freshmen by this fall. The program, currently being called the "21st Century Cooperative Residence," will be available to about 200 undergraduates -- primarily freshmen -- acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said Tuesday. McCoullum said the program will most likely be housed in King's Court-English House and will focus on developing skills in students necessary for leadership roles in the next century. "The goal of this program will be to create that environment and set of experiences which will best prepare students for leadership in the 21st century," she said. In the preliminary report issued last week by the Commission on Strengthening the Community, the Commission stated that the University "should decide by the year 2000 on the residential model that would be the best fit for students in a pluralistic Penn community in the next century." McCoullum said the purpose of the new living-learning program would be to develop that model. Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said the living-learning program will revolve around three issues: science and technology, international affairs and the humanities. These three components will be considered "compelling and essential" parts of what winds up being the University's model for Residential Living in the next century, McCoullum said. Because King's Court-English House already has a Science and Technology wing, Simeone said the house would be the ideal choice. McCoullum added that she also would like to see the program located in King's Court-English House. With the Revlon Center slated to be built on 36th and Walnut streets, and with VPUL offices moving to the Mellon Bank Building, McCoullum said the new living-learning house would be another attractive program located on the northern edge of the campus. Other possible sites for the program could be the Quadrangle or one of the two Graduate Towers, she added. Interim President Claire Fagin said she is impressed by the fact that the program would be "totally voluntary." And she emphasized her administration would not have to decide whether freshmen should choose where they wish to live or be assigned to certain dormitories. She said if the "21st Century House" program is to be implemented, it could give the next administration more information about student opinions on assigned housing for freshmen. "This is a way we can prepare for the future without the passion of the moment, to see what students really feel about the issue," she said. The Commission on Strengthening the Community urged the University to consider assigning all freshmen to designated houses or colleges starting with the 1995-96 school year. And both Fagin and McCoullum said they do not think a new living- learning program based on student choice is inconsistent with the Commission's findings. "I can't see why anyone would object to a pilot project that would give us more information," Fagin said.