UBRCs: Goodbye Bingo, Hello Blue Books

"This is a true living-and-learning environment," explained the Vice President for Lasell Village, Paula Panchuck.

Though 450 hours may seem daunting, Panchuck explained that the figure includes homework, classroom time (either on campus or in the village), study, mentoring, travel, and even physical fitness activities. "This is not a sedate community. It appeals to those with an active lifestyle who want to be intellectually engaged." In fact, residents have access to any Lasell College course, plus up to 30 on-site classes at the Village each trimester.

Residents at The Village at Penn State can enroll in one college class per semester, on a space-available basis. Oak Hammock community members can audit classes at the university, free of charge.

At UBRCs, many college students also benefit by working on-site or by serving in internships. Universities provide the communities one-on-one training from computer science majors, for instance, or ceramics or painting workshops from students in the art department. The University of Florida College of Dentistry staff offer an on-site dental hygienist suite at Oak Hammock, while their veterinary college offers pet care. 

According to Carle, if done right, UBRCs get an A+. "Schools find additional employment and work-related experiences for their students and maintain that connection between alumni and faculty," he said. "Residents get an intergenerational, active, intellectually stimulating environment. It's a win-win."