What is the Visual and Performing Arts Learning Community (VPA)?
This community is geared toward anyone interested in the performing arts (music, dance, graphic design, theater, etc). Located in West Wadsworth Hall, people living in VPA can expect to be among other arts enthusiasts, instrumentalists, and performers. Residents will build connections with departmental staff, faculty, and other students who share this common interest.
What are some VPA activities?
Members of the learning community will have access to social events and resources that are geared specifically toward them. Some of these include but are not limited to:
Social Opportunities:
- Programs and social events based around performance at local venues and on the Michigan Tech campus
- Hosting Open-Mic nights
- Dance Parties and workshops, including modern dance and ballroom
- Annual camping trip at Copper Harbor beach
- Hosting fundraisers for Save the Music Foundation and other charities
- Songwriting Workshops from local and touring musicians
In addition, this community will also participate in annual campus wide events
- Parade of Nations—a parade held to celebrate the diversity at Michigan Tech
- Homecoming
- Safe House—a yearly tradition where residents decorate their halls for a Halloween haunted house
- Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival—including snow sculpture building, ice bowling and broomball
- Sporting events—IM sports, broomball, ultimate frisbee, as well as attending Michigan Tech football and hockey games (free!)
- Campus Fine Arts—concerts, theater productions, and comedians.
- Numerous other weekly and monthly socials including a weekly in-hall movie party, cookouts, jam sessions, waterfall hiking, and tons more
Educational Opportunities
Members of the Visual and Performing Arts Learning Community will get an in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center and will meet many of the staff and professors in their department. They will get to attend presentations, workshops and field trips designed to enhance their academic experience at Michigan Tech and progress in the performing arts.
What is expected of VPA participants?
- Live in a Co-Ed environment
- Be a positive member of your community and a leader on campus
- Enroll in a UN 1010 course to help you adjust to college
- Participate in some form of performing art (classes count, as well as your major/minor, pep band, etc)
- Actively participate in hall events
- Pay a $30.00 per semester fee that is used to support your learning community.
To join the Leadership Learning Community, simply apply via your housing application.