Group standing in cave, staring out towards the light in an epic manner
Backpacking
Group rock climbing in the great outdoors
Girl peering out from tiny cave opening, smiling

Outdoor Pursuits LLC

Students starting a fire on an OPC trip.The Outdoor Pursuits Living Learning Community is a dynamic community sponsored by the Outdoor Pursuit Center. The community is open to students interested in learning more about leadership and themselves as they engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The community is open to students interested in learning more about leadership and themselves as they engage in a variety of outdoor activities.

Students in this community will learn the four fundamental responsibilities of outdoor leaders – minimize risk, minimize environmental impact, maximize learning, and maximize enjoyment. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities (i.e. rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, backpacking, etc.). Students will also begin to develop a solid foundation to support their outdoor leadership including technical skills, interpersonal skills, and judgment.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a sense of belonging in the residence hall and the larger University community (Effective Community Engagement)
  • Increase curricular and co‐curricular interactions with other students, faculty and staff (Effective Community Engagement)
  • Investigate qualities of effective leadership and the fundamental responsibilities of outdoor leaders (Interpersonal Development)
  • Assist with developing a community of peers who they may continue to partner with to pursue outdoor activities (Effective Community Engagement)
  • Research academic classes and careers related to outdoor education and recreation (Academic Success)

First-Year Community

Community Programming

This community is ideal for students who love the outdoors, have a sense of adventure and want to learn about outdoor activities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in up to 4 different programs throughout the academic year. During the 2017–2018 academic year these students will be housed in Dodds Hall.

Programs Include:

  • Fall Kick-Off Event: Adventure Race
  • Belay certification for Miami University's Climbing Center
  • Low and High Challenge Course Experience
  • White water rafting trip

Academic Course Description
EDL 290.R—The Nature of Group Leadership: First-Year Outdoor Leadership (2 Credit Hours)

This course is an introduction to outdoor leadership. Students will focus on the building and development of community within the 1st Year Outdoor Leadership Living Learning Community. Through activities in class, students are able to actively explore concepts such as team building, communication, trust, leadership, and risk-management. The course is also designed to give hands-on experience to develop outdoor related skills such as canoeing, belaying, land navigation, etc.

Programming Fee

Students accepted into this Living Learning Community will be charged a $195 program fee. The purpose of this program fee is to supplement the cost of the programs listed above. There are a limited number of scholarships available to cover the program fee. Apply here for the 2017-2018 program fee scholarship