Photo courtesy of Madison Bowden
In the 2026-2027 school year, Covenant College is launching their first Living-Learning Community. Beginning in the fall, seven students will move to The Cabin, a home three minutes away from campus. Student Development intends for this community to equip “upperclass students for Christ-centered living in real-world contexts and [to foster] enduring practices of stewardship, hospitality and community.” To encourage this intentional living, the group has chosen to implement the theme of generosity throughout the year.
Si Mitchell ’17, who is assigned to oversee the Living-Learning Community, says, “The hope is that the added structure will help with follow-through on students’ hopes for their final year off campus and that this external accountability could help encourage a more vibrant year.”
This housing alternative was proposed to give students structured living that encourages spiritual growth and wellbeing. Si explains, “There’s so much good that can happen off-campus, but sometimes it can be a little bit disorienting being off for the first time.”
Joash Williams ’27, who plans to live in The Cabin in the fall, appreciates the barriers set in place. He says, “Restraint is freedom … Everyone wants to live intentionally, and a lot of times seniors move off-campus, wanting to live intentionally, and then they don’t actually… Rules are really good to get us to do what we want to do.”
Troy Daniel ’27, who will also be in the home, agrees. “The structure and accountability that comes with it is somewhat counter-cultural … but sometimes letting other people hold you accountable is actually really helpful.”
Daniel speaks about what it means to live out the theme of generosity while being part of the Living-Learning Community. The group plans to spread generosity “through hospitality and hosting other people, whether hall or friends or even the next batch of RAs.” They also plan to be involved in group community projects, especially at churches.
This new housing alternative has caused confusion and curiosity among students. Daniel recalls, “There was a lot of resistance on campus … People were resistant to setting rules. Maybe they didn’t understand that you set your own rules.” Although limited, the contract that the group set themselves gives them some freedom.
This program is still new, and Student Development recognizes that there may be room for improvement. “This is a pilot, so we are also eager to learn what works and what doesn’t work,” Mitchell says. “I want the same core idea of intentional community to stay the same, but a lot of things around that can be flexible.” Student Development is thrilled to offer the Living-Learning Community this upcoming fall and is even more prepared to learn from and better it.
Photo courtesy of Madison Bowden.