WELCOME
TO THE RESIDENTS OF
COWLINGS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
FOUR PILLARS OF THE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE EXPERIENCE • Life of the Mind • Life of the Body • Life of Service • Sense of Belonging
CARDINAL & GOLD EVENTS
Cardinal & Gold events take place every Thursday and Friday night and are free to all residential students. There are activities and outings for every interest — from feature film screenings in McCarthy Quad to evening hikes in Griffith Park to concerts at LA Live. Be on the lookout for the weekly schedule of events in the Fall!
WELCOME!
We are incredibly excited to welcome you into your new residential college home in the beautiful USC Village. We hope you are looking forward to meeting and living among 334 of your peers in this vibrant, prideful and scholarly living-learning community. With diverse programming opportunities, faculty and staff support, and a community of second-year USC students as your neighbors, we’re confident that you’ll feel at home in no time! HISTORY AND CULTURE
Cowlings Residential College focuses on arts & culture. The residents of Cowlings Residential College will awake their inner cultural explorer. USC and the city of Los Angeles is the home to many musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, painters, and various artists from around the world. Through programs offered within the community and coordinated events within the Los Angeles area, the residents of Cowlings Residential College will be surrounded by a wealth of experiences that will enrich their learning experience. Want to weave through the “Urban Light” exhibit at LACMA and discover its origins? Watch local slam poets perform pieces rooted in human experience in the halls? Sample a wealth of flavors at seasonal food festivals? Through the guidance of faculty, staff, and peers, the residents of Cowlings Residential College will find their niche within USC and the City of Angels.
TO THE RESIDENTS OF
COWLINGS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
MEET THE FACULTY & STAFF OF COWLINGS Faculty in Residence serve as your mentors, advisers, and advocates. They facilitate and lead the academic focus, in partnership with the Residential Education staff, for your living-learning community. Residential Education staff work to support your holistic development and success at USC. They directly supervise your resident assistants, develop community through programming, resolve conflict through mediation, and serve as resources for residents.
LAURA BAKER FACULTY IN RESIDENCE
MORGAN VINSON RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE COORDINATOR
Baker is a professor of psychology at USC, where she teaches and researches behavioral genetics and individual differences. Baker’s research involves the study of genetic and environmental influences in human behavior, with a focus on aggressive and antisocial behavior. She teaches courses in behavioral genetics, statistics, human sexuality, and has a new course on the science of meditation. She lives in Room 5504 along with her cat, Sophie. Her three kids are here from time to time as well, including two sons, Colin (USC 2014) and Cameron (Willamette 2017), and a daughter, Morgan (Tufts 2012), who recently finished her PhD in math at the University of Utah.
Vinson is from the East Bay Area in Northern California and attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she received her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in Italian studies. After graduating, Vinson worked for two years as an assistant resident director at UCSB in first-year communities, further developing her passion for advising, conduct, and social justice and diversity work. She earned her master’s in education from UCLA. Her research interests are based around a deep understanding of hegemonic masculinity and how it affects higher education and the development of women of color, and she considers herself a feminist. In her free time, she enjoys making music, cooking, Core Power Yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
COLEMAN REARDON GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE COORDINATOR Reardon is pursuing his master’s degree in postsecondary administration and student affairs at USC. He was born and raised in Cohoes, New York, and received his bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from the University of Miami. While at Miami, Reardon was involved in residential life, student government, and homecoming. He loves trying new foods, flamingos and keeping up with Hurricanes sports. Reardon is new to the LA area, so he is excited to do some exploring and learn more about all that the city has to offer. He is also looking forward to helping members of our Trojan Family make LA and USC their home.
MORE ABOUT LIFE IN COWLINGS COWLINGS ART SHOWCASE
TUESDAY’S TEA
The Cowlings Art Showcase takes place in Spring Semester and is an opportunity for residents to showcase their artistic talent, whether it is displaying their physical artwork at the gallery show or performing a live song, spoken-word piece, comedy skit, or dance routine. Attendees also get to take part in a community art piece upon arrival and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments during the showcase.
Tuesday’s Tea is a weekly event for all residents of the USC Village. Our Faculty in Residence host guest speakers that fit the theme of their Residential College. This allows all residents a chance to engage in a variety of topic areas. Tuesday’s Teas in the past have included speakers from the film industry, popular podcasters, a civil rights attorney, and a former international diplomat among others. Tuesday’s Teas always offer tea (of course), coffee, and light snacks.
VISIONS & VOICES & USC SCHOOL OF DRAMATIC ARTS EVENTS
Cowlings residents get access to exclusive Visions & Voices events & USC School of Dramatic Arts performances throughout the year. Bond with fellow residents as you immerse yourself in the arts and humanities, and stay tuned for free ticket giveaways to enjoy plays, concerts, speaker panels, performances, screenings, and more.
THE SOPHOMORE SUCCESS SERIES
The Sophomore Success Series is a weeklong event that offers workshops, presentations, and interactive programming for our predominantly sophomore population. Events and workshops include topics such as financial literacy, internship seeking, time management, and even a chance to take a professional headshot.
B-REEL: VILLAGE DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE
During the spring semester, one full week is devoted to a documentary festival. Documentaries screened represent the themes of our Residential Colleges. The final night of B-REEL ends with an outdoor screening on our Great Lawn with food trucks and other fun activities. VACAY @ THE VILLAGE
Vacay @ the Village takes place during the spring and focuses on wellness with a spa-like ambience. Village residents participate and learn more about ways they can maintain wellness and well-being via yoga, eating tips, and relaxation activities. There are opportunities to sample healthy food options, make your own facials, and get your nails done!
GET INVOLVED! RESIDENTIAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION (RHA)
Founded in 1988, Residential Housing Association (RHA) serves all students who live in USC Housing by providing them with ways to enhance and contribute to their residential experience at the University of Southern California. One of the largest organizations on campus, RHA strives to build community, empower residents, and create opportunities for academic success and leadership development. RHA acts as a resource by coordinating and promoting all phases of student development and self-government, while representing the residential community on both regional and national levels. Check out the RHA welcome back event during Welcome Week! COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Do you want to gain valuable leadership experience while making lasting friendships, planning events, and serving as a resource to your fellow residents? Consider joining Community Council! Community Councils are responsible for a wide variety of fun, social, and engaging programs throughout the academic year for their individual communities. Student leaders are elected or appointed into their Community Council by their peers. Community Council members represent their residents at Residential Housing Association (RHA) meetings and gain valuable leadership experience!
CAMPUS RESOURCES OFFICE FOR RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION
STU 200 213-740-2080
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
SKS 410 213-740-5693
HOUSING
OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
620 McCarthy Way 213-740-8488
URC 106 213-740-6110
USC STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN STUDENT SERVICES
Engemann Student Health Center 1031 W. 34th St. 213-740-9355
STU 410 213-740-4999
CENTER FOR BLACK CULTURAL AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
STU 415 213-740-8257 EL CENTRO CHICANO
STU 402 213-740-1480 LGBT RESOURCE CENTER
STU 202B 213-740-7619
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