Dr. Marilyn Berman Engineering Living-Learning Programs

The Flexus Engineering Living-Learning Program is a two-year living and learning community open to incoming first-year engineering students. The Flexus community is devoted to providing a supportive environment for students studying engineering who identify as women. Flexus promotes community and inclusion in the field of engineering through curricular and co-curricular programs. Flexus is an ideal program for students who are looking for community, academic support, and ways to develop as future engineers outside of technical courses. The Flexus community engages closely with the Virtus Community.  

The Virtus Engineering Living-Learning Program is a two-year living and learning community open to incoming first-year engineering students. Virtus is designed for engineering students who identify as men. The primary focus of Virtus is to promote community and inclusion within the Clark School and the field of engineering. Virtus is an ideal program for students who are looking for community, academic support, and ways to develop as future engineers outside of technical courses. The Virtus community engages closely with Flexus.

Living with Flexus and Virtus

First-year students are required to live in the Flexus and Virtus residential community in Easton Hall. This requirement applies only during the first year of the program.

Living together during the first year helps students build connections with other engineering students, develop a strong peer support network, form study groups, benefit from peer support, and participate in social activities within the community.

Beginning in the second year, students may choose where they would like to live. While they are welcome to remain in Easton Hall, many students choose to live with other Flexus and Virtus students in different residence halls or housing locations on campus. Students must still go through the Department of Resident Life room and roommate selection process.

*The WIE Program is committed to supporting our students while ensuring that all participants benefit from the rich community and resources Flexus and Virtus offer. Students accepted into Flexus or Virtus are required to live on campus during their first year. However, waivers can be requested to accommodate a variety of circumstances, for example, students commuting to campus from home or needing special housing arrangements.  

Learning with Flexus and Virtus

Flexus and Virtus is a two-year program designed to support students during their first two years of college. Students are required to enroll in a 1-credit seminar each semester, completing four seminars over the course of the program.

Students are also encouraged to take introductory engineering, math, and science courses with other Flexus and Virtus students when possible.

Completing all four seminars is a requirement to complete the Flexus & Virtus programs.

These 1-credit seminars explore a range of topics that seek to:

• Enhance campus and community engagement;
• Promote critical self-awareness while developing leadership skills; and
• Connect engineering to social impact.

The required courses include:

*satisfies 1 credit of the General Education DVCC requirement

The Dr. Marilyn Berman Engineering Living-Learning Programs: Flexus and Virtus are grateful for the generous support of our donor.