Do you believe in magic? In witchcraft and wizardry? Are you fascinated by the supernatural powers of broomsticks and wooden wands? In the fictional world of Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter and other students of similar interests and talents gather to live and learn. They exist together in “houses” or residence halls where they study the secrets of the wizard world, while at the same time, develop as young men and women. Here, students with special interests can reap the academic and social benefits of being a part of a residential learning community – one that did not exist for them in the larger, non-magical world (or the Muggle world). Similarly, there has been a significant amount of attention paid in recent years to the impact that residential learning environments have on college students. Research has found that resident students spend approximately 70% of their time within their residence halls (Schroeder & Jackson, 1987). Therefore, the residence hall is a crucial environment for the academic and social development of many students. The basic premise that has emerged from this research is that residential environments can become learning communities, designed to enhance and foster student development for students, particularly in terms of academic achievement and the development of values, morals, ethics, and civic understanding. This is significant, as students who experience academic success and social adjustment early in their college years are more likely to persist through to graduation (Astin, 1993). Therefore it is imperative that college and university educators and administrators have a clear understanding of how to best foster a climate that will most likely maximize student success.