In cooperation with the university housing department, Dyer has started or supported a number of initiatives to strengthen teaching at the undergraduate level. Many of the programs involve putting teaching, advising and scholarly programs in student residence halls. Some freshman seminars are taught in residence halls, and the English department conducts classes in Oglethorpe House. Academic advisers for the College of Arts and Sciences have offices in Brumby and Creswell halls, and the Honors Program has an advising office in Boggs Hall. Two wings of Mary Lyndon Hall have been turned into language communities for students studying Spanish and French language and culture.
Students live and meet in the communities, speaking primarily the designated language for each wing.
Each has a language computer lab and kitchens where students can cook food common to each country. Instructors and counselors from the university's Division of Academic Assistance go to residence halls to teach classes, conduct tutoring sessions and offer help with time management and study habits. Special classes are held in several residence halls to help students better learn to use computers. And arrangements have been made for visiting scholars and artists to live in an apartment in Brumby Hall, where they can have closer contact with students. The first Freshman College, which allows incoming freshmen to take an early dip into academic life, was held during summer semester this year.