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Living-Learning Communities

Living-Learning Communities are special interest communities within the residence halls. Living-Learning Communities provide an opportunity for students with similar interests to live in the same hall or on the same floor, creating an educational community that supports its residents. Students participating in living-learning communities have the opportunity to explore academic, cultural or career interests and develop friendships with other students who share the same passions. Residence hall living-learning communities allow students to enjoy activities unique to the community, as well as more traditional social and recreational opportunities.

Benefits of Participating in a Living-Learning Community

Students who participate in living- learning communities often find their transition to the university to be more fulfilling, supportive, and successful both academically and socially, which can lead to retention and increased persistence to graduation.

Academic Theme Program Option

Some living-learning communities include an option to add an academic component. In addition to living within the living-learning community, the Academic Theme Program (ATP) provides residents the opportunity to participate in a one or two unit seminar typically offered during the fall quarter. Once a week, faculty members lead discussions on a variety of topics related to the theme of the living-learning community.

Residents who participate in Academic Theme Programs are given unique opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers, to learn about academic and career options, and make networking connections for internships and research opportunities. In addition, residents are able to explore new ideas in a supportive environment outside of the classroom.

ATPs are voluntary: residents of living-learning communities that include ATPs are not required to participate in the ATP .

How To Apply

Prospective residents who are interested in participating in a living-learning community need to indicate their interest when applying for housing by filling out the appropriate sections of the application. Living-Learning Communities are located in specific halls and on specific floors, and locations are determined after the application deadline passes.

Course Registration Numbers (CRN) for the Academic Theme Program option will be given during Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Week so that students can register for the seminar.

NOTE: students are not guaranteed housing in a living-learning community, and are given consideration based upon the priority they assign to the living-learning communities in their application relative to other living preferences (gender and occupancy).

The Communities

A variety of living-learning communities are available. Descriptions of each program are meant to illustrate past communities' characteristics, and are not necessarily suggesting the expected characteristics of future communities. Living-Learning Communities are successful because they demand the participation of their residents, which creates a dynamic and unique experience each year. Therefore, future living-learning communities will be similar but not identical to previous communities.

Living Preference Communities

Living Preference communities are communities within the residence halls that students can select to live in based on living environment preferences. Living preference communities do not include additional thematic programming or an academic component, however they do offer all of the same support, activities, and experience as a standard residence hall program. Living Preference Communities include: