ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Interested in living and studying with other first-year students who share similar interests? ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ invites you to learn more about our Living Learning Communities (LLC). Features include:

• Live together in the University’s residence halls
• Share common courses in the fall and in the spring, with required out-of-class, experiential learning activities
• Benefit from a faculty mentor who encourages you to carry great classroom conversations into your residential community
• Participate in trips and activities designed to bring the community theme to life

All LLCs are located in our residence halls with access to:

• Smart classrooms that double as study areas
• Large common areas, complete with flat-screen TVs and pool tables
• Free, high-efficiency laundry units with electronic notifications on your phone
• Rooms designed to create unique, suite- or cluster-style spaces for a community feel
• Guidance to find the right next step in student housing as you prepare for your second year at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Special Interest Housing (SIH) – Fall 2024-Spring 2025

Since 2007, first-year ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students with similar academic interests have been able to build their networks through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s Living Learning Communities (LLCs), residing on the same residence hall floors as like-minded peers, taking classes and participating in activities together, often in the same building.

But what about students with shared mindsets or experiences beyond the classroom who can’t necessarily participate in shared academic courses? Beginning in fall 2023, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers them a chance to be a part of their own peer groups through a new Special Interest Housing (SIH) pilot program. Inaugural SIH communities include University Spirit; Transfer; and Student Advocacy, Inclusion and Leadership (SAIL).

To apply, newly admitted freshmen or transfer students for fall 2023 may preference the communities through their housing contract in their Admissions Status Portal.

FGSGS Community: Sign up for the First-Generation Sea Gull Scholars Community! Nestled within a first-year residence hall, our special interest housing fosters a supportive environment for first-generation college students. Here, first-generation students will find a close-knit community where they can connect, share experiences, and thrive together as they navigate the “hidden curriculum” of higher education. With dedicated programming, mentorship opportunities, and resources tailored to their unique needs, residents will embark on an empowering journey toward academic success and personal growth. Join us as we soar higher, together!

Transfer SIH: Transferring to another University often times can be challenging as students transition to a new environment away from home while adjusting to the academic and social experiences associated with a new campus. Those living in this community will have the opportunity to make connections with others adjusting to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Programming during the first semester will have a community development and transition resource focus which is critical for success.

IDEAAA (Inclusion, Discovery, Equity, Allyship, Accessibility, and Advocacy) SIH: Students interested in learning from and engaging in programs and dialogue focused on complex issues centered in equity, justice, and inclusion, are invited to sign up to live in the IDEAAA Special Interest Housing Community. As a resident of this community, students will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of their own identities, the intersections of those identities, and help shape the conversation on Equity and Inclusion at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Students will also have the opportunity to interface with staff from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Disability Resource Center as well as faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds. These connections will be fostered through programs, speakers, and events. There is no requirement to live in the IDEAAA community other than an open mind, a desire to learn, and a willingness to connect with others who may be different from you.

When you participate in one of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s LLCs, amazing learning opportunities are yours:

• Be part of an engaged learning community that goes beyond the traditional classroom experience
• Develop your leadership skills by helping to organize events for a vibrant community
• Jump start your college career by establishing connections with faculty and other student leaders
• Explore your academic options and focus your interests in an area in which you are passionate – identifying future opportunities for research, internship and study abroad
• Understand how your courses connect with each other and gain an expanded perspective on your education
• Meet people from different backgrounds and network with University faculty and staff
• Maximize your academic success by immersing yourself in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ experience

The courses listed are required for the LLCs; if a student has already completed a course through transfer, AP or IB, they should not request the LLC that requires the course. Credit by examination equivalency may be found at the Registrar's Office website.

• Living Learning Communities 2024-2025 One Sheet

Biomedical Science

This community serves students in the Biomedical track in the Biological Sciences major who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, genetic counseling, research, pharmacy, and other medically-related fields. Through fun and engaging activities, students will learn that there is more to preparing for these careers than the classes that they take. Both in and outside of class, this is a great opportunity to connect and create your path to your biomedical career.

• Fall – BIOL 202: Introduction to Biology: Evolution and Ecology
• Fall – CHEM 121: General Chemistry I
• Spring - BIOL 201 Introduction to Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology

Early and Elementary Education

Elementary (ELED), early childhood (ECED) and dual certification (ECED/ELED) majors connect with local education communities through volunteering, mentorship relationships, and exploration of educational issues through field trips at the local and national level.

• Fall – ELED 201: Introduction to Teaching
• Fall – MATH 130: Fundamental Concepts
• Spring - GEOG 104: Earth and Space Science

Honors

There are several Honors LLC communities. Contact the dean of the Clarke Honors College directly to learn about course offerings for each Honors community.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Students in this LLC are pursuing exciting careers, from actuarial science to chemical engineering. Discover all the various science and technology-related opportunities at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ while enjoying fun activities like team building at a local ropes course and a visit to NASA Wallops Island.

• Fall – MATH 201: Calculus I
• Spring - MATH 202: Calculus II

Visual Arts

Because artists know that real learning happens between the lines, this community of art majors and minors allows you to develop your passion beyond the classroom with trips to big city museums, personal interaction with visiting artists, and studio space dedicated solely to this group.

• Fall - ART 121: Design Principles
• Fall – ART 130: Drawing I
• Spring – ART 201: Art History

Wellness

Students in this LLC are interested in living a balanced lifestyle and many are pursuing health professions majors like exercise science, medical technology, public health, and respiratory therapy. With a holistic philosophy, this LLC promotes attention to mind, body, and spirit.

• Fall – MATH 155: Modern Statistics with Computer Analysis
• Spring - BIOL 215: Human Anatomy and Physiology

Recently, students in LLCs have:

• Attended Advocacy Day at the State House in Annapolis to learn about how social policy is created
• Recorded a song with the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Recording Club
• Taken an overnight kayak trip down the Choptank River with writer/environmentalist Tom Horton, stopping to collect fossils along the way
• Visited a local organic farm to learn more about healthy food options and sustainable farming practices on the Eastern Shore

Research shows that students who participate in LLCs:

• Are more engaged in their academic experience
• Have extremely high satisfaction rates for their overall university experience
• Earn higher grades