Living Learning Communities (LLCs)
In these communities, students with shared academic, social and cultural interests live on the same floor and attend courses together. This experience is considered a "high-impact practice," promoting the following:
- Higher grade point averages
- Higher first-year to second-year retention rate
- Students less likely to be academically dismissed after their first year of college
- Higher percentage of students graduating on time
- A greater sense of community and belonging than non-LLC students, especially at research-intensive institutions
Living Learning Communities are grounded in the belief that learning is an active and dynamic process that occurs inside and outside the classroom. With faculty and staff directly connected to LLCs, residents have more opportunities to build relationships with professors and invested campus partners right where they live. Residents in LLCs benefit from additional resources, support, and enhanced activities centered around a specific focus in order to elevate their Wolf Pack experience.
Student outcomes
As a result of actively participating in Living Learning Communities, students will be able to:
- Interact and engage with academic and administrative faculty outside of the classroom
- Develop personal relationships with peers of similar academic, social and cultural interests
- Take at least one shared required course with others in their living learning community
- Attend programs and events relevant to their major or common focus
- Receive academic advising and other academic services in their residence hall
Living Learning Communities
Each LLC was named by its participants. All LLC partners will be discussing which communities are placed in which buildings effective Fall 2022. Please keep checking back here for LLC locations; a message will also be sent to all applicants (for 2022-2023) when final decisions on building placement have been made.
The Black Scholars Living Learning Community connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore Black Identity, cultures and communities. The Black Scholars LLC will provide support, mentoring and networks necessary for educational success and empowerment while providing a comfortable living experience on campus. Students will have the opportunity to connect and network with peers and faculty who identify as Black faculty, engage in common Black studies classes, and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Goals
Students in the Black Scholars LLC will be able to:
- Explore related scholarship and culture through a variety of art forms and continue conversations outside of the classroom
- Engage in programming regarding history and the diverse cultures and communities within Black Identity
- Explore Black identity through discussions regarding historical and current contexts, including structural racism, anti-Blackness and social movements toward justice
- Network and build connections and relationships with Black faculty and peers
- Contribute to a sense of belonging for Black students on campus
This Living Learning Community is open to all qualified students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) Living Learning Community offers incoming freshmen the opportunity to live and work with students who have similar academic goals and interests while also providing individualized mentorship and extracurricular activities. For more information and a complete list of eligible majors and eligibility requirements, please see the CABNR LLC webpage.
Interact with University faculty and professionals from the Northern Nevada region and beyond who are successful in their careers in agriculture, science, engineering and medicine while building lasting relationships.
Goals
The CABNR LLC will foster learning opportunities for students that build and strengthen the community while bridging their academic and social integration through the following:
- Will participate in intentional programming each semester that meets their needs as identified by resident interactions, interest surveys, and residence hall assessments
- Will engage with faculty, advisors and peers
- Will be informed of variety of resources CABNR provides to their students
The Business LLC is designed for new business students to achieve academic and personal success in their first year. Students will interact with each other and with University faculty and staff by enrolling in a common set of courses, including IS 101, BUS 101 and dedicated sections of required math and English classes. The Business Living Learning Community is open to all first-year business students.
Goals
- Students in this community will get a guaranteed spot in BUS 101, which exposes students to career-related topics and events such as networking events, career fairs, etc.
- Students will receive additional academic support through special advising sessions in their residence hall
- Students will be exposed to a supportive and inclusive environment within on their floor as well as guidance by the Business LLC academic mentor and resident assistant
Student experiences
“The Business LLC was an amazing experience that I had in my first year of college. It gave me the opportunity to connect with new friends that might be studying the same major or same minor as me. It also gives you an opportunity to help out with each other such as homework, or having study groups for exams and finals, and ect. It also gives an advantage because a majority of the classes you have will be the same for the other business majors and minors.” Chris Luna, Major: Marketing BSBUS
“I loved meeting new people and living with an awesome roommate for the year. It made my transition to college that much easier.” Jeremy Swayze, Major: Pre-Business
“The LLC helped me grow to the person I am today. The people and academic focus in the building made my freshman year of college amazing.” Joe Welch, Major: Accounting/Finance
“I loved the friendships that I formed and the close community feel that the floors provided.” Zachary Reed, Major: Pre-Business
Open to all first-year students majoring in Elementary Education (ECE/ELAD/SpEd), Secondary Education (including PackTeach and NevadaTeach), or Human Development and Family Studies. Residents involved in the community take the first-year seminar for education students (EDU 110) and are also eligible to participate in dedicated math and English sections with other students on the floor. Additionally, students will have personalized advising sessions in a designated area of the LLC, following their first-year group advising session.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Education & Human Development LLC will:
- Be able to identify and explain their choice of major within the College of Education & Human Development as well as articulate the expectations regarding the licensure or certification process, important timelines, and required courses
- Be able to identify and become an active participant in one of the professional organizations within the College of Education & Human Development
- Be able to identify the various opportunities within the field of education available to educators through endorsements
- Be able to identify community resources available for service-oriented positions
Open to all first-year students with a declared major in the College of Engineering. Students involved in the community take an Introduction to Engineering course and have the opportunity to interact with other engineering students who share their academic interests, making the creation of study groups and the establishment of support systems more convenient. Students are also eligible to participate in dedicated Math and English sections with other students on the floor. All Engineering LLC students will be assigned an engineering mentor and must participate in a few cohort building activities with their mentors.
Benefits
By the end of the academic year, students in the Engineering LLC will:
- Build community with peers who share a similar focus and form study groups together.
- Be exposed to and begin participation in pre-professional organizations.
- Understand the importance of internships and begin to explore internship options within their field.
- Utilize resources available specifically for Engineering students such as the tutoring center, career coordinator, advising and exchange programs.
Requirements
- Enroll in LLC lab sections for ENGR 100
- Meet with your assigned engineering mentor at least twice per semester
- Attend two Engineering LLC events each semester. These may include, but are not limited to the Engineering BBQ, Engineering Distinguished Lecture, a gaming and pizza night, meet and greet lunches, career fair preparation, and a Makers Space Build Activity
Statement from a former student
"Living in the Engineering LLC was such an amazing experience, and one I wouldn’t change for anything. I met my future roommates and best friends, was able to form study and support groups with people who were dealing with all the same classes and challenges as I was, and above all I was able to find a balance between work and fun. Between weekend drives, board game nights in the social lounge, and late night study/homework groups the best experiences of my freshman year can all be tied to living in the LLC." – Shannon K
The Liberal Arts Living Learning Community is a special residential experience for first-year students with one of the many majors in the College of Liberal Arts or is interested in the Liberal Arts. This living learning community is a high-impact experience that emphasizes essential Liberal Arts skills (innovative thinking, problem solving, critical analysis and communication) and hands-on experience necessary to achieve success at the university and beyond. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Liberal Arts Living Learning Community will:
- Gain a greater sense of community and connection to Liberal Arts majors, the College of Liberal Arts and the University of Nevada, Reno.
- Have shared academic, social, and cultural interests, lived on the same floor and attended one course per semester together.
- Fulfill an important Core Requirement by taking required courses, thus facilitating the march towards graduation in four years.
Required courses
- Fall 2022: HIST 226 - Spies, Assassins and Femme Fatales in Global History
- Spring 2023: CH 203 - American Experience
Additional benefits
In addition to fun social activities and special events connected to the College of Liberal Arts courses, students will meet professors, student leaders in the College, the Advisory Board composed of members of the community and the Dean.
There will be special advising sessions, workshops on getting an internship, and a special College of Liberal Arts leadership program.
This Living Learning Community is for incoming freshmen with a declared major offered by the College of Science. The goal of the program is to develop a community among College of Science freshmen who have similar academic interests and goals, along with providing mentorship and some extracurricular activities to enhance their first year at the University. For more information, a complete list of eligible majors and eligibility requirements, please see the College of Science LLC webpage.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Science Living Learning Community will:
- Establish a sense of community among students who have a passion for the sciences
- Recognize and actively participate in a pre-professional organization within their field
- Be exposed to the importance of networking in the field through internships and will demonstrate this knowledge by starting the process of searching for and applying to internships or undergraduate research opportunities
Events
Events offered to students living in the Living Learning Community:
- Living Learning Community Retreat - In early September, both the College of Science and WiSE LLC's go on a retreat to Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, CA where students participate in a challenge course, team-building activities, campfire, night hike, and star party with the University's Astronomy Club
- Pennington Simulation Lab Tour - A tour of the Pennington building to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the medical school facilities and application process
Student experiences
“I really liked having a place to study right outside my door. I also owe some of my best friends to intramurals in the LLC.” Steven Wozniak, Major: Physics, Science LLC
The Gender, Sexuality, and Identity Living Learning Community (LLC) connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore identities of LGBTQUIA+ culture and community. The Gender, Sexuality, and Identity LLC will provide support, mentoring and networks necessary for educational success and empowerment while providing a comfortable living experience on campus. Students will have the opportunity to connect and network with peers and faculty who may identify as LGBTQUIA+, engage in common Gender, Sexuality and Identity-themed classes, and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Goals
Students in the Gender, Sexuality and Identity LLC will have opportunities to:
- Participate in an intentional, open minded, inclusive and supportive community
- Explore and learn about gender and intersectional identities in formal and informal programming
- Take courses focused on intersectional identity and/or the history and social history of sexuality
- Make connections with faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQUIA+ and/or whose research fields are identity, gender and sexuality
The Honors Residential Scholars Living Learning Community provides a cohort of honors students with the opportunity to develop both local and global awareness through inquiry, discussion and immersion. The community is open to qualified students in all academic majors who have been admitted to the Honors College. This is an inclusive LLC that includes, but is not limited to, student-athletes, first-generation college students, members of underrepresented groups and students who demonstrate financial need.
To be considered for a space in the Honors Living Learning Community, you must complete the Honors LLC portion of the Honors College admission application in addition to the primary housing application.
Visit the Honors College application page.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Honors Residential Scholars LLC will:
- Engage with outstanding honors instructional faculty/staff by expanding awareness of global issues and connectivity in the honors first-year seminar.
- Immerse themselves in honors programming, both curricular and cocurricular, under the guidance of our exceptional mentoring/coaching program and develop a personalized plan to complete one of our three curricular pathways.
- Investigate individual and collective growth opportunities that align with the Honors College’s mission pillars – resilience, ingenuity, stewardship and equity.
The Indigenous Living Learning Community connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore Indigenous culture, traditions, experiences and knowledge systems. The Indigenous LLC will provide support, mentoring and networks necessary for educational success and empowerment while providing a comfortable living experience on campus. Students will have the opportunity to interact with Indigenous scholars, engage in common Indigenous studies classes and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local Native communities. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Goals
- Students will be able to connect with resources such as work study, internships, undergraduate research and other opportunities for financial and academic support.
- Students will be able to connect and engage with Indigenous faculty, peers, tribal communities and elders through research and mentorship opportunities locally and beyond.
- Students will be able to explore Indigenous cultures through discussions regarding historical and current context, including structural racism, Indigenous sovereignty, social movements toward justice and decolonization.
- Students will be able to participate in cultural, community and social activities that center on Indigenous identities and experiences.
- Students will be able to enroll in courses that center on Indigenous heritage, languages and cultures, through a historical and current context.
The Latinx Living Learning Community (LLC) connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore identities of Latinx history, culture and community. The Latinx LLC will provide support, mentoring and networks necessary for educational success and empowerment while providing a comfortable living experience on campus. Students will have the opportunity to connect and network with peers and faculty who may identify as Latinx, engage in common Latinx-themed classes and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Goals
Students in the Latinx LLC will have the following opportunities:
- Explore and learn about Latinx history and identity in formal and informal programming
- Make connections with Latinx faculty and staff with the potential for mentorship and leadership opportunities
- Take courses focused on intersectional identity and/or Latinx culture
- Participate in events and activities with a Latinx focus
- Live in a Spanish-language-friendly environment
Open to all first-year students majoring in Journalism. Students involved in the community take an introductory Journalism course (107/108, and/or 110) approved by their advisor and have the opportunity to interact with students who share their course of study, making the formation of study groups and support networks more convenient. Students are also eligible to participate in dedicated math and English sections with other students on the floor.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Journalism LLC will:
- Create a plan to complete the three pre-major required courses and explore the five emphases offered by the School of Journalism
- Explore available choices for a minor field of study or a dual major and incorporate this into their four-year academic plan
- Begin preparing for their internship or practicum as required by the Reynolds School of Journalism and discuss these experiential education opportunities with the school's internship director
Available to all first-year students with a declared major within the Health Sciences. Students involved in the community interact with other students who share a course of study and similar career aspirations.
Health Science Living Learning Community students will also be placed in designated math and English sections and will be provided with a group forum to augment their academic life as well as provide for both study and social activities. The Community Health Sciences (CHS) major is advised for individuals interested in the nursing path.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Health Science LLC will:
- Establish a sense of community among students who have a similar focus
- Join and actively participate in a pre-professional club or organization
- Identify and utilize campus resources such as: Advising, Writing & Speaking Center, University Tutoring Center, University Math Center, Counseling Services, Student Health Center, E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center, Nevada Career Studio and the Disability Resource Center
- Explain health science degree requirements and identify additional requirements needed to apply to professional programs/schools
Student experiences
“I had some of the best times in the LLC. I met my best friends and future study partners.” Mariana Kesovija, Major: Public Health, Health Sciences LLC
“I was extremely lucky to have been placed in the LLC. I met the best friends I’ve ever had, and they helped me to push through classes to achieve the academic standards that I was striving for.” Sarah White, Major: Public Health, Health Sciences LLC
“There’s always a welcoming fireplace and friendly faces. I miss that place!” Marisa Hagen, Major: Public Health, Health Sciences LLC
The mission of the Transfer LLC is to give transfer students a real sense of belonging to the University community and provide them with the skills and resources needed to be successful as they transition to the University learning environment. Transfer students are not new to college and have unique set-up needs. The Transfer LLC will allow transfer students to live amongst other transfer students guided by an RA who was also a transfer student. Our goal is to not just help you adapt to the University, but to have you add your uniqueness to enhance the campus community.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, transfer students in this LLC will:
- Establish a sense of community with other transfer students living on their floor
- Enroll in a common course that will satisfy general education requirements and allow transfer students to immerse themselves with the unique physical and cultural landscapes of the Reno-Tahoe region
- Network with University faculty and student leaders through on- and off-campus community engagement activities
The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Living Learning Community (LLC) is focused on building community among students who are pursuing degrees in science, math and engineering programs. As incoming freshmen, all members of the WiSE LLC cohort will live together on the same floor of Great Basin Hall. For more information and a complete list of eligible majors and eligibility requirements, please see the WiSE LLC webpage.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the WiSE LLC will:
- Establish a sense of community that will empower female students who have a passion to pursue a degree in STEM.
- Recognize and actively participate in a pre-professional organization within their field.
- Be exposed to the importance of networking in the field through internships and will demonstrate this knowledge by starting the process of searching for and applying to internships or undergraduate research opportunities.
Events
- Living Learning Community Retreat - In late August/early September, both the College of Science LLC and the WiSE LLC attend an overnight retreat at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, CA where students participate in a challenge course, team-building activities, campfire, night hike, and star party with the University's Astronomy Club.
- Semester-long engagement with scientists, scholars, engineers and healthcare professionals that will enrich our female students with knowledge and inspiration.
What do I need to do to apply for a living learning community?
Apply for on-campus housing
Apply for housing and submit the initial payment.
You do not need to wait to be accepted to the University to apply for housing. As soon as you apply for the University and have your NSHE ID, you can apply for housing.
Meet eligibility requirements for courses
Your high school transcripts and placement exams will be used to determine eligibility
Indicate interest in living learning communities in your housing application
- In addition to the housing application, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and Science Living Learning Communities require a supplemental application
- During the housing assignments process, indicating an interest in living learning communities will supersede all other buildings and roommate preferences
Become eligible for freshman registration
Complete the following tasks in MyNevada:
- Making your $250 Advanced Registration payment
- Completing your Advanced Registration Questionnaire
- Submit all required immunization records
LLC eligibility
Students who apply and are eligible for freshman registration will be contacted regarding their eligibility for the Living Learning Community beginning in January
If students have already taken or tested out of the required courses for the living learning communities in which they are interested, they may be considered ineligible
Living Learning Community spaces are filled on a first-come-first-served based on housing application date and meeting eligibility requirements. Application to the Living Learning Community does not guarantee acceptance to a community.