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
- Higher percentages of graduating seniors who lived in an LLC
- Dedicated faculty support from campus partners paired with your LLC
- Develop connections with peers who have similar goals and interests
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 to elevate their Wolf Pack experience.
Students who select to live in an LLC are responsible for a $100 student fee for the academic year ($50 for each semester). This fee helps cover LLC-specific programs, academic mentors who assist with in-hall tutoring and LLC resident assistants. This fee is added when Housing assignments are made, confirming that a student is assigned to a space in a Living Learning Community. Payment for the fee is due when all tuition and fees are due. Our department works with campus partners and potential donors to offer scholarships to provide financial assistance for students in the LLCs.
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.
Academic Living Learning Communities
Academic-based communities at the University connect students with their major, academic department and peers in their field of study. Unique development opportunities include: events, academic advising and connections to clubs and organizations.
Each LLC was named by its participants. The following communities and their locations have been updated for the current academic year.
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 on their floor as well as guidance by the Business LLC resident assistant and support of academic mentors in the residence hall
Examples of activities in the Business LLC
The Business LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking Business students to campus events together. Some past examples include:
- Meet and greet with College of Business advisors
- Guest speakers including Business school alumni and career-focused discussions
- Major exploration info sessions
- Etiquette and networking skill sessions
Student testimonials
“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, etc. 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
This Living Learning Community is open to all 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, 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. All students participating in the CABNR Living Learning Community will enroll in a designated section of a Math course that is connected to the learning community (Math 126, 127, or 181) for the fall semester.
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
Examples of activities in the CABNR LLC
The CABNR LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking CABNR students to campus events together. Some past examples include the following:
- Faculty and student meet and greet at the beginning of the semester
- Arts and craft night
- Academic advising nights in the residence hall in fall and spring semesters
- Goal-setting events
The College of Liberal Arts Living Learning Community is a unique residential experience for first-year students with a liberal arts major. This living learning community integrates high-impact experiences that promote students’ development of essential liberal arts skills such as innovative thinking, problem solving, critical analysis, and communication and provides students with consistent support in achieving success at the University and beyond.
Students living in the Liberal Arts LLC enroll in a common course in the fall semester. The common course for fall 2023 is WLL 280 – Developing Intercultural Competence. WLL 280 guides students in deepening their understanding of their own and other cultures with a particular emphasis on the importance of intercultural competence in the workplace.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Liberal Arts Living Learning Community will:
- Develop a strong sense of community with their peers as well as a solid connection to their majors, the College of Liberal Arts, and the University of Nevada, Reno
- Recognize shared academic, social, and cultural interests among liberal arts students and disciplines
- Engage with the Applied Liberal Arts initiative by exploring the various liberal arts disciplines as well as related careers and professional organizations
- Develop their intercultural competence and make progress toward graduation in four years by satisfying CO6 with completion of WLL 280
Examples of activities in the Liberal Arts Living Learning Community
The Liberal Arts Living Learning Community features social activities and special events both in the residence hall and on campus. Residents will have the opportunity to
- Meet faculty from every department and program in the College via a spring-semester speaker series.
- Participate in special advising sessions with CLA academic advisors, workshops on internships and other opportunities for professional development with the college’s experiential learning coordinator, and other academic and professional development activities
- Connect with student and community leaders serving on the College’s Student Advisory Board and Community Advisory Board
- Meet with the Dean and Associate Deans to learn more about the College and its mission
The College of Science 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 and a complete list of eligible majors, please see the College of Science LLC webpage.
Students living in the College of Science LLC will also be enrolled in a 1-credit WiSE common course (SCI 110) to be taken in the fall semester and SCI 120 for the spring semester.
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
Examples of activities in the College of Science LLC
The College of Science LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking College of Science students to campus events together. Some past examples include:
- 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
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. Students will have personalized advising sessions in a designated area of the Nevada LLC Residence Hall, following their first-year group advising session.
Students living in the Education LLC will also be enrolled in a first-year seminar course for Education students (EDU 110) that is connected to the Living Learning Community, to be taken in the fall semester.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the Education & Human Development LLC will be able to do the following:
- 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
- Identify and become an active participant in one of the professional organizations within the College of Education & Human Development
- Identify the various opportunities within the field of education available to educators through endorsements
- Identify community resources available for service-oriented positions
The Engineering Living Learning Community is open to all first-year students with a declared major in the College of Engineering. Students involved in the community 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. All Engineering LLC students will be assigned an engineering mentor and must participate in a few cohort building activities with their mentors.
Students living in the Engineering LLC will also be enrolled in an introductory Engineering course (ENGR 100), along with the lab section for this course, to be taken in the fall semester as approved by their advisor.
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.
Examples of activities in the Engineering LLC
The Engineering LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking Engineering students to campus events together. Some examples include:
- College of Engineering activities like: Engineering BBQ, Engineering Career Fair, and E-Week
- Dinners with Engineering mentors and LLC resident assistant
- Meet with your assigned engineering mentor
- Engineering Distinguished Lecture series
- 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
Available to all first-year students with a declared major within the School of Public Health. Students involved in the community interact with other students who share a course of study and similar career aspirations.
The School of Public Health Living Learning Community students will also be placed in designated sections of Community Health Science (CHS) 101 to be taken in the fall semester. 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/majors
- Make connections with professors and advisors
- 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
Examples of activities in the School of Public Health LLC
The School of Public Health LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking Public Health students to campus events together. Some past examples include:
- Mandatory Fall Advising – advisors visit residence hall to complete advising for residents there
- Pizza with Professors – professors and advisors visit residence hall, play games with residents, and have fun while enjoying pizza
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 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 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.
Students living in the Honors LLC will also be enrolled in a course for Honors LLC students (HON 215) that is connected to the Living Learning Community, to be taken in the fall semester.
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.
Open to all first-year students majoring in Journalism. Students involved in the community 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 living in the Journalism LLC will be enrolled in an introductory Journalism course to be taken in the fall semester (JOUR 103 or 110) as approved by their advisor.
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
Examples of activities in the Journalism LLC
The Journalism LLC has events that occur both in the residence hall, bringing faculty and staff to students, as well as taking Journalism students to campus events together. Some past examples include:
- Connecting students with Reynolds School of Journalism clubs and organizations
- Money Management workshops
- Math tutoring
- Mental health workshops
- Academic workshops in spring semester
- Emphasis discussions with faculty from Reynolds School of Journalism
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. Our goal is to not just help you adapt to the University, but to have you add your uniqueness to enhance the campus community.
Students living in the Transfer LLC will also be enrolled in a 3-credit course (ACE 310) that is connected to the Living Learning Community, to be taken in the fall semester.
Members of the Transfer LLC will participate in TransferFIT prior to the start of the fall semester. As members of the Transfer LLC, fees for TransferFIT will be waived. For more information, please visit the TransferFIT website.
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 first-year student, all members of the WiSE LLC cohort will live together on the same floor. For more information and a complete list of eligible majors, please see the WiSE LLC webpage.
Students living in the WiSE LLC will also be enrolled in the 1-credit WiSE common courses: SCI 110 during the fall semester and SCI 120 for the spring semester.
Goals
By the end of the academic year, students in the WiSE LLC will:
- Establish a sense of community that will empower 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.
Examples of activities in the WiSE LLC
- 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 students with knowledge and inspiration.
Identity Living Learning Communities
Identity-based communities at the University serve to create a space for students to engage in an appreciation of a shared identity. By living on an LLC floor, we aim to boost students' sense of belonging by connecting them with their peers, the Multicultural Center, off and on-campus resources, and faculty/staff identity-based affinity groups.
Each LLC was named by its participants. The following communities and their locations have been updated for the current academic year.
The Asian Pacific Islander Living Learning Community (LLC) connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore the identities of Asian Pacific Islander history, culture and community. The Asian Pacific Islander 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 Asian-Pacific Islanders and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Please note, that due to limited space in this community, incoming first-year students will be considered for this community first. These students will take part in a required First Year Experience course (FYE 110) connected to the Living Learning Community, currently taught by staff in the Multicultural Center.
Goals
Students in the Asian Pacific Islander LLC will have the following opportunities:
- Explore and learn about Asian Pacific Islander history and identity in formal and informal programming.
- Make connections with Asian Pacific Islander faculty and staff with the potential for mentorship and leadership opportunities.
- Take a course focused on intersectional identity and/or Asian-Pacific Islander culture.
- Participate in events and activities with an Asian Pacific Islander focus.
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, and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Please note, that due to limited space in this community, incoming first-year students will be considered for this community first. These students will take part in a required First Year Experience course (FYE 110) connected to the Living Learning Community, currently taught by staff in the Multicultural Center.
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.
The Gender, Sexuality, and Identity Living Learning Community (LLC) connects all students and provides a supportive environment to collectively explore the identities of LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+, and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Please note, that due to limited space in this community, incoming first-year students will be considered for this community first. These students will take part in a required First Year Experience course (FYE 110) connected to the Living Learning Community, currently taught by staff in the Multicultural Center.
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 FYE course focused on intersectional identity and/or the history and social history of sexuality
- Make connections with faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or whose research fields are identity, gender and sexuality
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 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.
Please note, that due to limited space in this community, incoming first-year students will be considered for this community first. These students will take part in a required First Year Experience course (FYE 110) connected to the Living Learning Community, currently taught by staff in the Multicultural Center.
The Nevada Board of Regents provides a waiver of certain fees related to registration to a Native American student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation, all or part of which is located within the boundaries of Nevada, or who is certified by the enrollment department of such tribe or nation or by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as being a descendant of an enrolled member of such tribe or nation, all or part of which is located within the boundaries of Nevada, regardless of member status. Please visit the Native American Fee Waiver website to learn more.
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 and 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, and participate in cultural events and activities on campus and in the local community. This community is open to all students living on campus.
Please note, that due to limited space in this community, incoming first-year students will be considered for this community first. These students will take part in a required First Year Experience course (FYE 110) connected to the Living Learning Community, currently taught by staff in the Multicultural Center.
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
- Participate in events and activities with a Latinx focus
- Live in a Spanish-language-friendly environment
What do I need to do to apply for a living learning community?
We strongly recommend all students explore Living Learning Communities (LLCs) when applying to live on campus. LLC students tend to have higher GPAs and persist to an on time graduation more than most other student populations.
- During the housing assignments process, indicating an interest in Living Learning Communities will supersede all other buildings and roommate preferences.
- 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.
- Students who apply and are eligible for freshman registration will be contacted regarding their eligibility for the Living Learning Community beginning in January.
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
Questions?
If you have questions about how to join one of the LLCs, please feel free to contact us at housing@unr.edu or at (775) 784-1113.