Living Learning Communities
Roger Williams University began offering Living Learning Communities (LLCs) more than fifteen years ago, when the University Honors Program chose to include a living component to accompany the overall honors experience. Since then, the University has hosted many types of living, ranging from major-based to special interest and affinity based spaces. We believe that Living Learning Communities are an integral piece of the RWU education, especially for our incoming students.
National research has shown that LLCs:
- Improve self-confidence
- Open students’ minds to new ideas and experiences
- Increase student engagement in classes
- Lead students to think more critically and gain deeper knowledge
- Create a greater sense of connection to the university community
Our current LLC offerings have expanded as of the 24-25 academic year. Students will have the option to select whether they are in a special interest or affinity community, or if they prefer to select their specific room assignment. Students interested in these communities will identify their preferences and we will make every effort to match students with their preferences. Each area will be comprised of a cohort of approximately 20-40 students (depending on the residential community).
At RWU, our LLC, Interest and Affinity Communities:
- Give students additional access to faculty and/or staff members.
- Create a community within a community
- Allow for greater interaction with Peers and Resident Assistants
- Serve the specific needs and interests of the students residing in them
LLCs at RWU are designed to help students get the most out of their first-year by strengthening the connection between the classroom and the residence hall, and helping in the transition from high school to college. As a member of one of these communities, students will have the support and encouragement they need to make the most of their college experience.
The application for all Living Learning Communities is available through your Housing Self Service Portal. If you do not see the application under Forms & Applications, please email rwuhousing@rwu.edu.
Descriptions:
The Black and Latinx Living Learning Community is a group of people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and ethnicities who connect around the common experience of being racially Black or Latinx. The Black and Latinx LLC aims to make meaningful connections with peers and Black/Latinx faculty and administrators, network in the RI community with Black/Latinx professionals, participate in community collaborations through service projects that empower Black/Latinx youth and engage with the campus community for institutional change. This community is located in Building I of Stonewall Terrace and will be home to both first year and upperclassmen students.
Coordinator: Michael Walsh
The Honors program is located in Building IV of Stonewall Terrace and is home to both first year and upperclassmen students. Students entering the Honors Program will be automatically placed in this Living Learning Community, unless they are commuting from home or would prefer an affinity-based LLC (i.e. Black & Latinx or Queer/Trans). The Honors Program, in coordination with the LLC, focuses on achieving excellence through intellectual and creative scholarship, fostering citizenship and social responsibility through reflective engagement with local and global communities and leading and serving within the program, the community, and the world.
Program Director: Dr. William Palm, Associate Professor of Engineering
This community serves students who identify anywhere within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, trans, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-confirming communities. In partnership with the Queer and Trans Resource and Advocacy Center (QTRAC), this community allows for our queer and trans communities to build a strong network of support while they adjust to life at RWU. This community also creates a safe space for our queer and trans students to celebrate their shared identities. The Queer/Trans LLC is located in Maple Hall for our first year students. Returning (upperclassmen) students have an additional community located within the suites of North Campus Residence Hall.
Coordinator: Michael Walsh
The Sustainable Food Systems community is for upperclassmen students interested in taking an active role in promoting sustainability on campus. Depending on their interests, students may help develop and maintain campus gardens, attend cooking demonstrations or classes, visit local food producers, or coordinate events centered on education the RWU community about sustainable food systems. Through these activities, students will gain a familiarity with both campus and regional sustainability initiatives. Students enrolled in FS101, Introduction to Food Science, will be given priority for placement in this LLC. The Sustainable Food Systems LLC is located in Bayside Courts.
Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer Kreft Pearce, Associate Professor of Physics
This community provides a supportive and empowering environment specifically designed to meet the unique needs and interests of female-identified students. Within this community, residents can foster deep connections and friendships, engage in open dialogue about shared experiences, and participate in programming tailored to personal and academic growth. By living in this inclusive and affirming space, residents are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and personally, while building a strong sense of community and solidarity among their peers.
This community is located in Maple 4.
Coordinators: Debbie Knapman and Amanda Downey
This community provides a supportive and affirming environment where male identifying folks can explore what it means to be men both in their daily lives and in society as a whole. We will explore various models of masculinity and students will have the opportunity to explore how they feel and where they fit as it relates to masculinity.
This community is located in Maple 5.
Coordinator: Alexander Dukette
This community will focus on offering a dynamic experience tailored to students pursuing studies in various engineering disciplines. Within this community, students may engage in hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving activities, and specialized coursework designed to enhance their understanding of engineering principles. This LLC will foster a supportive and innovative environment where students can develop their technical skills, cultivate teamwork abilities, and build lasting connections with their peers and faculty members, preparing them for successful careers in engineering and related industries.
This community is located in Maple 8.
Coordinator: Dr. Lillian Jeznech
This community allows residents to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on campus and in their future. By embracing a commitment to personal and collective growth, students in this community will develop the confidence and skills needed to become effective leaders at RWU and beyond.
This community is located in Maple 9.
Coordinator: Carol Sacchetti
This community supports residents eager to explore potential career paths and gain practical experience in their chosen fields. Residents will foster a supportive network of peers and mentors, empowering residents to navigate the complexities of the job market and make informed decisions about their future careers.
This community is located in Maple 7.
Coordinator: Mary Santoro
This community provides a supportive and holistic environment for students committed to maintaining their physical and mental well-being. Residents will focus on personal growth, academic success, and positive social connections. By embracing a lifestyle centered around health and wellness, students in this community will cultivate habits that promote overall well-being.
This community is located in Maple 1.
Coordinator: Cristelle Garnier
This community offers a low-volume environment for students seeking a peaceful living space focused on study and relaxation. Residents are encouraged to maintain a calm atmosphere through respectful noise levels and consideration for others' need for quietude. The community fosters a sense of mindfulness and mental well-being, allowing residents to thrive academically and personally in a peaceful and supportive community.
This community is located in Willow 51.
Coordinator: Liz Furtado
This community is designed for students who thrive during late-night hours, offering a community that embraces a nocturnal lifestyle. Social programs are often scheduled during the evening and nighttime, fostering a lively and engaging environment when other parts of the campus are quiet. This community aims to create a supportive and vibrant community where students can balance their academic responsibilities and social interests, all within a setting that respects and nurtures their preference for staying up late. Residents in this community are still required to abide by the community standards around courtesy and quiet hours.
This community is located in Maple 12.
Coordinator: Mikaela Calcagni
Pet Friendly Housing offers a welcoming and accommodating environment for students who wish to bring their pets to campus. Residents benefit from a supportive community of fellow pet owners or animal lovers, sharing tips and resources for maintaining their pets' health and happiness. By allowing pets, this community not only enhances the well-being of its residents but also creates a unique and vibrant living experience where students and their animal companions can thrive together.
This community is located in Willow 6's for First Year Students and Almeida 400's for Returning Students
Coordinators: Liz Furtado and Emma Spezeski
Living Learning Community Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of being involved in an LLC?
A: In addition to the information provided on this web page, some of the benefits include faculty mentors, special events and instant bonds with your classmates and faculty members.
Q: I really want to be in an LLC; how do I make sure that I get in?
A: After students complete their housing application, they will be able to apply for the Living Learning Community through a separate application/selection process. Those application links along with the program coordinator contact information can be found on this page (above). Program coordinators will select students based on the student's LLC application and space availability. Placement into one of these communities is not guaranteed.
Q: How much does it cost to be in an LLC?
A: Even with all of the added benefits, there is no additional cost to be part of any LLC. The cost is only associated with with the residential community the LLC resides in.
Q: Can I pick my roommate?
A: If you already know who you’d like to live with, you can indicate that on the Roommate Matching Characteristics Questionnaire. It must be a mutual request to be considered and the roommate will have to either complete an LLC application as well or be accepted/approved by the LLC Program Coordinator.
Q: What if I don’t like/get along with my roommate?
A: We always do our best to match you with a roommate who will complement your lifestyle. While we have enjoyed great success in our process, we acknowledge that the process is not foolproof. If things aren’t working between you and your roommate, we will try our best to help you work through it, or work with you to have you reassigned to a better living situation.