Program Overview

Introduction to Living Learning Communities

A Living Learning Community (LLC) consists of a group of students with a common interest or major living on the same floor(s) of a residence hall. Each LLC usually takes a class together, making it easier to meet classmates, form study groups, and get involved in leadership opportunities. There is no additional cost to join an LLC.

Benefits of Living Learning Communities

Students in LLCs report making friends faster, having higher GPAs, and graduating at a better rate than students who are not in LLCs. LLC-related activities range in number and occur throughout the year. These activities include:

• Field trips
• Events
• Lectures
• Networking opportunities
  • Access to a more tight-knit environment
  • Opportunities to meet students with similar interests
  • Involvement on campus and gain leadership experience
  • Meeting a diverse group of students
  • Getting to know faculty and staff outside of the classroom
  • Joining study groups and accessing additional tutoring and supplemental instruction
  • Having access to increased service learning and volunteer opportunities

Community Choices

All current Living Learning Community options are listed under the building in which they are (or will be) located. The list of LLC options includes:

• Sandburg Hall North Tower
  • Business Panthers
  • Freshwater & Atmospheric Sciences
  • Kaleidescope (LGBTQIA+)
  • Local 2 Global
• Sandburg Hall South Tower
  • Exploring Majors
  • Health Professions
  • Honors House I & 2
  • Panther Leadership
  • Performing Arts (Music/Dance/Theatre)
• Sandburg Hall East Tower
  • Architecture Design (Upper-Level Students)
• Sandburg Hall West Tower
  • American Sign Language
  • Architecture Design (Upper-Level Students)
  • Engineering House for CEAS Majors
  • MKE Local
  • Outdoor Recreation
• Cambridge Commons
  • Architecture Sustainability (First-Year Students)
  • Art & Design 2D & 3D
  • Film, Video, Animation & New Genres
  • Transfer Community

Why Join an LLC

Participating in an LLC connects students with others who are going through the same experiences at the same time. In addition to the camaraderie of being in a community with shared interests, students will enjoy the benefit of special events and activities throughout the year that are designed to help them adjust to college and encourage the development of friendships with other residents who have similar interests and ambitions.

Support

Each LLC has a specially selected and trained staff that work with its residents. This staff includes:

• The Residence Life Coordinator (a full-time employee of University Housing who is responsible for the students in their specific building)
• Faculty members
• A Resident Assistant
• A Student Success Center Mentor

Selecting an LLC

There are limited spaces in each Living Learning Community, so it is essential to submit the Housing Contract by the May 1 Priority Deadline. To select an LLC:

• Look through the Community Choices to see which LLC interests you
• Ensure the UWM major you have selected is eligible for the LLC
• During completion of the Housing contract, there will be a page to enter your LLC preference
• University Housing & LLC staff will review your LLC preference and major and will email you to confirm your eligibility

LLC Preference and Roommates

If you have already chosen a roommate, both of you will need to be eligible and select the same LLC in order to live together. If either you or your chosen roommate do not meet eligibility requirements or both of you do not select the same LLC, you will be split up during the assignment process. If you don't have someone with whom you want to live, that is acceptable, as most students come to college and have random roommates. One perk of an LLC is that when you're assigned a random roommate, you know that they at least have a similar interest or major, which makes living together a smoother transition.