Living-Learning Communities at Rutgers

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES

KEY AND GLOSSARY Living-Learning Communities, Thematic Communities, and Residential Colleges FY First-Year Students T Transfer Students C Current Students Common Acronyms SAS School of Arts and Sciences RBS Rutgers Business School SEBS School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are self-selected groups of students who share similar academic, cultural, or language interests, and explore them together through common courses and outof-classroom activities. These communities are designed to be exploratory and do not require a student to commit to a particular field of study. Each LLC has an affiliated residence hall and a peer mentor who is responsible for creating intentional events and opportunities related to the theme of the LLC. There are LLCs for first-year, transfer, and continuing students.

Please visit our website ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/rulc for more information on applications, eligibility, program activities, and requirements.

ARE LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES EXTRA WORK? Living in a LLC does not mean extra work. You will have the opportunity to engage with faculty outside of class and be exposed to all that the community theme has to offer. Any class that you take associated with the LLC will contribute towards the credit amount you need to graduate. Many classes also fulfill major requirements.

Students who place out of an LLC associated course through Advanced Placement courses or the Placement Test do not have to complete that living-learning community requirement.

WHY JOIN A LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY? Benefits • Make friends with individuals who share common interests • Interact with staff designated to connect students to resources related to holistic success while at Rutgers and beyond • Live and take classes with peers who are studying the same course content • Engage in intentional networking with faculty and staff • Participate in field trips and activities connected to the theme of the community Peer Mentors Each community has a designated peer mentor which caters to the specific population of the LLC. Peer mentors and additional staff will ensure a successful transition into Rutgers for first-year and incoming transfer students, relating to spring course registration, getting involved, time management, and helping to avoid common pitfalls of the first-year and transfer experience.

Early Move-In Students enrolled in our LLCs will get the added advantage of being able to move in early and participate in a special orientation program. This will provide students the chance to get familiar with the bus system, find their classes in advance, and explore and adjust to the Rutgers Campus.

In addition, current Rutgers students also have the opportunity to do a deep dive of cultural exploration through academic coursework and intentional programmatic activities. The following LLCs are open to current students: Asian American Identities and Images (AAII), French Language and Culture, Latin Images, Nourish (Wellness) and Paul Robeson (African Diaspora), RU-tv Weather Watchers. Within these groups, current students are also asked to give back to the Rutgers community through informal mentorship of incoming LLC members.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT OUR LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES? “Being a part of the Paul Robeson LLC has been an amazing social and educational experience that has really enriched my life at Rutgers.”

“The living-learning community program is the biggest reason why I was so successful my first year. I was able to avoid common first-year mistakes and make the most out of my experience, all the while positioning myself on the right collegiate path towards applying to medical school.”

“The Law and Political Science Discovery House is a great community that challenges students to study and work harder, while also making the transition into Rutgers easier!”

“Being in the Leadership LLC allowed me to seek knowledge and understanding from different perspectives that I may not have gained otherwise. Although I am still growing, I have cultivated confidence and resilience from being in the Leadership LLC for the past two years.”

“The most beneficial aspect of being in the Weather Watchers LLC is the opportunity to make direct connections with professionals in the field of meteorology and take on your own responsibilities for the forecasts.”

“The SAS Transfer Knights LLC gave me the experience at Rutgers I was looking for: supportive friends who encouraged me to be great!”

“The Latin Images LLC is a home away from home. It is a place to discuss Latino culture and be proud of all that it has to offer.”

HOW DO I JOIN? Current Student Application Process (November-January) Go to ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/rulc to complete the LLC application for the community which meets your interests. You must also apply for a housing selection number in order to participate in our LLCs. If you want to live on campus, regardless of whether or not you are chosen to participate in an LLC, you should apply for a housing selection number and go through the housing selection process. If you are selected to participate in our LLCs, you will be assigned housing and removed from the housing selection process.

Incoming First-Year and Transfer Application Process (Summer Rolling Admittance) Take your placement testing ASAP. Most of the communities require Basic Composition or higher and we cannot accept you into a community until we have reviewed your placement scores.

Go to oncampus.rutgers.edu for your housing application. When you arrive to the Learning Communities page utilize the dropdown box to select a living-learning community based on your current interests, or an academic area you would like to explore.

The following LLCs require a brief supplemental application which can be found on the respective LLC page: Entrepreneurship and Innovation LLC, Leadership LLC, and RU-tv Weather Watchers LLC. Business Discovery House and Health and Medicine are invite-only communities. If you are eligible and have listed your interest with either School of Arts and Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, or Rutgers Business School, you will receive an invite. SAS Transfer Knights is also an invite-only community. The SAS Transfer Center will send an invite to all who qualify.

You will receive a time-sensitive link via email to accept or decline the community after your application has been reviewed. Residence Life reserves the right to give the opportunity to another applicant should you not accept or decline the community by the deadline listed in the email.

CONTACT

Residence Life rulc@echo.rutgers.edu ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/rulc

OUR COMMUNITIES 10

Asian American Identity and Images Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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Business Discovery House Open to First-Year Students

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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Open to First-Year Students

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French Language and Culture Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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Health and Medicine Open to First-Year Students

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Latin Images Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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Law and Political Science Discovery House Open to First-Year Students

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Leadership Open to First-Year Students

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Nourish (Wellness) Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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Paul Robeson (African Diaspora) Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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Psychology Discovery House Open to First-Year Students

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RU-tv Weather Watchers Open to First-Year, Transfer, and Continuing Students

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SAS Transfer Knights Open to Transfer Students

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Thematic Communities

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Residential Colleges

ASIAN AMERICAN IDENTITIES AND IMAGES

Overview • Build a community based on mutual interests and develop your knowledge of Asians and Asian Americans in the United States and across the diaspora • Create connections with faculty and staff who will assist you on your college journey • Explore various leadership opportunities through social and cultural organizations • Connect with other LLCs in the building (Latin Images, Paul Robeson, and French Language and Culture) • Location: Hegeman and Pell Residence Halls on College Avenue Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) Asian American Identities and Images (AAII) is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students who place into Basic Composition and above. Students do not need to identify as Asian in order to participate in the community.

Participation Requirements Enroll in the 1.5 credit seminar specific to the AAII LLC during the fall and spring semesters that count as credit towards the certificate in Asian/Asian American Studies.

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BUSINESS DISCOVERY HOUSE

Overview • Explore Rutgers within a smaller community of students and make friends quickly • Participate in discussions/activities with Rutgers professors to build strong academic connections and mentoring relationships • Receive individualized attention to build a foundation of success in your first year and beyond • Get involved and connected to business student organizations on campus • Location: Quad 3 on Livingston Campus Eligibility and Application Process (FY) The Business Discovery House LLC is open to first-year students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS. You will receive an email invitation to submit an online living-learning community application by doing the following: place into Calculus or higher, place into Basic Composition or Expository Writing, and demonstrate interest in the community during Academic Planning and Advising Day. Participation Requirements Enroll in three required fall courses with your fellow LLC members: • Macroeconomics (3 credits) • FIGS: Exploring Business (1 credit) • Expository Writing (3 credits) 11

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

Overview • Build a network of like-minded leaders that will serve as a sounding board for ideas and create a vision and blueprint to actualize your dreams and goals • Live in a residential environment that fosters development and the skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur • Learn entrepreneurial hacks and leadership skills that allow you to stand out from your peers and shorten your learning curve so you can attain the edge that you need to achieve your goals • Learn from industry leaders that have come before you and access and enroll in classes that are otherwise limited to only upper-class students • Live in close proximity to and have access to the Rutgers Makerspace on the Livingston Campus, as well as mini-grant funding for business ventures • Location: Quad 3 on Livingston Campus Eligibility (FY) The Entrepreneurship and Innovation LLC is open to first-year students affiliated with SAS, RBS, or SEBS who place into Basic Composition and above.

Participation Requirements Take part in an exclusive three-day leadership retreat prior to the start of classes. Enroll in the following courses: Fall semester: • Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 credits) Spring semester: • Rutgers Entrepreneurship Academy of Leadership (1 credit)

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FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Overview • Engage in a fun and vibrant residential environment that exposes students to French language and culture • Create connections with faculty and staff who will assist you on your college journey • Participate in cultural events, informal dinners and gatherings, and French movie nights • Connect with other LLCs in the building (AAII, Latin Images, and Paul Robeson) • Location: Wessels, Leupp, and Pell Residence Hall on College Avenue Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) French is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students. Students must also have completed one year of college French or the equivalent level (131 and up) on the placement exam.

Participation Requirements Enroll in the 1.5 credit French Cultural Experience seminar during the fall and springs semesters.

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HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Overview • Be a part of a community that centers your academic, living, and social experiences under the shared interest of health and medicine • Explore Rutgers within a smaller community of students that allows you to make friends quickly • Connect with faculty and staff to receive individualized attention that will help set you up for academic success • Get involved on campus and participate in discussions and activities with Rutgers professors • Location: B.E.S.T. Hall on Busch Campus Eligibility and Application Process (FY) First-year students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS who place into Expository Writing and Precalculus or higher and have demonstrated interest at Academic Planning and Advising Days will receive an email invitation to submit an online living-learning community application for Health and Medicine. This community has a secondyear experience but only those students who have taken part in the LLC their first year are eligible.

Participation Requirements Enroll in three required fall courses: • General Biology (4 credits) • FIGS: Exploring Health and Medicine (1 credit) • Expository Writing (3 credits) 14

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LATIN IMAGES

Overview • Build a community based on mutual interests and enhance your knowledge of the experiences of Latinos and other peoples of Latin American and Caribbean descent in the United States • Create connections with Rutgers faculty and staff who are willing to support your personal and professional development • Explore various leadership opportunities through social and cultural organizations affiliated with the Center for Latino Arts and Culture • Connect with other LLCs in the building (AAII, French Language and Culture, and Paul Robeson) • Location: Hegeman and Pell Residence Halls on College Avenue Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) Latin Images is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students who place into Basic Composition and above. Students do not need to identify as Latinx in order to participate in the community.

Participation Requirements • Enroll in the 1.5 credit LLC Seminar, Latinidades: Images and Identities, for both the fall and spring semesters. Courses will count towards a certificate in Multicultural Competence.

• Enroll in Introduction to Latino Studies (3 credits), which fulfills the SAS core curriculum requirements.

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LAW AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

Overview • Share residential and academic experiences while making new friends and exploring common interests in the areas of law and political science with a close community of peers • Get involved and connected to on-campus student organizations, related to law and political science • Participate in discussions and activities with professors to build strong academic connections and mentoring relationships • Receive individualized attention to build a foundation for success in your first year and beyond • Location: Quad 3 on Livingston Campus Eligibility (FY) The Law and Political Science Discovery House is open to first-year students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS who place into Basic Composition and above.

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Participation Requirements Enroll in three required fall courses: • Law and Politics (3 credits) • FIGS: Exploring Law and Political Science (1 credit) • Expository Writing (3 credits)

LEADERSHIP

Overview • Participate in a community based on common interests and share in a fun and engaging exploration of leadership and personal development • Work towards identifying your leadership styles and abilities • Connect with successful leaders and faculty working across a diverse array of fields • Participate in leadership retreats, service-learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences to develop and practice leadership • Location: Campbell Hall on College Avenue Campus Eligibility (FY) The Leadership LLC is open to first-year students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS who place into Basic Composition and above.

Participation Requirements Take part in an exclusive weekend leadership retreat Enroll in two required fall courses: • Intro to Communication and Information Processes (3 credits) • Exploring Leadership (3 credits) Enroll in at least one of three required spring courses: • Approaches to Leadership (3 credits) • Public Speaking (3 credits) • First-Year Fellowship (1.5 credits)

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NOURISH (WELLNESS)

Overview The Nourish (Wellness) LLC will provide you the opportunity to prioritize wellness and experience positive outcomes in your academic, social and extra-curricular development, nourishing the mind, body and spirit.

• Track wellness efforts and earn points that can be redeemed for wellness swag • Learn and network with wellness professionals from Rutgers and the larger community • Access a Peer Health Educator for resources and collaboration on wellness activities • Close proximity to the Rutgers Ecological Preserve, the Livingston Recreation Center, and the Livingston Student Center • Location: Lynton South Tower on Livingston Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) The Nourish (Wellness) LLC is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students who place into Basic Composition and above.

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Participation Requirements Enroll in one required course in both the fall and spring semesters: Exercise and Relaxation (1.5 credits).

PAUL ROBESON

Overview The Paul Robeson community was established in 1976 and is a symbol of acknowledgment of the late Paul Robeson, a celebrated African-American activist, scholar, artist, athlete, and Rutgers University graduate.

• Engage in community interaction and involvement, scholarship, as well as self-growth • Explore Rutgers within a smaller community of students and make friends quickly • Work collaboratively with staff and faculty mentors towards academic achievement and excellence • Connect with other LLCs in the building (AAII, Latin Images, and French Language and Culture) • Location: Wessels and Leupp Residence Halls on College Avenue Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) The Paul Robeson LLC is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students who place into Basic Composition and above. Students do not need to identify as a member of the African diaspora in order to participate in the community.

Participation Requirements Enroll in two required fall courses: • Exclusive Byrne Seminar: Paul Robeson as a Global Citizen (1 credit) • Introduction to Africana Studies (3 credits)

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PSYCHOLOGY

Overview • Share residential and academic experiences while making new friends and exploring common interests in psychology with a close community of peers • Get involved and connected to student organizations on campus related to psychology • Participate in discussions and activities with professors to build strong academic connections and mentoring relationships • Receive individualized attention to build a foundation for success in your first year and beyond • Location: Quad 3 on Livingston Campus Eligibility (FY) The Psychology Discovery House is open to first-year students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS who place into Basic Composition and above.

Participation Requirements Enroll in three required fall courses: • General Psychology (3 credits) • FIGS: Exploring Psychology (1 credit) • Expository Writing (3 credits) 21

RU-tv WEATHER WATCHERS

Overview • Live with peers who are interested in the weather, science communication, and/or video production • Work with a group of students to produce daily weather forecasts and longer science journalism shows for the University’s television network • Gain experience on a professional caliber graphics system and use a professional studio located in your residence hall.

• Hear guest lectures from professional broadcast meteorologists, and develop public speaking and broadcasting skills • Develop a better understanding of meteorology on an international scale • Location: Perry Hall on Cook Campus Eligibility (FY, T, C) The RU-tv Weather Watchers LLC is open to students within SAS, RBS, or SEBS in all class years, including transfer students who place into Basic Composition and above.

Participation Requirements Enroll in two required fall courses: • Weather, Climate, and TV I (1.5 credits) • Introduction to Meteorology (3 credits) Enroll in one required spring course: • Weather, Climate, and TV II (1.5 credits)

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SAS TRANSFER KNIGHTS

Overview • Connect with other incoming SAS transfer students • Participate in educational and social programming specific to the unique needs of incoming transfer students • Location: Clothier Hall on College Avenue Campus Eligibility and Application Process (T) The SAS Transfer Knights LLC is open to incoming SAS transfer students determined to be eligible by the SAS Transfer Center, based on information regarding intended Major. These students will receive an email with the online living-learning community application. Complete the time-sensitive online application sent via email. Once applications are reviewed, you will receive a timesensitive link in which you must accept or decline the community.

Participation Requirements Enroll in a reserved section of the Students in Transition Seminar (this one credit course is mandatory for all SAS transfer students, however, you will be enrolled in a special section of the class with fellow community members who are interested in a discipline from SC&I, life science, or physical science).

Community Options • School of Communication and Information (SC&I) • Life Sciences • Physical Sciences 23

THEMATIC COMMUNITIES Thematic communities allow students with specific academic, personal, or professional interests to live amongst one another.

These housing options have often been viewed by students as one of the most pleasant and satisfying experiences at the University and do not require specific coursework.

Thematic Communities and Residential Colleges FY First-Year Students T Transfer Students C Current Students Demarest Hall (FY, T, C) Demarest, housed on College Avenue, offers the largest number and most varied interest sections. These sections, which were established in 1966, can change each year based on student interest and initiative. Demarest hosts 170 undergraduate students ranging from first-year to senior. Demarest residents are expected to take part in at least one of the interest sections e.g: Anime; Cinema Studies; Creative Writing; Feminism; History and Political Science; Music Appreciation; Performing Arts; Philosophy; Sex, Sexuality, and Gender; Visual Arts.

Helyar House (Cooperative Living) (FY, T, C) Helyar House is a unique alternative within Rutgers University housing structure located on the George H. Cook Campus. Helyar House is a cooperative living community, where members have a greater responsibility for self-government than in traditional residence halls. In a supportive living environment, each house member works together on daily house chores including cooking and cleaning to achieve common cooperative living goals. The cooperative nature of Helyar House provides residents with a foundation to achieve a high level of self-reliance, as well as interpersonal, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Available spaces are limited and based primarily on financial need and a sincere desire to serve others in a cooperative living community.

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Global Roommate Program (FY, T, C) The Global Roommate Program, located on College Avenue, Busch, and Livingston campuses, seeks to support new undergraduate international students in their transition to Rutgers and the US by pairing them with a mentor in four-person on-campus apartments.

Mentors are current Rutgers students who have an interest in living with international students, and can be domestic or returning international students. The program is grounded in providing support for international students through valuable experiences and positive interactions with mentors.

As a mentee: Must be an incoming first-year international student to Rutgers University.

As a mentor: Open to full-time, second-year and above students who have at least one semester of experience living on campus at Rutgers University.

Mason Gross Housing (FY, T, C) Open to Mason Gross students majoring in dance, music, visual arts and theater. This housing option on Douglass is designed to accommodate the demanding rehearsal schedules of students in the performing arts. Students choosing this option will be sensitive to their house mates dancing in the corridors, rehearsing soliloquies in the common spaces and perfecting vocal warm-ups in the showers.

This is an opportunity to live with other artists and to create interdisciplinary projects with other Mason Gross students.

Rainbow Perspectives (FY, T, C) Rainbow Perspectives is a dynamic housing option for students interested in participating in a residential community that explores the diversity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Non-Conforming, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Ally (LGBTQQIA) experiences through programs, dialogues, and community projects. This community is ideal for students interested in expanding their knowledge of LGBTQQIA experiences and issues.

Rainbow Perspectives encompasses an entire floor equipped with swipe-access gender-neutral bathrooms and two lounges. Students in Rainbow Perspectives can select a known roommate of any gender identity, (their roommate must also apply and be accepted into Rainbow Perspectives). Rainbow Perspectives is housed in New Gibbons on Douglass Campus, and is open from September through May (ten-month housing).

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Recovery Housing (FY, T, C) Rutgers University is proud to offer on-campus housing dedicated to students in recovery from alcohol and/or drug dependence. The Rutgers Recovery House, a 12-month, on-campus housing option, offers students the opportunity to have a fulfilling residential college experience living within a supportive community with other students in recovery. Residents receive recovery support from the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program counselors, as well as academic and career support.

School of Arts and Sciences Honors Housing (FY, T, C) All students in the SAS Honors Program are eligible to live in honors housing, and the Honors Program highly recommends that all first-year students live in honors housing. Honors residence halls are vibrant communities where students live and learn together.

Students living in honors housing have access to many special programs and events.

School of Engineering Housing (FY) All first-year engineering students are eligible for on-campus housing on the New Brunswick campus and can opt to live in the designated engineering residence halls located on the Busch campus. Unique living-learning options are also available for honors and women engineering students. Engineering residence halls provide unique living arrangements that build community, support academic progress, and create social engagement.

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RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

Douglass Residential College (FY, T, C) Douglass Residential College (FY, T, C) is an intellectual community for undergraduate women within Rutgers University that inspires its students to learn, lead, and live with conviction, creativity, and critical insight. Douglass is the only residential women’s college in the nation that is housed within a world class public research university. Douglass women enjoy a small college atmosphere and programs that support their success and leadership. At the same time, the Douglass experience allows its students to engage with all the rich educational and research resources of Rutgers University– New Brunswick. Students pursue many majors and career paths, and come from many different backgrounds. Douglass women have a common interest in gaining the skills and insights to do more with their education, their careers, and their lives. Douglass offers a multitude of living-learning communities and housing options.

Honors College (FY) Each year, 500 students are invited to begin their four-year experience as part of the Honors College. At the new state-ofthe-art Honors College, students have opportunities from the very beginning, including research and extensive collaboration with fellow students and faculty. Participate in one-on-one discussions with live-in faculty to share ideas, play music, and get a cup of coffee. Students collaborate in the high-tech seminar rooms, in the Innovation Lab, and in the many lounges and study areas throughout the building. Students also have on-site academic advising and administrative support. At the center of the Honors College experience is the mission course, the Forum, where social innovation and collaboration are the focus, and where many ideas are initiated and developed. In addition, students pursue travel abroad and service projects where they will work with internationally acclaimed faculty in labs, in archives, and in the field, where knowledge is developed first-hand.

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@RutgersResLife (848) 932–4371 rulc@echo.rutgers.edu ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/rulc