A place to belong, a community to call your own.
At UMR, every first-year student is part of a Living Learning Community (LLC)—an opportunity to connect with peers, build friendships and engage in meaningful experiences based on shared interests. LLCs provide a built-in support network, helping students transition to college life while exploring personal and academic passions.
While all first-year students are assigned to an LLC, students can indicate their preferences to help shape their experience. Each LLC offers mentorship, specialized activities and opportunities to connect—how you engage is up to you!
List of Living Learning Communities
Arts & Creativity 
The Arts & Creativity Community is a welcoming space for students who value and appreciate the transformative power of art and creativity, regardless of whether they actively create art. Through a shared sense of creative wonder, students are invited to navigate the transition to college, build meaningful relationships and find inspiration within a supportive environment. environment.
ChangeMakers
The ChangeMakers Community is a dynamic and inspiring environment for college students who believe in the transformative power of collaboration to make a meaningful difference. Rooted in the belief that working together for a common purpose can drive positive change, this community welcomes students who are passionate about advocacy, such as sustainability, public policy or human rights and understanding the complex challenges faced by people and communities.
Global Threads: Exploring Cultures, Connecting Communities
Global Threads is a community where students explore culture, engage in meaningful intercultural exchanges and connect global perspectives to local actions. Whether through shared stories, cultural events or community service, students will build empathy, global awareness and a sense of social responsibility. Together, they weave connections that bridge differences and inspire positive change locally and globally.
Health CORE
The Health CORE (Community of Respect and Empowerment) Community enhances community and belonging while equipping students with the leadership and intercultural skills needed to succeed as health care leaders. Health CORE supports student success while cultivating students’ growth into ethical, resilient and resourceful servant-leaders. This LLC is reserved for students accepted in the Health CORE scholarship program.
Well-being & Healthy Living
The Well-being & Healthy Living Community is the place for students dedicated to fostering and maintaining healthy lifestyles through meaningful conversations and activities that will help them achieve their individual wellness goals. This community supports students in navigating college transitions by promoting healthy lifestyles in areas such as exercise, nutrition, mental health, mindfulness and self-care.
WISH (Women in Science & Health Care)
The Women in Science & Health Care (WISH) Community is a supportive and empowering space where students who identify as women can grow and thrive in their health care and science pursuits. Students are invited to cultivate a sense of belonging, build meaningful relationships, exchange knowledge and offer support that strengthens the personal and professional identities of women in science.
Additional Details
Being part of an LLC is just the beginning—how you participate shapes your experience. Research shows that students who actively engage in LLCs:
- Perform better academically
- Feel a stronger sense of belonging
- Build lasting friendships
- Adjust to college life more smoothly
- Get involved on campus and in the community
- Have higher retention and graduation rates
Through intentional programming, peer mentorship and immersive experiences, LLCs make the first year of college more connected, engaging and successful.
Each LLC includes:
- Student mentors who help foster connections and guide group activities
- Exclusive programming such as monthly events, guest speakers, and off-campus retreats
- A supportive community to help navigate college life, build relationships, and explore new opportunities
Who is Assigned to an LLC?
All incoming first-year students at UMR, including those commuting to campus or living off-campus with a Housing Exemption, are assigned to a Living Learning Community. This includes students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS), Early Assurance and Accelerated academic programs.
PSEO students will also be assigned to an LLC.
How Are LLC Assignments Made?
Admitted students will have the opportunity to share their top two LLC preferences when completing the LLC Selection Form as part of the Admitted Students Next Steps checklist.
Spots in each LLC are limited. Students are encouraged to submit their selection form early to help secure their preferred community.
Students will receive their LLC assignment confirmation from the Living Learning Communities Coordinator before attending their New Raptor Advising and Registration session.
There is a one-time LLC programming fee of $100, applied to students' financial accounts at the beginning of the academic year. This fee funds LLC-only programs, events and community activities throughout the year.
Where and when do I submit my LLC preferences?
- Fall 2025 students must complete the Living Learning Community Selection Form by June 1, 2025. The form is located in your Enrollment Checklist in your application portal.
- No! You and your prospective roommate(s) can be in a different LLC.
- Changes in LLC assignment will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Contact [email protected] to request a change.
- You will automatically be placed in your second choice. If your second community preference has reached capacity, the LLC Coordinator will reach out to you to request your preference for the other communities.
- You will also have the opportunity to share your top two LLC preferences prior to LLC assignment.
Do I need to be assigned to the same LLC as my roommate?
Can I switch LLCs after being assigned?
What if I don’t get my first choice?
What if I start the spring semester?
For more information, contact the Living Learning Communities Coordinator at [email protected]
