Health CORE UMR students canoeing on the lake.

Living Learning Communities

Build community with health sciences students who share your interests and passions.

A place to belong, a community to call your own.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) bring together students with shared interests to form meaningful connections through both structured and informal activities—like community meals, campus events and academic and service projects. There are a number of LLC's offered and guided by peer mentors and faculty or staff advisors who lead programming that supports students’ growth, belonging and out-of-class learning. 
 
All first-year students at UMR participate in a unique Living Learning Community.

 

List of Living Learning Communities

Arts & Creativity Arts and Creativity Badge with a paint brush stroke

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.

ChangeMakersChangemakers Badge with three triangles overlapping.

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 CommunitiesGlobal Threads Badge with a globe.

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 COREHealth CORE Badge with a caring hand

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 LivingWell-being and Healthy Living Badge with three leaves in a circle 

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)WISH Badge with a DNA model

The Women in Science & Health Care (WISH) Community is a supportive and empowering space where students 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.

 

Living Learning Communities are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, disabilities, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin or other identities.

 

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.

    Do I need to be assigned to the same LLC as my roommate? 

    • No! You and your prospective roommate(s) can be in a different LLC.

    Can I switch LLCs after being assigned?

    • Changes in LLC assignment will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Contact [email protected] to request a change.

    What if I don’t get my first choice?

    • 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.

    What if I start the spring semester?

    • You will also have the opportunity to share your top two LLC preferences prior to LLC assignment.

For more information, contact the Living Learning Communities Coordinator at [email protected]