Living Learning Communities - FAQ
Why should I consider participating in a Living Learning Community?
Research shows that students who participate in a Living Learning Community tend to demonstrate higher academic achievement and have a more positive campus experience. Potential benefits include getting to know professors and classmates better, greater access to academic resources, and specialized programs within your residence hall.
Who can join a Living Learning Community (LLC)?
Living Learning Communities are amazing experiences that are currently geared specifically for first-year students. Only first-year students are official members of an LLC: meaning that they live in the residence hall, enroll in the course that is linked to the LLC, and participate in LLC exclusive events/meetings/programs/etc. Beyond your first year at UK, you can still remain involved in your LLC but in a different capacity. As a sophomore, junior, or senior - you can still attend programs and events of your LLC. However, you can request through the Housing application to live in the residence hall which houses the LLC.
So how does the Living Learning Community work within a residence hall?
A Living Learning Community is housed within a particular residence hall. This means that there will be a designated number of people who are members of an LLC living in the hall, the other population of students in the building are not a part of that Living Learning Community. However, non-LLC students are always welcome to participate and get involved in the Learning Community events. Being a member of the Living Learning Community is an honor, but LLC students are also part of the resident population of a particular building. Therefore, LLC students (just as any other residence hall student) will still be required to attend his/her RA's hall meetings, are welcomed to hall programs/events/other functions, and are still required to abide by all hall policies.
What are the expectations of students who are a part of a Living Learning Community?
Student expectations are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct information provided through the Dean of Students Office. In addition those responsibilities, LLC students are expected to serve as exemplary students within the residence halls. Many students apply for membership to LLCs, but only a small percentage of all applicants will be admitted (each LLC is comprised of approximately 25 students). Gaining membership to an LLC is a privilege and should be treated as such. Upon the start of the fall semester, each hall will hold a Living Learning Community meeting. At this time, LLC members will sign a contract signifying their commitment to academics and understanding their responsibilities as representatives of his/her LLC.
Do all first year students who join a Living Learning Community have to take the Discovery Seminar associated with that LLC?
While not all Living Learning Communities have a Discovery Seminar linked to them, most do. If you're a first-year student, and if there's a Discovery Seminar affiliated with the community you want to join, you must enroll in the Discovery Seminar. After you're admitted to a Living Learning Community, we will enroll you in the appropriate Discovery Seminar.
I want to graduate in four years. Can I participate in a Living Learning Community that requires enrollment in a Discovery Seminar and still graduate in four years?
Yes! The University of Kentucky is committed to assisting students in graduating within a four-year time period. The courses designed for Living Learning Communities fit into the general education requirements for the University, so taking a Discovery Seminar as part of an LLC experience will not slow you down!
I'm not scheduled to register for fall classes until my summer advising conference. Do I have to wait until summer to enroll in the Discovery Seminar linked to my Living Learning Community?
No. We will register you for the appropriate Discovery Seminar as soon as you are admitted to your community. You should apply soon because first-year spaces in Living Learning Communities are limited to the 25 seats in the Discovery Seminar linked to the community. Apply today by going to the application page and completing the on-line registration form.
What if I have already requested through UK Housing another residence hall option?
You can still join a Living Learning Community. Go to the application page and apply for the Living Learning Community you'd like to join. If there's room in the community for you, we will change your housing assignment for you to reflect your status as a member of the Living Learning Community.
What if I have a preferred roommate?
If you have a preferred roommate, ask him or her to apply to join the Living Learning Community. If he or she does not gain admission to the community (or if your roommate doesn't want to participate in the LLC), he or she might still live with you as your roommate in the residence hall if space allows. Not everyone living in a residence hall that houses an LLC will be a member of the community.
Is there an extra fee associated with membership in a Living Learning Community?
No... with one exception, the Wellness Community. Students participating in the Wellness Community are assessed a modest community fee (currently $67 per semester) which pays for extra amenities and programming. However, there are differential housing costs associated with the new residence halls. If your Living Learning Community is located in one of the new residence halls, you will be charged higher housing rates. In addition, if your Living Learning Community is located in a hall that is open during academic breaks (New North Hall and Smith Hall), you will be charged a small extra fee (currently $67 per semester) to pay for costs associated with keeping the halls open during break periods. More information on differential housing costs, and on housing rates in general, can be found at the UK Housing web site.
What are the added benefits of being in an LLC?
Being a member of a Living Learning Community has many benefits to enhance your first-year at the University of Kentucky! Not only will you have the opportunity to meet and connect with students who share your interests, but you will also find built-in opportunities to network, form study groups, attend tutoring sessions, participate in fun programs, and so much more! There are leaders connected with each community that will help guide and assist you as you navigate through your freshman year. These individuals are well equipped to answer questions, provide resources, and help get you off to the right start for your college career. The benefits of being a part of an LLC are vast... it is an opportunity you do NOT want to miss!
What if I don't decide until after the fall semester that I want to be in a Living Learning Community?
Standard LLC applications are accepted prior to the start of the fall semester. This provides communities with the time necessary to develop and help students get connected. Spaces in the LLCs fill up very quickly! If you feel at all interested in a particular Community, it is in your best interest to apply early (i.e. before the start of the fall semester). Often, spaces are not available mid-year. However, you can always check with the Housing office to find out if a space is available within the residence hall of your preferred LLC. This way, you can live within the same building as those LLC students and be an "un-official" member! LLC functions are open to all students. If you are unable (for whatever reason) to gain admittance into an LLC, speak with the Hall Director or Resident Director of the residence hall to find out how you can still get involved!
office of residence life . university of kentucky . 537 patterson office tower . lexington‚ ky . 40506–0027 . (859) 257–4784 . fax (859) 323–4941