Join Living Learning Communities at UIS!

What are Living Learning Communities?

A Living Learning Community (LLC) is a residential program where students with shared academic interests, goals, or interests live within a specific Residence Hall wing or Residential area. It integrates both living and learning experiences by offering academic support, co-curricular activities, and social events tailored to the community’s focus. Many of the LLCs at UIS include varying shared academic courses. 

This environment fosters deeper connections among students, promotes collaboration, and provides enhanced opportunities for personal and academic growth in a supportive, like-minded community.

LLC Expectations at UIS

  • Students will live in the designated area within Residence Life (1- or 2-year commitment, depending on specific LLC)
  • Students will participate in LLC Mixer in August to meet staff, faculty and peers 
  • All LLC Students will participate in 1- civic engagement program in the Fall semester
  • All LLC Students will participate in 1- shared Service Project in the Fall semester
  • All LLC Students will attend a minimum of 2- multicultural awareness programs in the Fall semester (multiple opportunities to choose from) 

LLC Learning Outcomes at UIS

  • Students participating in a Living Learning Community at UIS will build relationships with both University supports (including advisors, faculty, and staff), and supportive peers within the LLC.
  • Student participating in a Living Learning Community at UIS will demonstrate an understanding of themselves as a part of a community.
  • Students participating in a Living Learning Community at UIS will prioritize their academic success.
  • Students participating in a Living Learning Community at UIS will develop an appreciation for the diversity of the world in which they function.
  • Students participating in a Living Learning Community at UIS will develop and practice leadership skills.

What are the types of LLCs?

Leadership for Life (L4L)

The UIS Leadership for Life (L4L) Living Learning Community is designed to foster leadership development, community engagement, and personal growth among its students. Participants in the program focus on building essential leadership skills through hands-on experiences and collaborative learning. They actively engage in volunteer efforts, contributing to meaningful projects that benefit the broader community.

 The program encourages students to forge strong connections with one another, creating a supportive network of peers who share a commitment to positive social change. Students participating in L4L live together for 1 year, with the opportunity to serve as a L4L Leader during their second year. 

Through diverse experiences, L4L students expand their understanding of the world around them, gaining insights into societal issues and opportunities to actively participate in efforts that drive social improvement. This holistic approach prepares students to become responsible leaders who are dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on society.

Benefits:

  • Attend and Participate in LLC Retreats (August and March) 
  • Priority Registration for Service Learning Experiences
  • Enhanced academic and community support

Expectations:

  • Enroll in and actively participate in the EXL 203 leadership course during the fall semester
  • Participate in 25 hours of group volunteer projects in the Fall, 10 hours in the Spring
  • Participate in 20 hours of independent/self selected service projects in the Fall, and 20 hours in the Spring
  • Fulfill general LLC requirements

Outcomes:

  • Build Leadership Skills
  • Build authentic connections with their peers
  • Expand their understanding of the world around them

Students Transitioning for Academic Retention and Success (STARS)

Students Transitioning for Academic Retention and Success is a living learning community specifically developed to provide increased academic support for students seeking to achieve specific academic goals and ongoing academic success throughout college. Students live together, enjoy taking two courses together during the first year, and experience both a freshmen Summer Bridge prior to the start of classes, and a sophomore Summer Bridge during the week following the first year. Each of these components is designed to help students build a strong community, become engaged in campus activities, and achieve academic success. Select students are invited to participate in STARS upon committing to UIS. Participation in STARS cannot be combined with participation in other Living Learning Communities.

What Can You Expect from STARS?

  • Customized Support: Benefit from one-on-one advising tailored to your academic and personal goals.
  • Engaging Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions that build essential skills for academic success.
  • Community Connections: Join a network of peers and mentors who provide encouragement and guidance.

Why Participate in STARS?

  • Seamless Integration: Adjust to university life with confidence and support.
  • Enhanced Learning: Acquire strategies that improve academic performance and critical thinking.
  • Valuable Relationships: Connect with a community that fosters collaboration and mutual support.
  • Holistic Development: Engage in experiences that promote personal and professional growth.

Pre-Nursing Pathways

Pre-Nursing Pathways is designed to offer students interested in pursuing a Nursing degree the opportunity to live with other incoming freshmen students interested in nursing. This living learning community offers a residential space focused on academic achievement, career-centered programming, and intensive advising intended to help students successfully complete the prerequisite courses required to apply for the Nursing Program offered through the University of Illinois Chicago, Springfield Regional Campus. Students participating in the Pre-Nursing Pathway LLC will have enhanced access to individualized academic advising in the residence hall, a wide variety of career-centered programming offered by the Nursing department staff, and supplemental instruction and tutoring focused on prerequisite coursework.

Capital Scholars Honors Program (CAP Honors)

Capital Scholars Honors Program is a selective undergraduate academic program designed for the first and second year of the four year experience.  CAP Honors has a residency requirement that requires all honors students to live in a residence hall for their first two years.  This unique living learning community provides academic support and advising, collaborative course work, community building events, service learning opportunities, a faculty and residence series, mentoring programs, as well as tutoring and academic studios.  In addition, all offices for the CAP Honors academic staff and faculty are located in Lincoln Residence Hall.

Necessary Steps Mentoring Program (NSMP)

Necessary Steps Mentoring Program is a program for First-Generation college students that are defined as students whose parents/guardians have not graduated from a four year college or institution. Necessary Steps Mentoring Program is designed to assist in the transition from high school to college, as well as, transforming our students into scholars. Through the program, you will reside on the Necessary Steps Floor with scholars just like you. The program provides a designated Computer Room and supportive community that will help you learn and grow.

Transfer LLC

Information coming soon!