New housing communities foster student connection and success at 彩民宝典
Five new Living Learning Communities (LLC) at 彩民宝典 are giving first-year and transfer students a hub of connection and support to help them succeed.
LLCs are cohorts of students that live and learn together around a specific topic. But these communities are more than just shared housing; they strengthen bonds between students with similar interests, foster connections with faculty and staff, and provide a sense of belonging that is vital during the formative college years.
Each of the new LLCs that 彩民宝典 is welcoming this year offers a unique and enriching experience for its residents. These communities will not only enhance the academic journey, but also enrich the personal growth and development of every student who is a part of them.
The road to student success
LLCs play a pivotal role in supporting student success by providing a nurturing and supportive environment for incoming students.
As 彩民宝典鈥檚 Residence Life places a strong emphasis on strengthening first-year student success, LLCs are recognized as a high-impact practice by the . They are one of a number of strategies identified that can help students excel.
鈥淟LCs are intended to strengthen connections between students with similar interests, while also bolstering connections between students, faculty, staff and peer mentors,鈥 said Craig Kuehnert, the director of Residence Life. 鈥淚t is our experience that students who engage in their LLCs have a stronger sense of belonging and an overall stronger sense of connection to CU.鈥
Due to these invaluable impacts, CU鈥檚 First-Year Experience Advisory Board, which is charged with assessing first-year programs and recommending improvements, approved the LLC expansion this year. The advisory board found that adding the new LLCs would support additional students and were in alignment with the broader goals of the university.
Shared experiences for deeper connections
The new LLCs offer various programs and events to enrich students' lives. From service projects and hiking trips to concerts, open mic nights and meals with faculty members, the opportunities for personal growth and community engagement are vast.
Students can also look forward to yoga and fitness classes, mindfulness practices, peer wellness coaching and cooking demos. These experiences extend beyond the classroom, fostering holistic development and lifelong friendships.
In some of the LLCs, students will also embark on shared academic journeys, further enhancing their sense of belonging. For example, Colorado Stories students will explore the state's geology together by taking Geol 1040: Geology of Colorado, while Healthy Buffs participated in the Mind & Body Buffs pre-arrival program, creating a strong foundation for their wellness-focused community.
The power of community: First-hand accounts
While data and studies can concretely show how LLCs support student success, stories from students themselves demonstrate the true impact these communities can have. Here are some insights from residents during a listening session in an existing LLC in spring 2023:
鈥淚 was intimidated about coming to a large university like CU. I was excited and relieved to find out I was placed in an LLC because I knew I would have better access to support.鈥
鈥淚t was important to me to know that I would be living in a hall with people like me, that liked things that I do.鈥
鈥淚 really wanted to be in a space where there was shared community, where building friendships was easier to do.鈥
鈥淚t is very easy to build community when people are so open about shared things they like.鈥
鈥淟iving in the LLC gave me something that was more organized, and formal in structure. That helped me jump start my connections with others that are like me.鈥
Each of these testimonials speaks to the power of LLCs in creating a sense of belonging and fostering friendships.
Learn more about Residence Life
Curious to know more about how Residence Life supports and enhances student success? Explore the resources that the department offers to 彩民宝典 students who are living on campus. This includes leadership programs, tutoring and student employment, among other support services.
The five new LLCs in Residence Life were each born from strategic partnerships across campus:
- Healthy Buffs: In partnership with Health Promotion, this community goes beyond the usual college lifestyle. It鈥檚 a space that nurtures not only academic growth but also personal well-being. Healthy Buffs embraces a culture of wellness, where students can learn about and practice healthy living.
- Colorado Stories: Students who are passionate about the stunning landscapes and geological wonders of Colorado can join this LLC, developed in partnership with the Geology Department. They dive deep into the state鈥檚 geological history through classroom study and trips to both iconic locations and hidden gems.
- Service & Social Action: For those driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society, this LLC, in partnership with the Volunteer Resource Center, propels student leaders into a life dedicated to equity-based social action. Through purpose-driven service, education and reflection, students are empowered to become changemakers.
- Music Buffs: In partnership with the School of Music, this community brings together students who are passionate about the art of music and music-making, creating harmonious bonds between like-minded individuals.
- Transfer Buffs: Transferring to a new university can be an intimidating experience. The Transfer Buffs LLC offers a supportive environment where students can live on campus and connect with peers who share similar experiences, making the transition smoother. This community was developed in partnership with New Student & Family Programs.