UMKC Residential Life Living Learning Communities 2008-2009

What is a Living Learning Community (LLC) and what are my options?
Living Learning Communities at UMKC are located in the Oak Street Residence Hall. They are communities comprised of 20-50 students who share common interests in academic areas. While each community has its own goals, characteristics and programs, some common characteristics are (1) contact with fellow students with whom you have shared interests/experiences, (2) special community social activities, (3) service activities related to the community's interests, (4) study groups, (5) some shared classes (some of which may be in the residence hall), as well as on-site faculty and academic interaction. There will be 7 LLCs at UMKC in which you may request to live next fall. They are:

Bloch School LLC – is comprised of students who share an interest in business or accounting, are interested in living in a small group setting and are eager to be part of an exciting new opportunity while enhancing interpersonal skills and establishing professional relationships.  Kami Thomas @ 816-235-2215 or e-mail thomaska@umkc.edu

Education LC - Fall 2008 will be the first semester for this LC. The School of Education Learning Community is built around our first-year pre-education students who are interested in becoming empowered classroom teachers with a focus on urban education.

Students will:

• Enroll in three linked courses in the Fall 2008 semester.
• Participate in community building and informal social activities.
• Contribute to a service learning project in the Spring 2009 semester.
• Connect with UMKC faculty and classmates.
• Have fun!

The community provides experiences with like-minded individuals committed to providing service to others which reaches beyond the classroom in a life-long educational process. Students in the Education LC are not required to live on campus.  Main Contact: Brad Martens @ 816-235-2475 or bmmc4d@umkc.edu or Amy Hinkhouse @ 816-235-2474 or hinkhousea@umkc.edu

Deciding Students LLC –  allows students who have not yet decided on a major to take classes and interact together as they pursue this decision making process.  Students will enroll in a 3 hour course that will guide their decision process as well as engage in programs and activities outside of class that will enhance their academic career at UMKC. Residents in the Deciding Students LLC will be located in Cherry Street Residence Hall. Beth Medley @ 816-235-1225 or e-mail medleyb@umkc.edu  or Katie Garey @ 816-235-2802 or e-mail gareyk@umkc.edu

Entrepreneurship & Innovation (IEI) LLC- seeks entrepreneurial-minded students who want to live, work, study, play and dream together.  The IEI Living Learning Community (IEI LLC) plans a variety of exciting opportunities.  The MEAT series (Meet Entrepreneurs At the Table) will offer students a chance to eat and talk over lunch with successful entrepreneurs in the community.  Lawrence Lee @ 816-235-6429 or email leelawrence@umkc.edu

Healthy Lifestyles LLC – this LLC will be ready to open in fall, 2007.  The community will be dedicated to creating an atmosphere of health and well-being through activities related to nutrition, physical health and healthy attitudes and approaches to life and lifestyle.  Marsha Pirtle @ 816-235-1513 or email pirtlem@umkc.edu

Honors Living LLC – allows students admitted into the UMKC Honors Program to live and study together through innovative classes, special programs and events, informal get-togethers with Honors Faculty Fellows, social and co-curricular activities, and community service.  The community environment is designed to motivate students to enjoy intellectual challenge and to encourage excellence.  Students must apply to Honors Program through a separate application.  Gayle Levy @ 816-235-2820 – levyg@umkc.edu or www.umkc.edu/honors

International LLC – the goals of the International LLC are to (1) increase internationalization of the campus; (2) bring domestic and international students, faculty and community groups together for discussions, seminars, and other activities focused on international topics; (3) raise awareness of international issues; (4) facilitate interactions between domestic and international students through a variety of social and academic experiences while living together in the residence hall; (5) a host of other exciting living learning activities and experiences. There is a required 1 hour course (Intercultural Communications or an equivalent) students must take in the Fall and in the Spring. Melissa Thomas @ 816-235-5759 or email thomasmh@umkc.edu.

Nursing LLC – provides social and academic support for students living on campus, enrolled in the nursing program.  Students will live together, learn together and have a system of support, which helps ease the transition into college and enhance their chances for success.  Susan Bennett @ 816-235-6638 or e-mail www.umkc.edu/nursing/llc.

HOW DO I GET IN?

To be eligible to become part of any of the above Living Learning Communities, you have to be accepted into one of the above programs offered at UMKC (pre-Nursing or Nursing, Business, Accounting, Honors or Entrepreneurship & Innovation) OR you must have an interest in living in an international community, maintaining a healthy lifestyle or are a deciding student.

The next steps to follow are:

Complete your UMKC Residential Life Housing Application.