Special Interest LLCs

The Department of Residence Life and Housing strives to create residential environments that are conducive to living and learning. To this end, our Special Interest Living Learning Communities have been created to help residents better bridge the gap between academics and campus living.  The staff who are part of these communities are dedicated to facilitating events that meet the interests and academic demands of the residents. Research shows that those who participate in Learning Communities have better grades and retention rates, as these students are more connected to their fellow residents and the community around them. 

The Special Interest Living/Learning Communities are:

• Aquaculture (Marine Biology & related majors) Located in Maple Hall
• People Enthusiastic About Cultural Experiences (PEACE) Located in Maple Hall
• Law & Order (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and related majors) Located in Maple Hall
• Building and Design (Architecture, Engineering and related majors) Located in Stonewall Terrace
• Reaching New Heights (Leadership) Located in Willow Hall
• Honors Housing Located in Stonewall Terrace
• Healthy U (Wellness & Substance Free housing) Located in Willow Hall

To help you decide which area might be right for you, we've provided a short description of each with some questions you may want to ask yourself before choosing.

Living Learning Communities

Building and Design (Architecture, Engineering and related majors - currently located in Stonewall Terrace, Building 1 on all three floors)
When there seems to be no end to the work or when you need some encouragement from others, Building and Design is a great place to come home to.  The area provides Architecture & Engineering majors the opportunity to combine work and relation in a comfortable, convenient living area that has several common rooms and two studio desks. Past programs have included a "Walking Architectural Tour of Boston" including many new and historic Boston locations, an orientation to Providence including the architecture supply store, a session on how to build better models for studio and a "mock critique" simulation experience.

People Enthusiastic About Cultural Experiences (PEACE - currently located in Maple Hall Unit One)
People Enthusiastic About Cultural Experiences (PEACE) is a community that uses programming in and out of the residence hall to create dialogue about different cultures and background. Maple Hall Unit One is adjacent to the Intercultural Center. Students from around the world enrolled in the ELS (English Language Systems) program, who come to the RWU campus to learn English and American culture, also live in this unit.  The community here is extremely close and welcomes students of all backgrounds. Programming often focuses on appreciating and celebrating specific traditions within a cultural group and creating a "safe space" for all. 

Aquaculture (Marine Biology & related majors - currently located in Maple Hall Unit Seven)
This area is designated for students who are interested in the study of marine biology and other related sciences. Programs are designed to allow students to bridge learning from the classroom to the residence hall. As such, students frequently study together in the common room. Past events have included trips to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn. and Woods Hole, Mass. to visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium and Marine Biological Laboratory with tours of the facilities and Professor Dale Leavitt in attendance. Other programs sponsored by the RA have included how to write a scientific proposal, an orientation of study abroad experiences offered to Marine Bio majors and a "Marine Creature of the Week" display.

Law & Order (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and related majors - located in Maple Hall Unit Six)
Today you cannot turn on the television without viewing a commercial for "Law and Order" or "CSI".  The area of criminal justice and forensic science is a dynamic field that is growing at a steady pace. This unit in Maple Hall provides programs that meet the academic and social interest of students enrolled in criminal justice or interested in forensic psychology, pre-law or other related majors. Past programs have included a trip to the ACI (Adult Correctional Institute) in Cranston, R.I. and a forensics series including learning skills like finger-printing and tool impressions and casting.

Honors Housing (Currently located in Stonewall Terrace, Building 4 on the 2nd and 3rd floors)
Honors Housing is offered in Building Four of Stonewall Terrace. This living area focuses on developing an enhanced intellectual environment for academic success, celebrating diversity and providing educational and social programming. The students and RA develop a well-connected, supportive community which is evidenced by the number of students who choose to return to the area after their first year. In addition to common spaces for socializing, there are three quiet study rooms for group or private study. The area is open to students in the Honors Program or students who maintain a 3.2 GPA after their first year.

Reaching New Heights (Leadership - located in Willow Hall)
The RA and students will spend the year focusing on defining leadership and exploring opportunities to both hone and showcase their leadership skills.  Of course there are many opportunities to take a position as a leader on campus at RWU, but there are way each day that we can take a stand and make our world a better place by showing leadership on a variety of topics. The Reaching New Heights community is the perfect forum to discuss the impact of leadership on a variety of levels and also serves as a place to engage in our community through social, educational and service-oriented programs. 

Healthy U. (Wellness - currently located in Willow Hall)
"Health U." helps residents learn that wellness is much more than exercising and eating right. Residents of this unit will embrace the concept of wellness from a holistic perspective; engaging in education, social, physical, cultural, emotional, spiritual and service learning programs. This is a substance free, tobacco free and alcohol free unit. Past programs have included a trip to a New England Revolution (professional soccer) game, "Healthy Cooking" sessions with RWU Chef Bob Lavoie, and hiking in Purgatory Chasm State Park in Sutton, Mass. 

Sign Up

Now that you know a little about Living Learning Communities, here is how you can sign up for one of these very special living areas.

Incoming freshmen should indicate their interest on their New Student Placement Questionnaire, located through your myRWU account. Once you have deposited into the University, Admissions will send you your login and password to your myRWU account. Through the "Services" tab, you will find the questionnaire under the "Residence Life" tab located on the left hand side. Question #3 asks if you are interested in a Living Learning Community.

Returning students - Please watch for special sign-up information in Lottery materials available in the Spring.

Good luck in your decisionmaking. If you should have any questions concerning the Living Learning Communities or Special Interest Housing options, please do not hesitate to ask any Residence Life & Housing staff member. We look forward to seeing you next fall as members in this new and expanded program.