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A Blog for Future Shockers

Living Learning Communities - Wichita State's Collaborative Housing

Oct. 25, 2022
By Raven Garrison

Raven Garrison

Raven is a first-year advisor for the Wichita State's College of Health Professions.  Raven finds joy in interacting with students, faculty and staff and is passionate about helping students find their paths and become successful inside and outside the university.

What Is a Living Learning Community?

A Living Learning Community (LLC) is a group of students who choose to live together on campus to enjoy a built-in support system of mentoring, networking and an overall enhanced sense of community. These communities are major-specific and are overseen by resident assistants with similar majors. Wichita State University currently offers seven different types of Living Learning Communities so that you may choose the best fit for you. These include:

  • Business
  • College of Applied Studies
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Honors
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

What Benefits Are There to Joining an LLC?

Living Learning Communities offer unique opportunities for campus residents. Students within these communities not only get a jump start in creating connections within their academic college as well as their neighbors and others on campus, but they also reap many benefits outside of simple connections. Research shows that students within LLCs feel connected earlier, make friends more easily, perform better in classes, and graduate at higher rates than students who choose not to live in LLCs. Living Learning Communities provide a space for purposeful engagement amongst faculty and staff beyond the classroom, help students develop a sense of belonging at Wichita State University and build a community of peers to help with academic and social adjustment to college life. 

How Do I Sign Up To Live in an LLC?

To apply for a Living Learning Community, be sure to list your community preference on your housing application. Students are placed within LLCs based on preference and availability. In order for your LLC application to be officially submitted you must also agree to all program requirements of the LLC and pay an additional $30 annual membership fee. The membership fee covers LLC-related events and initiatives throughout the year, in addition to a new StrengthsQuest leadership program!

In collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs, each LLC will work through the StrengthsQuest leadership program. StrengthsQuest revolves around the Clifton Strengths Leadership Style Inventory, in which each student learns their top five talent themes and how to use these strengths to best maximize their potential as an individual and as a member of a team. As a participant, each LLC member will also receive:

  • An access code to complete the StrengthsQuest assessment
  • Access to the StrengthsQuest portal - students can access their Strengths reports as well as use goal-setting technology
  • Strengths-related training sessions
  • Strengths swag including a T-shirt and door decorations

Want more info on LLCs? Reach out to Chris Wiebe, Housing and Residence Life LLC Coordinator, at 316-978-7749 or christopher.wiebe@wichita.edu.

 

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