Live Here Learn Here Choose The Living Learning Communities
Guide to Choosing your Community
Welcome Students Housing & Dining is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and educationally empowering community where students can learn, grow, and be successful within a complex and diverse world. Through our facilities, programs, and the collaborative efforts of our staff, student leaders, and campus partners, we promote respect, individuality, and personal responsibility.
What is a Living-Learning Community? Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are dynamic communities composed of students from a particular field of academic or lifestyle interest. Each program is jointly sponsored by Housing & Dining and an academic unit, college, or department of the university. Living-Learning Communities go one step further in strengthening connections between students and faculty within a chosen course of study or interest. Each of our programs is unique and interesting and offers a variety of benefits.
Why should I choose an LLC? In addition to the benefits of on-campus living that all of our residents enjoy, participants in the program are offered: Opportunities for out-of-class interaction with professors in their academic field Wide-ranging career information, opportunities for internships, and options for networking with both faculty and professionals in their subject area Improved academic performance – on average, students who are part of LLCs earn higher GPAs Programs that will enhance classroom learning and leadership skills development Dine & Discuss events where students are given special networking opportunities to eat dinner and interact with professionals in their chosen field Access, in a supportive learning environment, to facilities and equipment related to their particular course of study Social and cultural activities with students, faculty, and staff The ability to take part in social and cultural activities with students, faculty, and staff dedicated to their unique areas of interest
1
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“I like living in the LLC because I get to meet other people who have similar majors as mine, and there are various different, helpful programs IN OUR education.” – JASON MURPHY
ACES HOUSE Academic & Career
Exploratory Scholars
The ACES House is a living-learning community for first-year students who are exploring career paths and academic opportunities at NIU. The ACES House helps residents understand how courses connect to majors and future career paths by engaging them in numerous learning and leadership activities designed to bring the community theme to life. This LLC offers a year-long experience focused on academic and career–building events, leadership development, and social/community building programing that: Builds a sense of belonging and connects students to campus resources Explores academic opportunities, career paths, and major options Supports students’ interests in opportunities for research, internships, and studying abroad
Highlights & Opportunities Move in early and participate in a leadership development program In-house academic advising services and programs Workshops, socials, study tables, and fieldtrips Major Exploration Themed Learning Community
Requirements Open to first-year students who are exploring career paths and academic opportunities at NIU.
Location Stevenson C Tower Floors 3-4
3
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“It’s great to have people and resources that help me find out what type of major or career will fit me the best.” – Sarah Clark
FINE ARTS HOUSE
Business CareerS House Live in the Business Careers House and gain an edge over other business students.
Live with other students from the Schools of Theatre & Dance, Art, and Music. Join
Residents gain exclusive access to the leaders of the College of Business and high-
on and off campus field trips to museums, shows, and events throughout the year.
profile alumni through intimate events that also include awesome food and prizes.
Interact with guest artists and faculty members at dinners, receptions, informal
You’ll live with fellow business majors, and gain help and advice on everything from
discussions, seminars, and performances.
homework to what courses to take. Set yourself up to be successful in college, and reserve your spot in the only community for future successful business professionals.
Highlights
Highlights
Computer lab in basement (with software that meets the needs of
Unique opportunities to connect with business faculty, high-profile professionals, and fellow business students Remodeled and expanded rooms in Grant C Tower Close to student parking and Student Recreation Center Free WiFi access and computer lab Study lounges with flat screen TVs
Opportunities Business and Society Themed Learning Community
Requirements Students must be business majors (non-business major may room with a business major friend) and participate in two Business Career House events each semester.
Location Grant C Tower
students in Visual and Performing Arts) Art gallery adjacent to lab Visiting artist-in-residence program Residential-based UNIV 101 class taught by Visual and Performing Arts faculty for Fine Arts house residents Involvement of faculty from each school in Visual and Performing Arts
Opportunities Conflict & Creativity: The Impact of War on Art Themed Learning Community
Requirements Student must be a music, theater and dance, or art major. Students who are interested in the fine arts may also inquire for further information.
Location Neptune North Women: Floor 1 Odd; Men: Floor 1 Even
Floors 8-12
5
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
6
FOReign LAnguage RESIDence Program Inaugurated in 1972, making it Northern Illinois University’s oldest residential program, the Foreign Language Residence Program (FLRP) has provided NIU students with an extraordinary opportunity to practice their language skills outside the classroom setting in a relaxed residential environment.
Highlights Students enrolled in the FLRP program meet weekdays (Monday through Thursday) from 4:15 to 5:30 pm in a private dining room to social in their target language with fellow participants, department faculty members and, often, other international guests. At each language table, there is a native speaker to help facilitate conversation. These native speakers live with the students and are a great resource for cultural information and language tutoring.
Opportunities
“Living with students of different cultures and being able to practice speaking a foreign language have given me a real international experience.” – ADAM JUNG
Lifelong friendships and professional networking Cultural Excursions & Retreats
Requirements Active enrollment in at least one foreign language course per semester Availability to attend the evening meal, Monday – Thursday from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., with fellow participants (no classes may be taken during this time period) Interview at NIU with the coordinator and the resident native speaker Spend an afternoon meeting present members, viewing the facility, and participating in a language group meal and language night (not available during the summer term)
Location New Hall West Clusters 503, 507, 509, 513
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
8
GREEN LIVING COMMUNITY
HeALTH PROFESSIOns House
The Green Living Community brings together students who are interested in learning
Welcome to the Health Professions House – Northern Illinois University’s Living-
more about the environment and sustainability outside of the classroom. Students
Learning Community for students pursuing a health or service related major. The
from any major will benefit by increasing their environmental IQ and networking with
Health House is a co-ed academic residential option for students majoring in
environmental professionals from around the region.
the College of Health & Human Sciences and other health or service majors. The
The Green Living Community is more than just a place to learn about environmental practices; it offers an opportunity for students to take that knowledge and apply it to the greater community.
Highlights Green game nights Volunteer opportunities Practical upcycling workshops
Opportunities Environmental & Career focused field trips Participate in Career nights
activities of the Health House are designed to foster professional, academic, and personal relationships among residents and faculty in a residential living environment. Residents are offered exclusive opportunities to enrich their college careers through academic, social, and service activities, field trips, and special programming.
Highlights One of our hallmark programs includes the “Dine and Discuss” dinner sessions with faculty, staff, and local professionals. The overall student experience is enriched through learning in an informal setting by introducing residents to a topic and engaging them in conversation with the speaker.
Opportunities Conversations with faculty, staff, and/or local professionals through Dine & Discuss Service activities on campus & the local community
Requirements
Field trips and social activities
Freshman students must have an ACT score of 20 or higher.
Access to academic advising and support services
Incoming transfer students or currently enrolled students must have a GPA of 2.25 or higher, or ACT score of 20 or higher.
Location Grant D Tower Floor 8
Informal study groups with students taking the same classes
Requirements The Health House is open to any major within the College of Health & Human Sciences and other majors related to health & service. Participation in activities is expected.
Location Stevenson A Tower Floors 3-9
9
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
10
Honors House Honors House is located in NIU’s New Residence Hall and features 12-person “clusterstyle” living. The Honors House occupies up to 200 beds in the East Residential Hall, which sits closest to Annie Glidden Road. With one of the highest returning residential rates, and students who live in Honors House for all four years, we know that our programs, opportunities, and Living-Learning Community are providing our students with a distinct advantage. Residents of the Honors House participate in intellectual, cultural, and social activities, as well as community service projects. The University Honors Program has created an extraordinary learning environment with special events.
Highlights Excursions in the DeKalb-Sycamore and Chicagoland areas Academic and professional development workshops Unique cultural and community-building experiences
Opportunities Student and faculty dinners and special meals Early move-in for first-year students going on the Lorado Taft Retreat Semester trips to sporting events, plays, activities, and cultural attractions Dedicated University Honors faculty advisors and staff
Requirements Must be accepted into the NIU University Honors Program.
Location New Hall East Floors 1- 4
11
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“You are surrounded by focused and likeminded individuals that all share a passion for their education and the University Honors Program.” – Derek Schmidt
Leadership AND Service Community
INTERFAITH Community A CUlturally Inclusive Experience The Interfaith Community will introduce residents to “a culturally inclusive experience.”
The Leadership and Service Community facilitates greater awareness of leadership and
Living in the current society requires more than just a tolerance of diversity, but
service on campus, within the community, and around the world. Students who live in
an appreciation for difference and the ability to embrace diversity. The Interfaith
this community will explore leadership and service through floor activities, speakers,
Community will provide residents with the opportunity to explore various cultures
excursions, and service opportunities.
and the intersection of those cultures with faith practices. The community will cultivate open-minded intellectual curiosity, appreciation of multiple beliefs, and the freedom to practice one’s own spirituality in a supportive and trusting interfaith environment.
Highlights Excursions, speakers, and floor activities exploring leadership and service
Highlights
Newly remodeled Grant C Tower
Safe environment for faith exploration
Close to student parking and Student Recreation Center
Greater mutual understanding of others
Free WiFi access & Computer lab
Relationship-building across faith lines
Study lounges with flat screen TVs
Monthly focus on global cultures
Unique opportunity to connect with students, faculty, and community members
Increased understanding of an inclusive climate
Opportunities
Opportunities
Participate in Themed Learning Community: Making a Difference: Service in Society
Cultural speakers and cultural entertainment
Huskie Service Scholars participation
Dialogue dinners
Research Rookies participation
Speed-faithing events
Requirements
Requirements
Students must be dedicated to leadership and service, live on the floor each semester,
Students must demonstrate a genuine interest in learning about various cultures and faiths from around the world. Students should also be willing to participate in at least
and participate in regular floor programming around leadership and service. Nonhouse members may room on this floor with friend participating in this community.
two community-sponsored activities per semester.
Location
Location
Grant D Tower
New Hall West
Floor 7
Cluster 107
13
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
14
LGBTQA Lesbian, COMMUNITY Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, queer, & ally
Those living here will have an opportunity to connect with campus resources and support, peers, faculty and staff. They will also interact with unique campus speakers and explore current events through an LGBTQA lens. “Welcome home to a place where you can be yourself.”
Highlights Speakers & discussions Game/movie nights LGBTQ History & Awareness Month event Leadership & academic opportunities
Requirements This community is for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or as an ally.
“ As a student I have discovered how LGBTQA friendly NIU is. This floor provides an all-inclusive experience.” – Seana Winner
Location New Hall West
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
16
ROTC COMMUNITY Reserve Officer Training Corp.
Second Year Experience COMMUNITY
Live with other students who are part of NIU’s ROTC program and have a similar
Make your second year your best year. If you are interested in continuing an engaged
schedule. A number of rooms are on reserve for continuing and new cadets.
and meaningful experience or are looking for a way to connect during your second
Highlights Approximately 10% of NIU’s cadets live on this floor and benefit from the camaraderie and daily encouragement they gain from their peers
Requirements Students must be enrolled in NIU’s ROTC program
Location Neptune East Floor 1 Even
year on campus, the Second-Year Experience Community is the place for you. The second year of college is a time when students should strengthen their academic and career goals, deepen their friendships, become more involved in student organizations, and engage in campus and community service.
Highlights Some of the benefits of the Second Year Experience Community include: living with other second year students, having a Community Advisor who understands specific needs of second year students, educational, social, and career planning events, resources for career advising and major selection, and social programs to continue to build a second year class identity.
Opportunities Monthly faculty dinners/desserts in residence hall Quarterly service projects on- and off-campus Presentations by Career Services, academic advising units Mentoring by junior and senior Student Success Team members Monthly social events (e.g., bonfire at East Lagoon, road trips to special events in Chicago) Participating in a biennial Sophomore Summit for the NIU community Integration of an e-portfolio and Second-year leadership initiatives based on StrengthsFinder.
Requirements The Second-Year Community is open to all second-year NIU students.
Location New Hall West Cluster 209 Stevenson C Tower Floor 5
17
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
18
STEM HOUSE Science, Technology
Engineering, & Mathematics
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) House is comprised of floor programs for General Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering and Engineering Technology. Students who live in the STEM House gain a valuable edge in these competitive technical fields through networking and engaged learning opportunities. Advisors and faculty from its four main academic disciplines work with hall staff to create programs that appeal to students across multiple STEM fields.
Highlights Trips to regional laboratories and industrial facilities Specialized tutoring and study nights Career preparation and social events Dinner discussions led by faculty Service opportunities in areas related to STEM careers
Opportunities Calculus and Physics for Engineers Themed Learning Community Technology and Social Networking Themed Learning Community Pre-Medicine Themed Learning Community
Requirements Must major in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science fields, or other related science fields. Freshmen students must have an ACT score of 21 or higher, and incoming transfer students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Location Grant D Tower Floors 9-12
19
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“STEM House provided me with a great environment to live. Being surrounded by peers in similar fields has helped me succeed academically anD socially.” – Mitchell Larva
Transfer House
Teacher Education & Certification House The Teacher Education and Certification House (TEACH House) is home to students
The Transfer House, the perfect place for you to make your new home at NIU. The
pursuing any area of teacher certification. The living environment is designed to
Transfer House is a community designed specifically for new transfer students.
facilitate interaction with teacher certification faculty, as well as peers with similar
Transitioning can present challenges, both socially and academically; and NIU
professional aspirations. Students who live in this house are required to attend three
is here to support you.
professional development programs.
Highlights Physical Activity in Every Classroom Parent-Teacher Conference Trip to Brookfield Zoo: How to Plan Field Trips
Highlights & Opportunities Living with other transfer students A Community Advisor who understands specific needs of transfer students Educational, social, and career-planning events Resources for academic advising, meeting degree requirements, and graduate school
Opportunities
Taking UNIV 201 with many of your housemates
Teachers as Ambassadors of Social Change Themed Learning Community
Requirements
Inspiring Today’s Students to Become Tomorrow’s Teacher Themed Learning Community (CHANCE)
Requirements Freshmen must have declared an area of teacher preparation as their intended major. Incoming transfer students must also have declared some area of teacher preparation for their intended major and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Residents must
Transfer House is open to students who are transferring to NIU with 24 or more transferable credit hours.
Location Stevenson B Tower Floor 3-5
maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and, in addition, must attend three professional development programs.
Location Stevenson A Tower Floors 10-12
21
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERISITY | LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
22
Contact INFORMATION How do I CHOOSE the LLCs? After being admitted to NIU and completing your Housing Agreement, you can begin to think about selecting a Living-Learning Community to join. Each community has its own eligibility requirements. In most programs, priority is given to students who have a major (or who intend to major) in the academic field related to the program. In some cases, students with a strong interest in the academic discipline are accepted. You can visit the LLC’s individual webpages on the Housing & Dining website to find out specifics regarding eligibility requirements.
For general questions related to Living-Learning Communities at NIU, please contact the Associate Director for Residential Education at 815-753-9605. Please visit www.niu.edu/housing/llc for more specific information.
Find us on Facebook at NIU Housing & Dining
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Housing & Dining Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management