Living Learning Communities

Mission:

The Education Community is for students who are in the School of Education. This community fosters a sense of belonging and care, creates connection to the broader La Crosse community through service, provides opportunities to network with faculty, staff and peers through intentional academic programming designed to support and harness your potential as a teacher. 

Location: Sanford Hall

Eligibility: First year students who are in the School of Education

Why Join:

• Forge connections with your peers who are also about to embark on a teaching pathway
• A curated program for potential teachers
• Unique programs and events exclusive to students in the Education LLC
• Intentional interaction with faculty and/or school and community partners outside of the classroom 
• Opportunities to engage with young people through service

How to Join:

Students can select interest in the Education Living Learning Community interest page of the housing application.

Course Recommendations: EDS 203 enrollment is recommended

Partnerships: School of Education, campus and community partners as appropriate

Mission:

This community is home to our 25 UWL First Scholars and is open to any first-generation student. Our goal is to help students build a strong community in their first year at UWL. Students will make lasting social connections and participate in programming provided by a range of support services available to first-gen students. 

First Generation is defined as: A student whose parents/guardians (or parent/guardian, if primarily supported by only one) did not complete a bachelor’s or 4-year college degree.

Location: Laux Hall 

Eligibility: The First Gen community is open to all first-generation college students. 

Why Join? 

• Live in an environment and community for students who are also first-gen college students. 
• Experience programs and opportunities that will allow you to refine leadership skills, connect to UWL, and help navigate the first year of college.  
• Make connections with other campus offices and organizations and receive additional support. 

How to Join:

If you are interested in joining the First Gen Community, you can select it on the Living Learning Community page of the housing application. There is no secondary application. Students will be accepted into this community as space is available. UWL First! Scholar students will be automatically placed on the First Gen floor. 

Mission: 

The Health Professions Community provides students interested in the healthcare profession common academic and social experiences in a close community of peers. This community fosters personal connections with faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, and peers through intentional academic programming designed to support your success as a student.  

Location: Orris White Hall

Eligibility: Any first-year student who has an interest in a pre-health major or track 

Why Join? 

• Make connections with other students in your major and similar courses  
• Opportunities for career exploration within the Health Professions field  
• Unique programs and events exclusive to students in the Health Professions Community 
• Intentional interaction with faculty outside of the classroom  

How to Join: 

Due to the popularity of the Health Professions Community, students fill out an application as part of their housing application. Students are notified if they have been accepted into the HPC prior to room selection. 

Courses: Students are required to take HP 106 in the spring semester.

Partnerships:  Pre-Health Advising Center  

Mission:

The Outdoor Recreation Living and Learning Community is designed for students who have a passion and an interest for outdoor activities and the environment. They must be willing to be challenged, have a desire to gain skills outside of the classroom, participate in extracurricular activities and events relating to the outdoors. No previous experience is required for participation - just a willingness to participate, learn, and to have fun! Residents of this community will pay an additional $400 to cover the cost of the extensive programming provided by the Outdoor Connection.

Location: Eagle Maroon Hall

Eligibility:

All students are eligible for the ORC. You do not need to have previous experience with outdoor activities.

Why Join?

• Live in an environment and community for students who share an interest in the outdoors and in leadership.
• Experience programs and opportunities that will allow you to refine your leadership skills, explore career opportunities in outdoor recreation and be part of an active and supportive community.
• Help develop a community that is passionate about the outdoors and the environment.

How to Join:

Because of the popularity of the Outdoor Recreation Community, students fill out an application as part of their housing application. Students are notified if they have been accepted into the ORC prior to room selection.

Trip Information : Outdoor Recreation Community Trip Offerings

Partnerships: The Outdoor Connection

Mission:

The Pride Center Community is a collaborative partnership between the UWL Pride Center and Residence Life to create a Living Learning Community within a residence hall environment. Our goal is to create a housing community in which LGBTQIA+ students and allies feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed, empowered, and celebrated. 

Location: Wentz Hall (beginning Fall 2024)

Eligibility:

Open to all new and returning college students who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those who are supportive individuals or those who have family members who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Benefits of being in the Pride Center Community: 

Residents within the Pride Center Community will build relationships with each other as well as actively engage in UWL Pride Center events and initiatives. Options include participating in the many events put on by the Pride Center, joining student organizations (Rainbow Unity and/or Transform), attending an annual conference (MBLGTACC) with other UWL students, facilitating trainings for the campus community and participating in various panel discussions.   

How to Join:

Within the housing application process, new and returning students may indicate an interest in the Pride Center Community. Students are then selected and placed within the Pride Center Community.   

Course Recommendations: Students should enroll in or have taken Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies (RGS 100).

Partnerships: UWL Pride Center

For questions regarding the Pride Center Community or to talk to someone about your interest in being a part of this community, you can contact Will Van Roosenbeek or Patrick Heise.

Mission:

The Transfer Experience Community is designed to support transfer students in their transition to UWL through shared common experiences. Residents will be connected to faculty, staff, and students dedicated to a successful transfer experience.  

Location: Eagle Gray Hall

Eligibility: New entering transfer students of all backgrounds, majors, and experiences. 

Why Join?

• Engage with a community of transfer students to navigate through the UWL experience together
• Develop social connections through residence hall and campus events specifically tailored with transfer students in mind
• Develop relationships with faculty and staff as you transition to UWL

How to Join:

Students can select interest in the Transfer Experience Community on their housing application. Students will be placed directly into the community as space is available. No secondary application process is required.

Visual & Performing Arts LLC coming fall 2025!

Mission: 

Step into a world where creativity thrives and artistic expression knows no bounds. UWL's Visual & Performing Arts Living Learning Community offers a unique haven for students passionate about the arts. Nestled in the newly remodeled Wentz residence hall adjacent to the Lowe Center for the Arts, this vibrant community provides an immersive environment where creativity flourishes and connections are forged. Here, students not only live together, but also embark on a journey of artistic exploration through enriching programming—all included at no additional fee. From collaborative projects to exclusive workshops and performances, every moment is an opportunity to ignite inspiration and hone craft alongside like-minded peers. Join us and let your artistic spirit soar in the heart of our creative hub. 

Location: Wentz Hall

Eligibility: New and returning students who have any interest in the arts.  

Why join? 

• Join off campus arts adventures at no additional cost
• VPA classes & rehearsals are right outside your front door - maximize your punctuality
• Memorize lines, practice music, and create works of art with creative collaborators on your floor
• Make lifelong friendships

How to join:

Students can select interest in the Visual & Performing Arts Community on their housing application. Students will be placed directly into the community as space is available. No secondary application process is required.

Mission: 

The Women in STEM Community is for students interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. This community fosters personal connections with faculty, staff and peers through intentional academic programming designed to support your success as a student.  

Location: Hutchison Hall

Eligibility: Students who plan to major in STEM

Why Join? 

• Make connections with other students in your major and similar courses  
• Opportunities for career exploration within STEM fields  
• Unique programs and events exclusive to students in the Women in STEM Community
• Intentional interaction with faculty outside of the classroom  

How to Join: 

Students can select interest in the Women in STEM Community on the Living Learning Community interest page of the housing application. 

Courses: Students are registered for the same First-Year Seminar course.

Partnerships: College of Science and Health

Mission: The AERIE (Academy of Excellence, Representation, Involvement, and Engagement) is designed to connect you with the diverse experiences and stories of multicultural communities. Just like an eagle's nest, which is built high and strong, AERIE at UWL—where our mascot is an eagle—symbolizes our dedication to building a strong and supportive community. Our goal is to enhance the first-year experience, ease the campus transition, and engage students from various backgrounds to help them feel a sense of belonging. By joining this community, students will forge lasting friendships and tap into valuable academic and social resources. Members will also have the chance to develop their leadership skills and gain deeper insights into multicultural identities and experiences. AERIE is closely linked with UWL Multicultural Student Services and UWL Residence Life to offer tailored advising support for students eager to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Location: Laux Hall

Eligibility: Open to first-year students who are a student of color or interested in multiculturalism. (Space is limited to 20 participants.)

Why join?

• Receive a housing grant equal to half the cost of a Laux Hall double room. (see rate page for accurate amount)
• Move in one week early to aid in a smooth transition to campus.
• Provide shared experience with taking two common courses.
• Participate in learning activities, events, and trips that are unique to the AERIE LLC members.
• Personalized advising from a staff member in Multicultural Student Services.
• Mentorship and support from upperclassmen.
• Contribute to a community designed to support the success of multicultural students and those interested in multiculturalism.

How to Join: 

Students can select interest in the AERIE LLC on the Living Learning Community interest page of the housing application. 

Courses: Students are required to take the First Year Seminar specific to AERIE LLC (Fall Semester) and RGS 100 (Spring Semester). 

Partnerships: Multicultural Student Services, and Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies 

Mission

The “UWL First! Scholars Program” is designed to assist first generation/low income students to succeed academically through a coordinated system of support, integrating college readiness, financial aid, advising and career development. The program hopes to address the social and economic barriers to higher education for select students who demonstrate intellectual promise and financial need.

Who are they?

UWL First! Scholars are high performing, first generation students who have been hand selected to participate in this scholarship and retention program. First! Scholars have a bright future at UWL and this program helps establish firm roots here.

Benefits to the Scholars

Each cohort of up to 25 first generation students will have the unique opportunity to enroll in this scholarship program. Whereas this program is to benefit the retention of the student, the student receives the most benefit from the program. They are offered a scholarship for the first and second year enrolled. The student will also receive hands on and tailored assistance for a variety of tasks that may come easier for non-first generation students. Through camaraderie, students will develop a sense of belonging, which will assist with their transition to the university. Scholars will also have the opportunity to develop work experience through on-campus internship opportunities.

For more information about applying, please visit the UWL First! Scholars page.