An LLC is a program where students (1) live together on campus, (2) take part in a shared academic endeavor, (3) use resources in their residence environment designed for them, and (4) engage in structured social activities that also emphasize academics. At Gardner-Webb, we give first-year students the option of joining an LLC connected to their University Life 111 course.
Based on recent national research, students living in an LLC were shown to exhibit higher rates of campus belonging, higher career attitudes, and higher scores in critical thinking. Living-learning communities not only help with the transition to GWU, but set students up for success moving forward. This is a great opportunity to maximize your first year of college.
Belonging fuels success—and Living-Learning Communities are where that belonging begins. Kara Alves, Director of Success Initiatives and First-Year Experience
Belonging fuels success—and Living-Learning Communities are where that belonging begins.
Some of the UNIV 111 classes are affiliated with LLCs that include the following themes: Honors, Faith, and Healthcare Professionals. Essentially, students in those specific sections will live in proximity in their residence hall, take their UNIV 111 class together, and have opportunities to engage in fun supplemental programming to reinforce a seamless in-class and out-of-class experience on campus.
Students interested in joining a Living-Learning Community should complete the LLC application and agree to reside in the designated housing associated with the community to which they are selected. If the student opts to live in a different community, they will opt out of their LLC University 111 class. Secondarily, students that choose to opt out of their LLC University 111 class will be asked to move to a different community.
Questions about being in an LLC can be directed to Kara Alves, Director of Success Initiatives and First-Year Experience, at [email protected].
Our LLC students are definitely collaborating inside and outside of the classroom. They have numerous social gatherings, such as pancake dinners, bible studies, and homework sessions. During class, they get along very well and bring up their shared experiences during activities.” Dr. Wilson Hawkins, Honors LLC Faculty Fellow
Our LLC students are definitely collaborating inside and outside of the classroom. They have numerous social gatherings, such as pancake dinners, bible studies, and homework sessions. During class, they get along very well and bring up their shared experiences during activities.”
Honors Living-Learning Community
Faculty Fellow:
Dr. Wilson Hawkins, Assistant Professor of Physics, Director of the Honors Program
The Honors LLC is a vibrant, fun, and intellectually stimulating environment designed for academically driven students seeking a well-rounded college experience. In this tightly-knit community, participants have the unique opportunity to engage in specialized honors events, lively intellectual discussions, and collaboration on their coursework within their living space. Beyond academics, the Honors LLC also encourages the development of leadership skills, community service, and a strong sense of social responsibility. This community is the ideal space for students who are eager to challenge themselves, both academically and personally, and to make the most of their collegiate journey.
Faith Living-Learning Community
Dr. Paula Qualls, Professor of Religious Studies
The Faith LLC is a nurturing and spiritually enriching program that welcomes students who wish to explore and deepen their faith journeys while pursuing their academic goals. This community provides a supportive space where residents can engage in open dialogues, share their beliefs, and participate in meaningful discussions about spirituality. Students learn how a Christian faith can animate their entire college experience, and connect with peers through prayer groups, worship events, and community service projects that align with faith-based principles. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your faith, engage in interfaith dialogue, or simply find a welcoming community that aligns with your values, the Faith LLC offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere for personal growth and the exploration of faith in the context of higher education.
Healthcare Professionals Living-Learning Community
The Healthcare Professionals Living-Learning Community connects students who are passionate about making a difference in the healthcare field while building a strong academic and professional foundation during their first year. This community brings together students interested in majors such as nursing, biology, chemistry, pre-physical therapy, and other health-related professions to live and learn alongside peers who share similar goals of serving others through healthcare. Through these shared experiences and faculty mentorship, students build a community of support while gaining early insight into the knowledge, empathy, and dedication required to succeed in healthcare professions.
