Living Learning Communities

Specialized Living Environments

Living-Learning and Theme Communities (LLTC) are specialized living environments that connect students' inside- and outside-the-classroom experiences. Each LLTC is unique, but all are centered on a distinctive theme or academic interest area. Students who choose to live in an LLTC have a direct connection to their classroom experience, access to intentional events and programs and dedicated staff members who work to make the community a success.

Students who participate in Living-Learning and Theme Communities:

  • Make new friends with similar interests
  • Have higher GPAs
  • Interact with faculty and staff members outside of the classroom
  • Feel more connected to the campus
  • Are more likely to return to campus for a second year

Our Current LLTCs

  • Honors Expand dropdown

    An Honors student on campus

    Location: Downing Hall: Floors 3,4, & 5

    Downing Hall is open to residents enrolled in the Honors College. A variety of Honors College related activities are regularly held in the hall and students will have greater access to professors as well as Honors College staff.

    Honors Community Pillars

    Professional Development

    Students will feel confident moving forward in their academic and professional careers by learning the ins and outs of resume building, interviewing and how to satisfy employer expectations.

    Civic Engagement

    Problem solving and decision making are necessary, useful skills for students to further develop. Students will be provided with ample opportunities to learn how to be active participants in various facets of their education and community.

    Scholarship and Research

    The Honors Community joins students in their pursuit for knowledge by offering enriching courses, dedicated professors, engaging research opportunities and the chance to find solutions to real-world problems.

    Community

    Our campus community plays an important and influential role in academic success. Giving back to this community and the greater Ypsilanti area provides students with opportunities to learn about the local environment.

  • SPECTRUM Expand dropdown

    Students in front of the Student Center

    Location:  Walton Hall: Floor 5 (Fall 2024)

    This community is for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning or any other sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Allies and friends are also invited to live in this community. Students will work to create a supportive and inclusive community that encourages academic and personal growth. Residents can expect programming that explores gender and sexual identities and will be tied into campus departments like the LGBT Resource Center.

    SPECTRUM Community Pillars

    Identity

    The process in which we define our individual and group membership within multiple social identities as an LGBTQA person.

    Advocacy

    Actions that support, defend and foster inclusion and equality for all.

    Visibility

    An effort to increase awareness and knowledge of the LGBTQA community at Eastern Michigan University.

    Inclusion

    An inclusive environment enables students to benefit from education by being actively engaged, creating a safe environment and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere where diversity is celebrated.

  • Brotherhood Scholars Expand dropdown

    A student making a speech

    Location: Sellers: Floor 5 (Fall 2024)

    The Brotherhood Scholars Program is a first-year student experience designed to increase retention and graduation rates for students identifying as Men of Color. The program is housed within the Academic Success Partnerships (ASP) office, which is a department committed to creating an inclusive campus environment for all students and providing them with necessary tools and resources to be successful in work, school, and life.

    Through collaborative university partnerships, the Brotherhood Scholars program guides students in their transition to college by providing an extended orientation, a residential community, designated courses, mentorship and workshops. Dedicated staff facilitate programming centered around three key developmental areas: academic, human and socio-cultural. Students are connected to staff, faculty, alumni and community members in order to provide them with a network of support throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.

    Brotherhood Scholars Community Pillars

    Professional Development and Leadership

    Students will participate in professional development programming to strengthen their existing skills and enhance their ability to persist in college and their professional careers. Program topics consists of: time management, organization, resume writing, financial literacy, applying for jobs and interview preparation. Students will also be equipped with knowledge, skills and attitudes to build awareness of themselves and the world in which we reside to develop their capacity to be leaders during their tenure on campus and beyond.

    Academic Success

    Academic success is crucial to students’ college completion. Students will learn about the culture of academics at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) through interactions with faculty and staff members and exposure to on-campus resources that are available to aid in their academic achievement.

    Health and Wellness

    Students will learn strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance to improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being while managing academic requirements and extracurricular activities.

    Community Involvement

    Respect and reciprocity are essential to the cornerstone of society. Students will engage with the community in which they reside and gain important life lessons to enhance their college experience. Students will learn how to be active participants in various facets of their community, both on and off campus.

    How Can You Apply?

    Further information about the community, eligibility requirements, community standards, and application information can be found by visiting the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Scholars webpage. Please note that you must be accepted to the program in order to live in the Brotherhood community.

  • Sisterhood Scholars Expand dropdown

    Students hanging out on campus

    Location:  Sellers: Floor 5 (Fall 2024)

    The Sisterhood Scholars Program is a first-year student experience designed to increase retention and graduation rates for students identifying as Women of Color. The Sisterhood Scholars program is housed within the Academic Success Partnerships (ASP) office, which is a department committed to creating an inclusive campus environment for all students and providing them with necessary tools and resources to be successful in work, school, and life.

    Through collaborative university partnerships, the Sisterhood Scholars program guides students in their transition to college by providing an extended orientation, a residential community, designated courses, mentorship and workshops. Dedicated staff facilitate programming centered around three key developmental areas: academic, human and socio-cultural. Students are connected to staff, faculty, alumni and community members in order to provide them with a network of support throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.

    Sisterhood Scholars Community Pillars

    Professional Development and Leadership

    Students will participate in professional development programming to strengthen their existing skills and enhance their ability to persist in college and their professional careers. Program topics consists of: time management, organization, resume writing, financial literacy, applying for jobs and interview preparation. Students will also be equipped with knowledge, skills and attitudes to build awareness of themselves and the world in which we reside to develop their capacity to be leaders during their tenure on campus and beyond.

    Academic Success

    Academic success is crucial to students’ college completion. Students will learn about the culture of academics at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) through interactions with faculty and staff members and exposure to on-campus resources that are available to aid in their academic achievement.

    Health and Wellness

    Students will learn strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance to improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being while managing academic requirements and extracurricular activities.

    Community Involvement

    Respect and reciprocity are essential to the cornerstone of society. Students will engage with the community in which they reside and gain important life lessons to enhance their college experience. Students will learn how to be active participants in various facets of their community, both on and off campus.

    How Can You Apply?

    Further information about the community, eligibility requirements, community standards, and application information can be found by visiting the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Scholars webpage. Please note that you must be accepted to the program in order to live in the Sisterhood community.

  • TRIO/SSS Expand dropdown

    A student in a classroom

    Location:Wise Hall: Floor 2 (Fall 2024)

    Eastern Michigan University’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements and motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education.

    The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

    As part of EMU's TRIO SSS Program, students have access to unique scholarship opportunities and additional support. They are also able to participate in tailored cultural activities to help them acclimate to the university and develop strong relationships with their peers, instructors and advisors.

    TRIO/SSS Program Pillars

    Academic Achievement

    Academic achievement is instrumental to a student’s overall success in college. Students will learn about academics at Eastern Michigan University through interactions with faculty/staff members as well as learn about the on-campus resources offered here at EMU. The resources that students will be exposed to will assist them in their overall success both inside and outside of the classroom.

    Civic Engagement

    Engaging with the community and learning how to give back to those around them is important to a student’s college experience. Students will learn how to be active participants in various facets of their community, both on and off campus.

    Healthy Relationships and Community

    Making quality connections with those around them is essential to a student’s success in college. Students will learn how to communicate effectively, solve conflict, as well as build meaningful relationships with those around them.

    Personal and Professional Development

    Programming related to professional and personal development will give students the skills to not only succeed in college, but beyond the university. Skills such as resume writing, financial literacy, how and where to apply for jobs and interviewing, as well as setting personal, professional and financial goals. The skills learned will ensure that students are prepared for life beyond college.

    For More Information

    TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program
    Eastern Michigan University
    902 Hoyt Hall
    Ypsilanti, MI 48197

    [email protected] | 734.487.4887
    TRIO SSS emich website