The Living-Learning Communities are designated residential environments intentionally focused on fostering student learning and a stronger connection with the campus community. Our living-learning communities each have a unique experience for first-year residential students to engage with dedicated faculty and staff early on in their academic careers. Prospective first-year students can choose to live in these communities by submitting their interest on the housing application.
First-Year Wellness
The First-Year Wellness Community will promote activities that enable students to commit to their own health and wellness. Most community members will participate in a wellness-themed first-year experience course. Through participation in academic activities and residential curriculum events, residents will learn about health and wellness-related resources and practices to personally develop their own physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. First-Year Wellness is housed in the same residence hall as the Living Well community. Advisers: Gina Firth, Abby McElligott, and Ronda Sturgill, Ph.D. Residence Life contact: Lincoln Cutler, Area Coordinator
Honors Program
Created for students enrolled in the Honors Program, this community is designed to provide an academically stimulating and enriching environment. Students on these floors have access to exclusive events and special programs that enhance academics, build community and promote engagement. Past events have included coffee conversations with famous authors, book talks with award-winning scientists, beginning and end-of-year socials, trivia nights, sand volleyball games and much more. Applicants must be current members of the Honors Program and maintain that membership to live in McKay. Advisers: Vanessa Rukholm, Ph.D., and Kacy Tillman, Ph.D. Residence Life contact: Zaria Clemons, Area Coordinator.
Living Well
The Living Well Community is an opportunity for students who prefer to live in a community where the effects of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs are minimized. While all residence halls are drug-free and alcohol is prohibited for those under 21, members of this community are committed to their own health and wellness by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco and drug use. They also agree to take responsibility for their guests and assist in holding each other accountable. Through participation in academic activities and residential curriculum events, residents will learn about wellness-related resources and practices. Living Well is housed in the same residence hall as the First-Year Wellness community. Adviser: Abby Pertkiewicz. Residence Life contact: Lincoln Cutler, Area Coordinator
New students can apply by checking one of these options on the housing application. For more information on living-learning communities, please contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@ut.edu or (813) 253-6239.
