Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I sign up to live in a Residential Learning Community?

One of the best predictors of success in college is how involved you are and how much you feel a part of the campus community. The Office of Housing and Residence Life offers eighteen exciting living options called Living/Learning Communities. Each community is unique in design, programs, and population; but all offer opportunities to connect with other students, become involved in campus life, and develop skills to be a successful student and leader at George Mason University.

What can I expect from a Living/Learning Community?

You can expect to live and learn in an active and involved community of students who share similar interests, majors, and values, while still maintaining a high level of diversity among hall residents. You can also expect to develop strong relationships with other residents in your community, as well as University faculty and staff members. Several of our LLCs are linked to a specific course or set of courses. Successful participation and completion of those courses are required in those communities.

What kind of student signs up to live in a Living/Learning Community?

Students who have been very involved in clubs and organizations in high school, students who want to get involved at Mason, students who want to seek leadership positions on campus, students who are serious about their academic progress, and students who want to get to know other students all describe the kinds of students who live in our Living/Learning Communities. “Alumni” of our LLC programs can be found in Student Government leadership positions, in the “Gunston” costume at basketball games, in Resident Advisor positions, on Homecoming staff and Program Board, in various study abroad programs, in internships at large corporations and in Washington, DC, serving as Teaching Assistants for faculty members…just to name a few!

Am I required to attend the programs or take the classes offered in the Residential Learning Communities?

It is an expectation that if you commit to living in one of the Living/Learning communities that you are an active participant and community member. Attendance and completion of a course are required in our LLCs that have linked classes. For LLCs without linked classes, there is no mandate for program attendance. However, the more you do participate in the programs and activities, the more you will gain from your experience. Mason’s Living Learning Communities are designed to create an out-of-class learning experience that supports in-class curriculum and help establish a network of peers with similar academic interests. LLC participants live on the floor together, take course(s) together, get involved in out of the classroom experiences such as field trips, dinner with faculty, and study sessions. All are designed in conjunction with the class assignments in your LLC course(s).

How do I apply to live in one of these Residential Learning Communities?

· Upon successful admission to Mason, submit your $300 non-refundable housing deposit. Your deposit must be received by May 1 for guaranteed housing.

· Complete your online housing application. Your online application must also be received by May 1 for guaranteed housing.

· Select your preferred Living Learning Community (LLC) and rank your preferences. NOTE: Your LLC preference will take precedence over your roommate request (see below). Preferences may be changed up until July 11^th, 2008 at 4 PM.

· Apply to your program if you are interested in a LLC that requires a separate application: School of Management and University 100.

· Attend Summer Orientation & register for the required LLC course(s). If you are not sure what courses to select, a program advisor/faculty member will be able to help you at orientation. An email will be sent to applicants confirming course registration and participation in the LLC. Any applicant who does not enroll in the required linked course(s) by 4 PM on July 11, 2008 will be moved to the general housing process and will not be placed in a LLC.

· Complete the LLC Agreement & your Residence Hall Housing and Dining Service Agreement after you receive your Room Assignment in mid-August. A link to the Agreement will be provided.

What is your policy for requesting a roommate when living on a LLC?

Due to the limited space on the LLC floors, all roommates must participate in the academic program linked to the LLC. If your requested roommate does not want to participate in the program or the required academic courses related to the LLC, than she/he will not be eligible to live in the room with you.

What is the LLC Agreement?

The LLC Agreement stipulates that all students who select a LLC will register and take the linked LLC course(s) and participate in LLC activities and events. Failure to complete connected course while residing on the LLC floor may result in change of room assignment from the LLC floor. LLC participants will have signed the housing License Agreement in addition to the LLC Agreement

Where can I get more information about these exciting opportunities?

For more information about these Residential Living/Learning Communities, contact Keith Meadows, Assistant Director for Residential Education at kmeadows@gmu.edu or 703-993-2720, or check out more of this website!