Affinity Based Living-Learning Communities

Affinity based LLCs are cohort communities providing opportunities to connect with peers who share one or more identities or interests.  The programs offered are optional and aim to support the unique needs of each cohort, asking students to work together to create an inclusive environment rather that asking for a significant time commitment. In some communities, a course or mentorship program is available if desired. 

Kuumba House | Umoja House | Lavender House | Sensory Retreat | Transfer Student Experience | International Student Housing | Substance Free Housing | STEM | Arts & Wellness | Digital Arts and Gaming | First Generation Student Experience

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Quick Facts

• Affinity Communities are housing options for students based on shared identities or interests
• **There are a diversity of identities in each cohort community (e.g., "I am a transfer student AND black AND trans"); you can indicate your interest in your intersectional identities in your housing application and are able to explore all your identities in any of the communities in which you live
• Students in cohort communities take an active role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for each other.
• Some communities have specialized spaces, indicated below
• Optional courses allow students to further explore their identities to become a leader in their cohort and on campus 

First Generation Student Experience

• A first-generation college student is defined by the federal government as a student who has not resided with or received primary support from a parent who has received a BA degree or equivalent.
• First-time, first-year students who identify as "first generation" who are looking to live with other first generation college students and receive support
• Specialized programming and staff support exist in this community

International Student Housing

• For international students (degree-seeking and exchange) of all years interested in living with other international students who are new to the United States and western NY
• Also open to domestic students passionate about welcoming international students
• Supported by a specialty RA position, the Resident Assistant for International Student Engagement (RAISE)
• Support and connections with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Kuumba House/Umoja House

• Kuumba (for first year students) and Umoja for (upper level students) House are named for the principles of Kwanzaa meaning "Creativity" and "Unity"
• Part of our "linked living-learning community" buildings, which allows cross-programming and access to unique facilities 
• These communities are built of students of diverse backgrounds who come together to celebrate their identities while nurturing their leadership skills, providing a space for students to minimize code switching and the emotional labor for each other
• Supported by special peer mentorship positions of returning students who help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for new students

Lavender House

• Named by students in Fall 2022, Lavender House is a community of LGBTQIAA students and their allies.
• Optional Course: XLRN 150 - Foundations in Social Identity OR XLRN 250 - Intergroup Dialogue (fall and/or spring semesters)
• Available as a first year community and an upper level community

Sensory Retreat

• Recognizing that every person has different sensory needs, this community offers different spaces to support those individualized needs
• Residents can request to bring their own furniture (with fire marshal approval) or to borrow blackout curtains or campus canopies from Residence Life
• Residents would have priority access to two quiet, sensory rooms in the basement and input on what physical changes should be made the common areas for their success

Substance Free Housing

• Students living in this community agree to refrain from alcohol and drug use in the living space.
• Residents have access to individualized resources based on their needs and interest in choosing this space

Transfer Student Experience

• For new and returning students who transferred to Geneseo interested in living with other transfer students
• New transfer students will be enrolled in EXPL 201 - Exploring Geneseo Seminar (transfer students)

STEM

• Formerly Medical Interest Group LLC, the  STEM LLC looks to connect more students in STEM fields to support collaboration, wellbeing, and equity in STEM
• Lounges provide wellbeing-focused study spaces, encouraging healthy habits in these demanding fields
• Specific attention in providing resources for underrepresented groups in STEM majors
• In-hall tutors host hours in the lounges
• For all majors and years
• Part of our "linked living-learning community" building, which allows cross-programming and access to unique facilities

Digital Arts and Gaming

• For students interested in building community, wellbeing, and entrepreneurial skills around digital arts (graphic design, photography, videography, etc.) and video gaming.
• Renovated lounge spaces to allow students to build community and practice skills in gaming, graphic design, and technology
• Part of our "linked living-learning community" building, which allows cross-programming and access to unique facilities

Arts and Wellness

• Students explore the 8 dimensions of personal wellbeing through visual, performing, and musical arts/theater
• Renovated lounge spaces offer a painting studio, paper craft room, and wellness-focused study areas
• Part of our "linked living-learning community" building, which allows cross-programming and access to unique facilities
• Open to students of all years and all majors

Visit the Standard LLC Page

Visit the Living-Learning Community Page for a list of all LLCs