It’s common to feel unsure where to connect when you first step onto a college campus. At University of the Pacific, your residence hall is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a place for connection, involvement and personal growth. Pacific’s Living Learning Community (LLC) program is designed to nurture your academic and self-improvement.
“The intention behind a living learning community is to give all incoming first-year and transfer students a coordinated connection to the university, independent of their major,” says Associate Director for Housing Administration Charlotte Stackpole. “Being able to join an LLC gives students a way to find their passions and find other like-minded individuals outside the classroom.”
In these communities you’ll live and collaborate with fellow students, get involved with student organizations and campus partners and discover activities that enrich your college journey. Each community reflects a Pacific core value that shapes its culture, events and learning focus. Here’s a look at what makes each community unique.
Joining a community
Sign up for an LLC by selecting your top three LLCs when filling out your housing application. First-year housing is divided between Grace Covell Hall and some of The Quad communities. Some buildings are assigned specifically, for example John Ballantyne, which is home to the First-Year Honors program, a subset of the Scholars LLC, while other buildings are utilized based on the number of students interested in a particular LLC. Students within a Living Learning Community live together on the same floor or wing, so there are plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow community members. If you have questions, reach out to Residential Life and Housing (iamhome@pacific.edu) for more information.
Scholars community
Core value: Academic excellence
This academically driven community at John Ballantyne Hall supports students focused on research, special projects and other opportunities that showcase their dedication to learning. While anyone may apply, this community is best for you if you’re in an accelerated pre-health program or if you’ve been accepted into the First-Year Honors or Powell Scholars program. If you’re a pre-pharmacy major, you can also expect to feel at home in the LLC because it will provide social and study support during the rigorous program.
Unity community
Core value: Community engagement
The goal of this LLC is to guide you to become an active member of your larger community by encouraging volunteerism and other real-world opportunities. Members of this group often participate in Pacific’s volunteer center, where they can join initiatives in Stockton and San Joaquin County. If you’re enrolled in the College Corps program or if you’re interested in sustainability initiatives and volunteer opportunities, this is a community where you’ll likely feel comfortable.
MOSAIC community
Core value: Diversity and inclusion
Pacific embraces the diversity of its student body. The MOSAIC (Multicultural, Outreach, Support, Advocacy, Inclusion and Community) LLC offers a welcoming space to connect, learn and grow alongside students from all backgrounds. Open to all students, this community is suited for those passionate about multicultural engagement. It is supported in collaboration with Pacific’s Center for Identity and Inclusion.
“It’s three floors, the first one is gender inclusive, the second is men’s and the third is women’s,” says Asteroid Toles, a MOSAIC resident assistant (RA). “I think even for people outside the LGBTQ community, knowing that they were in a community with diverse backgrounds, made them a lot more understanding and accepting of their floor mates.”
Growth community
Core value: Integrity and accountability
The Growth LLC helps you reflect on your values and discover lifelong learning opportunities that support your success. This community focuses on wellness, sportsmanship and building a strong personal foundation at Pacific. This community is open to anyone but is especially meaningful if you’re focused on a path toward self-improvement and accountability.
Leadership community
Core value: Respect and civility
Looking to become a leader? The Leadership LLC supports your journey toward becoming a thoughtful and engaged leader within your community. There are opportunities to build confidence, collaborate with others and practice real-world leadership. Any student can apply, but this community is designed especially for those interested in collaborative leadership experiences, whether in esports, campus recreation, student government or other student-led organizations.
Transitions community
Core value: Student-centered
No matter your background, whether you’re a transfer student, veteran or commuting from home, the Transitions community helps you feel connected from day one. Feeling active and involved in the campus community is one of the most important aspects of a university experience. The Transitions community is committed to involving you, no matter your background in life, including age, veteran status or living situation.
Community activities
Life at an LLC is driven by fun activities and collaboration with your fellow students and student groups on campus. RAs hold social and academic events every month. Toles, for example, organized slideshow nights, aromatherapy events and anime watch parties. RAs are planning more events around volunteering and academic counseling, so students can work through obstacles in their studies together.