Group of Students Interacting Inside the Residence Halls

Living Learning Communities

Get to know students who share your interests and find your community by joining a Living Learning Community in the residence halls.

Your Home, Your Community

If you are interested in living with students who share your interests or academic goals, a Living Learning Community (LLC) may be the right fit for you. University Housing has set aside residence hall floors for Living Learning Communities, which are dedicated to bringing students together and offering specialized programming that helps you connect with your community and make the most of your on-campus living experience. 


Explore Living Learning Communities

USD offers five Living Learning Communities. Explore your options, and if you are interested in joining a Living Learning Community, be sure to indicate your preference on the Housing Application.
The ROTC logo.

The Honors Program is home to the most engaged, curious and motivated students on USD’s campus. Our students are overwhelmingly successful at achieving full, varied, enriching college experiences, and the best way to jump start those experiences is by living in the Honors Living Learning Community during your first year. Students living on the Honors floor can expect to enjoy competitive trivia nights, participate in a first-year common read and work with an honors advisor to enroll in common courses during your first year. For years, seniors have cited the Honors floor as the place where they met their best friends during their freshman year. In fact, the biggest complaint the Honors Program hears is from students who regret not living in the Honors LLC.

The Honors LLC is located in the North Complex and placement is based upon acceptance into the Honors Program. For more information on the Honors Program or its Living Learning Community, please contact honors@usd.edu.

The Wiyuskinyan Unpi Tipi logo.

The Wiyuskinyan Unpi Tipi – which translates from Lakota to “they are living contently” – is a community dedicated to Native American or Indigenous students and/or Native American studies majors and minors. The community is designed to provide students with a supportive community that centers Native American/Indigenous perspectives, cultures and histories. In this Living Learning Community, you'll have the opportunity to participate in cultural and traditional workshops focusing on important conversations about cultural preservation, tribal sovereignty, language revitalization and the betterment of Native nations.

The Wiyuskinyan Unpi Tipi is located in North Complex. For more information, please contact Native Student Services at NSS@usd.edu.

The Global Leadership logo.

The Global Leadership (GL) Living Learning Community emphasizes the skills you need to thrive in workspaces that feature global connections.

Expose yourself to other cultures and world views. Learn to embrace input from people whose background or experience differs from your own. Increase your agility by discovering multiple approaches to connect meaningfully. In this LLC, you will gain friendships and develop perspectives and competencies that will prepare you to lead teams in virtually any field: health care, education, business and public service, to name a few. The International Office is a proud sponsor of the Global Leadership LLC. We welcome all applicants who would like to be a part of a great community focused on leadership development, globalization and cultural differences.

The Global Leadership LLC is located in the North Complex. For more information on the Living Learning Community, please contact the International Office at ISSO@usd.edu

Living Learning community leaders of social change logo.

The Leaders of Social Change Living Learning Community (LSC-LLC) provides students an opportunity to build community with one another around global issues of shared importance while also offering a sense of belonging on campus and in the greater community. This community will provide a space to explore individual and collective civic pathways and chart a path for social action and change. You will find a space that encourages student leaders to examine how service, civic engagement, social justice, and community empowerment impact peace and equity. With other students in the LSC-LLC, you will have opportunities to participate in community-based service projects, social events, and discussions with community guests. Form close relationships with members of your floor as you enjoy activities, learning, and a passion for making an impact.

All students, regardless of major, are invited to participate in this community. The inclusion of different perspectives and backgrounds makes this community stronger. Questions about the program can be directed the Office of Service Learning, home to the community.

Living Learning community sustainability logo.

The Sustainability Living Learning Community is for students of any major who are interested in solving environmental, social, and economic challenges. Students living on this floor get to know each other through activities related to sustainability and efforts that make a difference. Our kitchen is the first place on campus with food scrap collection for composting. We hope to continue leading positive change - join us!

We encourage students in this Living Learning Community to register for one or more sustainability courses (many satisfy graduation requirements for any major).

For more information, please email Anna.Moore@usd.edu.


Two Females Reading a Magazine Inside Dorm Room

Ready to Join Your Community?

Take the next step by applying for housing. You'll have an opportunity to indicate your interest in a Living Learning Community on the housing application.

 

Apply for Housing

Meet Your Housing Team

We have a friendly team committed to fostering a safe, enriching and fun environment in University Housing. Reach out to your admissions counselor or our staff if you have any questions about living on campus. 
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tristan Beck

Tristan Beck

Housing Director
Bio Image for Faculty Member Gretchen Birong

Gretchen Birong

Housing Assistant Director
Bio Image for Faculty Member Abigail Greiner

Abigail Greiner

Residence Hall Director
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chrystal Kiertzner

Chrystal Kiertzner

Program Assistant II
Bio Image for Faculty Member Claire Lorenzen

Claire Lorenzen

Senior Administrative Assistant
Bio Image for Faculty Member Samantha Mount

Samantha Mount

Housing Occupancy Coordinator
Bio Image for Faculty Member Teri McCoy

Teri McCoy

Residence Hall Administrative Assistant in Housing
Bio Image for Faculty Member Emma Welter

Emma Welter

Residence Hall Director