The University Of Central Arkansas‘ Innovative Living Learning Communities
The University of Central Arkansas’ residential colleges, which began in the 1980s and 90s as a specialized program for first-year honors students, evolved into four residential colleges focused on specific majors for new students. As the only institution in the state to maintain a learning community system, UCA saw a growing interest in the concept. To better support students during the critical transition from high school to college, the university extended the opportunity to all incoming students. Beginning in the fall of 2024, all first-year students were able to join UCA’s Living Learning Communities (LLCs), organized around their residential areas. Additionally, Leslie Graybeal was appointed as the new director of experiential and community-engaged learning, overseeing UCA’s nine LLCs.
Previously known as Residential Colleges, UCA’s learning communities began for honors students but expanded into four residential colleges centered on majors or areas of interest for first-year students. These communities provided a space for students to join like-minded peers in their dorms and offered classes within the students’ living areas, which was an exciting idea for those who enrolled. Faculty members, known as academic directors, also lived in the dorms, fostering a stronger connection between faculty and students. Each residential college offered activities and team-building experiences designed to support students throughout their first year.
For incoming first-year students, there was an application process for those who wanted to live on campus. With only four residential colleges, some students were excluded from their desired communities. However, as interest grew, UCA recognized the need to expand the opportunity to all incoming freshmen, including those commuting to campus. Instead of requiring students to choose a major and apply to a residence hall and community, they were offered an interest area that broadened their educational landscape. As a result, LLCs expanded into nine residential areas. Rather than applying, students could choose their community when signing up for housing, ensuring that all students were included in a community that provided team support, peer connections, real-world learning opportunities tied to classroom learning and service to the broader community. New director Leslie Graybeal believes these elements are integral to inclusion and connection.
Graybeal served as UCA’s director of service learning before transitioning to the role of director of Living Learning Communities. She was well-acquainted with assisting students and faculty in finding opportunities to serve on campus and beyond, so she understood the connections that service could build. She also recognized the importance of creating an environment that kept students engaged and invested in their community. Environment plays a crucial role in development, and this expansion aims to reach all students.
“It’s helpful to understand LLCs as an expansion or iteration of what was previously our residential college model. With our model, we focus on making every student feel included. We also aim to spark students’ interests and intellectual curiosity outside the classroom. It centers on meeting students where they are, including those who live off-campus. We provide all of our first-year students with a home base and a team of people who offer support, programming, information, and help our students feel empowered to achieve their goals,” said Graybeal.
BEARS @ Bear
Bridging Educational and Athletic Resources for Success
In BEARS@Bear, UCA student-athletes from all programs have an opportunity to live and learn together in an environment that promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The programming for BEARS@Bear is designed to work around the practice and training schedules so that student-athletes can take full advantage of the resources to help them explore their interests, develop study skills, learn time management, and develop personally as students and athletes.
*This LLC is available for student-athletes only.
BUILD @ Carmichael
Business, Innovation, and Leadership Development
In BUILD@Carmichael, students live, learn, and experience UCA together, form lasting relationships, and begin their journey toward becoming passionate, informed, ethical leaders who will positively impact their workplaces and communities. Designed for the upcoming generation of community leaders, BUILD@Carmichael offers opportunities to discover your passions, elevate your abilities, and refine your problem-solving skills. Your journey to BUILDing a career in business, technology, innovation, or leadership starts here. BUILD@Carmichael is supported by the College of Business.
EDGE @ Baridon
Exploration, Discovery and Global Engagement
Students in EDGE@Baridon are often beginning their process of self-discovery or are passionate about exploring and engaging in the world around them. EDGE@Baridon will expose students to new ideas, cultures, and experiences, allowing all students to make new discoveries about themselves and awaken as culturally competent global citizens. EDGE@Baridon is supported by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
HPAW @ Conway
Health Promotion and Wellness
Designed to immerse students in an environment that promotes individual and community health and wellness, HPAW@Conway is a place where students focus on overall health and well-being during their college experience. HPAW@Conway students are the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through the support and curriculum built into the learning community, students work alongside faculty and student mentors who share their drive and passion for helping others. With study spaces designed for physical and mental wellness, HPAW@Conway centers on wellness in and outside of the classroom. HPAW@Conway is supported by the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
MCC @ Old Main
Minton Commuter College
Designed to support students living off campus, MCC gives every student a place to call home. Programming for MCC Students revolves around the student’s identity as a commuter and creates spaces and opportunities for our commuter students to feel just as plugged in on campus as their residential peers. MCC allows commuters to engage in the same vibrant living-learning experiences from smaller class sizes to faculty and student mentors dedicated to student growth.
MUSE @ Bernard
\MUSE /‘myüz/ n. a source of inspiration; v. to think profoundly or deeply
In MUSE, the atmosphere is thick with creative energy as students work to bring their imagination to life. MUSE is a place where students collaborate, grow, and learn surrounded by peers who share a passion for the examined life and a sense of creative wonder. Students in MUSE strive to become dynamic and passionate global citizens who understand the value of interdisciplinary connection—how individual scholarly and creative endeavors engage in larger discussions about how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world. MUSE is supported by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
RISE @ Hughes
Residents in Service and Education
With a curriculum focused on education and community service, students in RISE are dedicated to inspiring and serving others. The faculty and student mentors in RISE are dedicated to promoting students’ personal and professional growth. Through service learning and collaborations with experienced teachers and community partners, RISE gives students hands-on experiences that prepare them for a lifetime as leaders. This community is perfect for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others as future educators or in public service. RISE is supported by the College of Education.
STEM @ State
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Connecting science, technology, engineering, and math to modern challenges, STEM launches students into opportunities for undergraduate research and community service. Students live and learn alongside others with shared interests and goals as they create lifelong friendships on their path to graduation. Through hands-on activities, dynamic guest speakers, and engagement with STEM faculty, students are supported while they build a foundation for success. With study rooms, mentors, and peer coaches in the residence hall, STEM equips students with the support network to achieve their dreams of becoming thoughtful and engaged leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is supported by the College of Science and Engineering.
WISH @ Arkansas
Women in Science and Healthcare
Housed in UCA’s only residence hall for women, WISH empowers women to excel in their studies and become leaders and advocates in STEM and healthcare. WISH programming and coursework focuses on equity in STEM-related fields and is open to all STEM and healthcare majors, regardless of gender. WISH provides a welcoming community for students with similar goals as they learn and grow together. With specialized faculty and student mentors in the residence hall, this community is designed to help students meet the challenges of their first year on their journey to become tomorrow’s leaders in healthcare and STEM. WISH is supported by the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.