Living and Learning Communities
What is a Living Learning Community?
A Living Learning Community, or LLC, is a Residential Education initiative designed to support Stevens students' academic, social, and personal needs as they pursue their educational goals. Students living in an LLC can engage in academic experiences with their peers, interact with faculty and staff, and enjoy the benefits of being a part of a diverse community with common scholarly and social interests and identities.
Each living-learning community collaborates with students, faculty, and staff from across campus to engage the student participants in programs and events that enhance their Stevens experience. Students will be a part of a close-knit community that supports academic success, cultivates an inclusive and supportive environment, fosters personal growth and social responsibility, and develops leaders and global citizens during their time at Stevens and beyond.
Stevens’ Living Learning Communities unite students with the same identities, passions, or interests.
The Office of Residential Education is excited to offer 10 living-learning communities to the Stevens residential experience! Our Living Learning Communities for first-year students include The Arts, Service and Leadership, WiMSE (Women in Math, Science, and Engineering), Scholars House (For Pinnacle and Clark Scholars), and 1GS (First Generation Scholars for First Generation College Students). For returning undergraduate students, our Living Learning Communities include The Lore-El Center for Women's Leadership, Clark Scholars, 3 DucksByDesign Communities, Stevens Spotlight, Connect4, and Stevens Chefs.
The Office of Residential Education encourages those who are interested in a Living Learning Community to complete this survey, which will help us identify potential new themes for our Living Learning Communities. Living Learning Communities Survey
EXPLORE LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Stevens’ Living Learning Communities bring together students who share the same passions and interests.
The Lore-El Center for Women's Leadership
Located at 802 Castle Point Terrace, the Lore-El Center for Leadership living-learning community (LLC) provides the opportunity for upperclassmen, female identifying and non-binary students to live together in a supportive residential community. Members of Lore-El benefit from interactions with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges, academically, socially, and professionally. Lore-El offers its residents faculty interaction, academic support, and an inclusive, welcoming community with other students in STEM.
People of all identities are welcome to participate in programs offered by The Lore-El Center for Women's Leadership. Stevens does not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
1GS: First Generation Scholars
Residents share connections as First-year, first-generation college students navigate the academic and social transition to Stevens. The 1GS LLC provides a unique opportunity for first-generation college students to connect on a deeper level with their peers to promote academic success, increase campus involvement, and develop an enhanced sense of belonging.
Residence Hall Location: 6th Floor Jonas Hall
Women in Math, Science, and Engineering
Women in Math, Science, and Engineering (WiMSE) living-learning community allows first-year, female-identifying, and non-binary students to live together in a supportive residential community.
People of all identities are welcome to participate in programs offered by the Women in Math, Science, and Engineering (WiMSE) living-learning community. Stevens does not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Residence Hall Location: 5th Floor Davis Hall
The Arts
Resident students who share interests or skills in the arts (music, dance, visual art, and Design) will share a spirit of creativity and collaboration while forming informal musical groups or organizing efforts to showcase the community's talents.
Residence Hall Location: 2nd Humphreys Hall
Service & Leadership
For residents who are committed and passionate about civic engagement, volunteerism, and social justice. Residents will deepen their understanding of social issues, learn to think critically about leadership and participate in community service projects.
Residence Hall Location: 1st Floor Humphreys Hall
Scholars House
Residents share connections as Pinnacle and Clark Scholars (required). Supporting the goal of the existing program, the Scholars House will continue the traditions of peer mentorship, the cultural passport that allows students to experience vibrant cultural opportunities, and the development of a strong sense of community with their peers.
Residence Hall Location: 4th Floor Jonas Hall
Clark Scholars
The Clark Scholars floor provides community connection and development for those selected as Clark Scholars. It helps continue the program's mission of enhanced learning opportunities for exceptional undergraduate students who are underrepresented in engineering.
Residence Hall Location: 9th Floor South Tower
Ducks by Design
Ducks by Design are student-designed residential communities that allow groups of returning students with a concept for a themed community to propose their idea to create a year-long residential experience in the UCC Residential Towers or 1036 Park Avenue. Ducks by Design are application-based, and proposals will be reviewed by the Office of Residential Education.
Ducks by Design communities can be centered around a shared interest, passion, or identity. Additionally, each Ducks by Design community proposal will include a Faculty Fellow and Staff Liaison chosen by the students to support the goals of their community.
Applications for Ducks by Design communities are available on DuckLink in late Fall, once the housing application opens for returning students.
2024-2025 Ducks By Design
Stevens Spotlight
Stevens Spotlight aims to cultivate a community of artistic and cultural curiosity that highlights the fine arts perspective within a tech campus. In Stevens Spotlight, residents will be inspired to critically review popular entertainment and art mediums in a collaborative culture. Engaging in various fine arts, Stevens Spotlight residents will attend on-campus performances and break into New York City’s rich art scene of art installations and live events.
Residence Hall Location: 5th Floor Harries Tower
Connect4
Connect4 was created as a dynamic environment centered around the theme of gaming, a passion that resonates deeply with many Stevens students. Connect4 engages in diverse gaming experiences — from classic board games, role-playing games, thought-provoking trivia, immersive electronic gaming, outdoor/yard games, and more — connecting to explore the transformative effects that emerge through a collective gaming community.
Residence Hall Location: 5th Floor South Tower
Stevens Chefs
Stevens Chefs is designed to teach residents a valuable life skill: cooking. Whether you're an experienced chef or learning to make ramen, being connected to other people who share a passion for cooking can help you develop your skills. Cooking is an essential skill that college students only sometimes get the chance to create with their busy school and social lives. Students will also connect with other cultures through a variety of cuisines. After graduation, students should be equipped to provide for themselves, including preparing a delicious and nutritious meal.
Residence Hall Location: 1036 Park Avenue
Information for 2025-2026 Ducks By Design Communities
The information below provides an overview for those interested in creating a potential Ducks By Design Community.
What is a Ducks By Design Community?
Ducks By Design are student-designed residential communities that allow groups of returning students with a concept for a themed community to propose their idea to create a year-long residential experience in the UCC Residential Towers or 1036 Park Avenue.
Ducks By Design is application-based, and the Office of Residential Education will review proposals.
Ducks By Design communities can be centered around a shared interest, passion, or identity.
Additionally, each Ducks By Design community proposal will include a Faculty Fellow and Staff Liaison chosen by the students to support their community's goals.
What are the requirements for a Ducks By Design Community?
Each Ducks By Design Community must meet the following criteria for consideration.
A minimum of at least 12 residents.
A dedicated full-time faculty member who will serve as the community's Faculty Fellow.
A dedicated full-time Stevens staff member who will serve as the community's staff partner.
A full academic year commitment. (August 2025-May 2026)
What is the timeline for the Ducks By Design Process
October 1st, 2024- Ducks By Design information is distributed to residents and the Stevens community.
October 9th, 2024- Ducks By Design Information Session on Zoom (Information Session 1 Zoom Link)
November 1st, 2024- Ducks By Design Application opens on DuckLink.
November 13th, 2024- Ducks By Design Information Session on Zoom (Information Session 2 Zoom Link )
December 13th, 2024- Ducks By Design Applications due on DuckLink. This includes both Community Applications and Individual Resident Applications.
January 24th, 2025- Ducks By Design Communities selected by LLC Advisory Committee
January 27th, 2025-Fall 2025 Housing Application opens for those planning to live in a Ducks By Design Community.
February 28th, 2025-Fall 2025 Housing Application Closes.
All students planning to live in a Ducks By Design Community must have completed a full application and submitted a Housing Deposit to live within the community.
February 28th, 2025: The selected communities' Duck By Design Student Coordinators must submit the Ducks By Design student list to Residential Education and Residential & Dining Services.
Late March to Early April 2025: Residents who applied and will be participating in Ducks By Design Communities next year will receive instructions on selecting their room.
How Do I Apply?
Attend one of the two information meetings to learn more and ask questions about Ducks By Design LLCs.
Wednesday, October 9th, 4-5 pm- (Information Session 1 Zoom Link)
Wednesday, November 13th, 4-5 pm (Information Session 2 Zoom Link )
Identify a Community Leader.
This is a student who will oversee organizing the application, help to recruit faculty, staff and be the primary contact for students interested in living in their particular
Complete the formal Ducks By Design Application on DuckLink
Recruit Residents for the Community
Students who wish to live within the specific Ducks By Design Community must complete the 2025-2026 Returning Student Housing Application on StarRez and submit their housing deposit by Friday, February 28th, 2025.
What happens after the Ducks By Design Applications are due?
After all Ducks By Design Applications are submitted, the LLC Advisory Committee will meet to review all applications and select the Ducks By Design Communities for the 2025-2026 academic year.
All applicants who submitted a Ducks By Design proposal will be informed no later than Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, by 5 pm EST.
If your community is selected, you will be given a specific date and time to choose your room on the designated floor of either Harries or South Tower.
If your community is not selected, you will undergo the room selection process at a time designated by the Office of Residential and Dining Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any additional costs to live with Ducks By Design LLC?
No, there are no additional fees to participate in any of Stevens LLCs.
I didn't select an LLC on my Housing Application. Can I still participate?
Yes, of course. If you want to join a Ducks By Design Community, complete the individual LLC Application on DuckLink and identify which proposed community you want to join.
The Ducks By Design Community application was not approved. What happens now?
You can still participate in traditional housing if you have completed the returning student application and submitted the housing deposit by the deadline.
If I have a roommate identified for next year, but they are not interested in living and participating in the Ducks By Design Community, can we still live together?
Unfortunately, no. All of our Ducks By students assigned within the community must participate.
If you still want to live together, you can undergo a traditional housing selection process.
What will happen if we cannot fill the entire floor for our Ducks By Design Community?
Any spaces left open on the floor once Ducks By Design lists are submitted can be selected by any student who has completed the housing application and submitted their deposit.
We encourage all students to utilize the Ducks By Design Application Guide to help with your application.
All questions regarding Ducks By Design or any LLCs can contact Patrick Rosengrant at prosengr@stevens.edu and Mike Zampini at mzampini@stevens.edu