Living Learning Communities
Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) and Themed Living Communities (TLCs) provide an easier way for students to transition academically and socially into the Drury’s campus. LLCs are organized around themes and coincide with an academic class. All LLC themes will be the same theme of your FUSE 101 course. Students who are accepted into an LLC will attend class together and live on the same wing in their Residence Hall.
Themed Living Communities
Themed Living Communities (TLCs) are not linked to an academic class but will offer specialized programming throughout the first year. Students will have the opportunity to live on the same wing with a cohort of students with similar interests and participate in theme-based. Students in the TLCs will be required to meet with a staff advisor monthly and will be encouraged to participate in campus activities related to their theme. As a result, LLC and TLC students quickly form social bonds with their peers and instructors, have a like-minded support group and access to staff and faculty mentors. LLCs and TLCs bridge the gap between in-class and out-of-class learning.
What are the Benefits of Joining a Living Learning Community or Themed Living Community?
Nationally recognized research has consistently shown a correlation between social wellness and academic performance. Students who feel comfortable with their peers are more likely to participate in class, have a higher rate of satisfaction with their class and are more likely to get involved in campus life.
LLCs and TLCs exemplify our commitment to creating an intimate learning experience and we wish that we could enroll all students in the program. However, due to size restrictions, LLCs/TLCs participants are selected through an application process and are capped at 15-20 students per section. Students are not selected on a first-come first-selected basis. Drury selects students based solely on the quality of the applications and short essay answers received. Please read below for a list of this year’s LLC/TLC themes and the online application.
**Please note that themes will be offered based on student interest. The lowest ranked theme(s) may not be offered for the 2025-26 academic year.**
Faculty/Staff Mentors
Living Learning Communities encourage strong mentoring relationships between faculty/staff and students, as well as the value of developing communities of shared purpose. Nationally, research has consistently shown benefits of the interaction in Living Learning Communities and Themed Living Communities to include:
We will examine humanity and culture through art, music, theatre, and literature. We will attend art shows, theatre productions, and concerts.
In addition to teaching students about the many unique places you can visit as a future world traveler, this class will give you the skills and confidence to travel throughout your lives as well as the ability to appreciate travel as one of greatest educational experiences in life.
Only those freshmen planning to pursue a career in a health-science field should apply for this Living-Learning Community section. The programs in the following areas must be of interest to students interested in applying:
In Health, Wellbeing, and Happiness in a Modern American Culture, we explore the healthcare professions in American culture. We will examine the practicalities on getting admitted to a professional healthcare school in this day and age, as well as multiple explorations into the core competencies that are held in regard in the healthcare field such as commitment to learning and growth, empathy and compassion, cultural humility, oral communication, and more.
Calling all Fans! Do you love all things sports? From watch parties for the big game, participating in fantasy competitions to participating in intramurals , this TLC is for you! We will collaborate with Campus Rec/Intramurals and our campus Fanthers group to help students engage in campus athletics as a participant or fan!
From the Outside In explores healthy, active living and the love of nature. If you love taking nature walks, hiking, and camping or if you are interested in living a healthy lifestyle this is the place for you. This TLC will focus on exploring the Ozarks and living well. From healthy eating and mental wellness, students will be given resources to create safer coping habits. Residents will have opportunities to partner with Panthers for Prevention, Drury’s student organization that encourages peers to make well-informed decisions regarding their overall health and wellness.
Letters & Lyrics is for all the bookworms and music enthusiast! From Harry Potter to Zach Bryan, if you love the power of literature and songs, this is the TLC for you! Participants will have the opportunity to join student organizations that focus on creative writing, theatre or music. Students can take advantage of the active music scene around Springfield or start their own book club.
Board game lovers, computer gamers, LARPers, and X-Boxers are invited to live together in Sunderland in the Game Domain theme community. Enjoy game board nights and get active hunting for Squirtle or cosplaying on Sunderland Field. Residents will also have the opportunity to team up with Drury’s Esports varsity team and the Esports club to share gaming with area children. Live in the Game Domain TLC, and never be short a player for Betrayal at House on the Hill.
The Exploring Majors TLC is for students who are still exploring majors, minors, or certificates. Partnering with the Career Planning office, students will explore various career paths through personality assessments, campus events, and hands-on experience. The goal of the TLC is to assist students in finding programs that align with their skills and interests.
Are you the first in your family to attend a four year university? If so , let us celebrate this accomplishment with you! The Panther’s First TLC is designed to help first generation students navigate their way through the first year of college. Students in this TLC will have access to peer mentors and staff leadership will provide programing to help get students engaged on campus.
First year students in this TLC will live together in a shared residence hall. Students will have the opportunity to participate in cultural connectedness and social justice issues; such as By Stander intervention training, cultural diversity training, and community outings. Students will have the opportunity to get involved with various student organizations such as Allies, Brother 2 Brother, BUIC, International Student Association and Sociedad De Orgullo Latino.
Goals:
How to Apply:
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Stewart, Director of New Student Programs, at jstewart012@drury.edu. You can also review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Some LLC/TLC sections will be in Sunderland Hall. If you are selected to one of the following sections you will have a room in Sunderland Hall:
The following LLC/TLC will be housed in Smith Hall:
No, all students wishing to be in an LLC must apply and submit all requirements by the May 15, 2020 deadline. Placement in an LLC is based on the quality of the application and short essay answers.
The Pre-Health Science LLC does have a major requirement, but this is the only LLC that requires a certain major. See the Pre-Health Science LLC description for more information. Otherwise, students of all majors and minors, especially those who are unsure of their major, are welcome and encouraged to apply to any of the LLC sections.
Yes, but the additional time required is very minimal. Students are asked to participate in programming activities related to their LLC/TLC theme each semester. These activities are based on the theme of the group.
The online application will be available for students in November 2019. Completed applications will be accepted through May 15, 2020.
To be considered for placement in one of the LLC themes all requirements must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020.
Requirements include:
There will be no exceptions to this deadline.
All applicants will be notified by email of either immediate acceptance or if they have been placed on a wait list. Notifications will go out prior to June 1, 2020. The students who are selected to participate in an LLC/TLC will be asked to accept their placement by following the instructions in the email. If acceptance confirmation is not received by the deadline stated, that spot will be offered to a student on the wait list.
There is not an additional cost for the program. However, LLC sections that are housed in Sunderland Hall which is comprised of single rooms, will have a higher housing cost. View the housing prices for the current academic year. We will update the website as soon as the housing prices for 2020-2021 are available.
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Stewart, Director of New Student Programs for more information at jstewart012@drury.edu.
