What is a Residential Learning Community?

Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) are a widely used model across housing and residence life departments that strengthen students' residential experiences through themed communities and meaningful engagement with faculty and academic partners, peers, and campus staff. While some institutions tie RLCs to shared academic courses or specific residence hall wings and floors, Seattle University's RLCs are modeled a little differently. Beginning in Fall 2026, we will introduce five thematic, non-credit-bearing RLCs. To keep the experience approachable and fully opt-in, each RLC will be housed across an entire building rather than a designated floor or wing, allowing residents to participate as much as they choose. We are integrating RLCs into our existing housing model to deepen the connection between academics and residential life, a core value of Jesuit education. One of SU's greatest strengths is the opportunity for students to build meaningful relationships with faculty. Creating space for academic engagement within our residence halls helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the live-on experience. To read more about our specific RLCs, visit our Residential Learning Community page.

What kinds of activities and programs take place as part of the RLCs?

RLC activities and programs are varied and depend on an RLC's respective theme. For example, in the Balance and Being RLC, Community Connections (informal social programs) may focus more on collaborations with Wellness and Health Promotion, University Recreation, and partnerships with faculty who have expertise in public health, nursing, medicine, psychology, counseling, and social work. Similarly, for the Catalyst RLC, programming may focus on STEM-related activities and engage in intentional programming with the Albers School of Business. Similarly, the Atlas RLC will have programs centered around exploring different cultures and developing global awareness.

Is there a cost to be in an RLC?

There are no additional fees, beyond the housing and board rates, to participate in the RLC programs and experiences. The goal is for all students to benefit from meaningful interactions with peers, faculty, and staff.

How do I sign up or express interest in an RLC?

You can let us know you're interested when you fill out your housing application on the Seattle U Housing Portal. If you change your mind later, you can update your housing application or submit a room change request through the housing portal.

What if I have a preferred roommate and we have different interests in the RLC?

Talk with your roommate to make sure your housing preferences like room type, community, and RLC match. This gives you the best chance of being placed together in the same space and community. If your RLC preferences don't line up, you'll still be assigned as roommates, but one of you might not get your first-choice RLC.

Do I have to be a part of an RLC?

Our RLCs are completely opt-in experiences, so students are not required to participate in RLC events that a community hosts, although, it is highly recommended and encouraged. Residents may also notice that events in their building are thematic in nature. For example, residents in Campion may notice that their Resident Assistants host events focused on health and holistic wellness and environmental justice or sustainability. This is because Campion Hall houses two RLCs, the Balance and Being RLC and the Cura Terra RLC, respectively.

I wasn't placed in the community/RLC that I preferred on my housing application. Can I still participate in that community's RLC activities and events?

All Redhawks, regardless of their room assignment, are encouraged and invited to participate in any RLC's activities, events, and programs. Therefore, if you are not placed in your referenced RLC, you can still fully participate in the RLC(s) of your choice. Details about upcoming RLC events and programs will be shared on ConnectSU, Seattle University's activities and event platform, and through personal invites from Resident Assistants.

Am I required to attend all RLC programs?

RLC programs are fully opt-in experiences, so no student is required to attend programs or activities that an RLC hosts. However, we have found that students enjoy and benefit from these fun, engaging, community experiences.

My major/area of study is different than my RLC. Does this matter?

While some universities have an RLC model that has linked coursework and an academic component, Seattle University's RLCs are thematic and non-credit-bearing RLCs. Therefore, a student does not need to be enrolled in a specific area of study in order to participate in an RLC that interests them.

I am interested in the Resident Assistant (RA) position; does being a part of an RLC give me a better chance of getting hired?

When Housing and Residence Life runs it's HRL student leader application process, we gauge interest in a candidate's preference to serve as an RLC RA. Therefore, if a candidate is interested in helping facilitate the RLC experience, we encourage them to make that known on their RA application. However, RLC interest is only one of the aspects of a student leader application, and we take several other factors into consideration when hiring and placing RAs in particular roles and communities. If you have any questions about the HRL student leader hiring process, please reach out to the HRL Student Leader Recruitment and Selection Committee at hrl-studentleader@seattleu.edu.

Do I have to be religious or spiritual to be placed in the Pathways of Purpose RLC?

One of the most amazing aspects about Jesuit education is that you don't have to be religious to develop an appreciation for reflection, mindfulness, spirituality, connectedness to all things, and discernment. The Pathways of Purpose RLC will explore Ignatian Spirituality from a non-religious, very approachable place of learning, growth, and development. Therefore, it is not considered a religious RLC. Visit Jesuit Traditions Resources to learn more about Ignatian Spirituality or visit Seattle University's University Ministry webpage.

I am a commuter student. Can I participate in an RLC?

At Seattle University, we believe that residence life is for all Redhawks, even students who do not live on campus. We invite and encourage commuter students to join Housing and Residence Life events, programs, and activities, and also to get involved with the Residence Hall Association (RHA).