Special Options Communities

Non-Visitation
Students who prefer to limit visitors to their room to guests of the same gender should consider the Non-Visitation community. Here community members agree not to have visitors of the opposite gender in their rooms at any time. This living option is available to men living in selected rooms in Oglesby Hall and women living in one wing of the Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall.

Substance-Free
Residents and Resident Advisors in this community are committed to healthy habits and do not use tobacco products, alcohol, and other drugs (other than prescribed medications) either inside the hall or on campus. This substance-free hall does not change existing University policies that pertain to substances on campus. The Snyder Hall community is renowned throughout the University and local community for its traditions and student involvement including S.T.A.R.S. (Students and Staff Taking Alcohol Responsibilities Seriously) and the annual Dial-A-Carol program.

Transfer Student Cluster
While transfer students can live in any of the undergraduate halls, Illinois has developed communities specifically with them in mind. The Transfer Cluster offers academic and social activities and programs to assist the residents' transition to Illinois.

Living/Learning Communities
In addition to the Special Options communities, the undergraduate halls are home to five Living/Learning communities housing almost 1,500 students: Global Crossroads, LEADS (Leadership Experience through Academic Development and Service), Unit One/Allen Hall, Weston Exploration, and Women in Math, Science, and Engineering (WIMSE). Each community has a particular focus, operates in collaboration with Academic Affairs, and involves faculty members in the community activities.

Living/Learning communities enable residents with shared academic or career interests to take courses together, study in groups, and socialize not just with one another, but with other students, faculty, and staff. These communities offer distinctive programming and academic options including on-site classes with other residents and reserved seats in classes that usually fill quickly. There are also advising and referral services, tutors, and special opportunities to interact with faculty, leaders and scholars from the campus and community.

LEADS (Leadership Experience though Academic Development and Service)
Launched in Fall 2000, this community is open to all undergraduates who wish to explore the University of Illinois leadership philosophy focusing on self-development, communication skills, project and program effectiveness, and group dynamics. Residents participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them assess and improve their leadership skills, including courses, community service projects, and interaction with faculty, campus, and community leaders. Students do not need to hold a formal leadership role in any organization. Participation is encouraged from any student who wishes to be part of an energetic community committed to making a difference.

WIMSE (Women in Math, Science, and Engineering)
WIMSE provides 135 women majoring in mathematics, science, and engineering curricula with activities and programs to enhance their academic and social experiences. The goal is to bring together classroom and residential experiences to build a positive foundation for a future career. WIMSE offers computer labs, tutoring, study groups and opportunities to interact with faculty. Laboratory tours and dinner seminars bring faculty, professionals, and residents together to identify academic resources and opportunities including internships and research positions. RAs in this community must be enrolled in math, science, or engineering majors.

Weston Exploration
The Exploration program is designed to support all Weston students in exploring academic majors and career paths. Career Services, LAS General Curriculum, the Counseling Center, and the Office of Minority Student Affairs have staff on-site to provide individual career counseling, academic advising, workshops, and special programs. There are a variety of courses offered at Weston, a large study space, resource library, and computer lab reserved exclusively for Weston residents.

Unit One/Allen Hall
Allen Hall is characterized by a highly interactive environment that approximates a small, liberal arts college. Unit One's academic activities include: about 50 credit courses each semester; free music instruction; tutoring; advising; and a guest-in-residence program that hosts 6-8 people (1-2 weeks each) who have done something "different" with their lives. Facilities include 24 music practice rooms, and labs for ceramics, photography, video editing, and electronic music. Allen Hall has three Unit One Program advisors who work jointly with RAs to help Unit One/Allen Hall students produce student-centered programming.

Global Crossroads
Initiated in Fall 2000, Global Crossroads is designed for students interested in world events, improving their understanding of global perspectives, improving foreign language skills, or planning a future that includes international work or service. The community features access to international cable television channels, international newspapers, and a computer on the floor. The hall remains open during University breaks (Fall, Winter and Spring). Residents may enroll in special credit courses, receive foreign language tutoring, and have opportunities to interact with faculty from the U.S. and abroad.

Intersections
Our newest LLC, Intersections opened in Fall 2004. Social justice is the focus of this community that formally, through classes, and informally, through living together on a daily basis, encourages authentic dialogue across racial and ethnic lines. This community has Multicultural Advocates assigned to also assist with programming on the floor around this theme.

Site Links:

MA 2005 - 2006 job description (coming soon)

are you eligible? requirements for application

the selection process: 3 phases

need more info? attend an informational session in October 2004

benefits (money & other stuff!)

employment agreement, contract, terms of employment & other important info

training dates to plan for

application & reference forms

the Alternate pool

interested in becoming an RA in Jan 05?

being an RA in a special living option community

special info for candidates studying abroad during '04 '05

info for current RAs, MAs

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