The Leadership and Service Living Learning Community is open to first-year students choosing to commit themselves to exploring and developing their own leadership skills and style, understanding their personal values, and learning how to ethically and effectively engage with and in the local community. Personal engagement on a weekly basis is expected.
The year kicks off with a one-day fall retreat before classes begin. Leadership & Service LLC members are required to enroll in the Leadership specific SPRK course. First-year LLC members will be required to living together in the same residence hall. LLC members will participate in at least 1 sixth grade class campus visit and will also get to experience the Central Valley through Valley Adventure and Service trips.
The Leadership and Service LLC is a partnership between the Community Engagement Center and the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center. The Leadership and Service LLC is also supported by the Office of Residence Education.
Program Requirements for the First-Year Experience
-
Students must apply to be part of the Leadership and Service LLC through the Residence Housing application process.
-
Participants must be first-year students at UC Merced.
-
Students are required to attend a weekly USTU class on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:20 PM.
-
Students are also required to register for the LLC-specific SPARK course focused on leadership. A Spark course is required of all first-year students.
-
Students must schedule a check-in with their LLC advisor at least once a semester.
-
Students must participate in the Leadership and Service LLC retreat in the fall and spring celebration.
-
Participants must commit to community engagement participation in both fall and spring semesters.
-
Students must attend one of three Valley Adventure and Service trips in the spring semester.
-
Participants must be in good academic and student conduct standing throughout the duration of the experience.
-
Only students who have completed the LLC application and signed their housing contract by May 19, 2024 will be considered for the Leadership and Service LLC
Contact
Please direct questions regarding the Leadership and Service LLC to lead@ucmerced.edu and communityservice@ucmerced.edu.
For more information about the LLC please visit the Community Engagement Center and Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center websites.
If you have specific questions regarding housing, including the cost of housing and meal plans, please visit the housing website.
