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Social Justice Living Learning Community

The Social Justice Living Learning Community (LLC) is for first-year students interested in engaging in conversations around equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as building community through a social justice lens. Scholars in the Social Justice LLC will engage in a shared course and take part in various activities on and off campus. They will also receive direct support and mentorship from staff, faculty and upperclassmen through three student success-driven value areas:

  • Identity exploration and self-awareness
  • Inclusive leadership and relationship building
  • Academic excellence and support networks

Social Justice LLC residents can explore any academic program and come from any major. The community encourages scholars to engage in and learn about social justice in an interdisciplinary manner through projects they collaborate on, monthly discussions, community service and programming designed for their success. The program will provide connections and skills to support students from their first year through graduation. All Living Learning Community members are expected to engage in at least the minimum criteria to reach these goals:

Program Requirements

Social Justice Living Learning Community residents can move into their residence hall early to attend a pre-term orientation and a three-day retreat in partnership with the AFRO Hall Living Learning Community.

Social Justice LLC residents are expected to spend 4-6 hours per week engaged with their LLC in activities, including:

  • Enrollment and active participation in the USTU 10 seminar class
  • Community service totaling at least 10 hours per semester
  • Attendance at weekly community meetings in the multicultural center
  • Active participation in events hosted by the Office of Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs

Social Justice LLC Scholars are also highly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities curated for them to thrive throughout and after their college experience, including:

  • Off-campus trips to cultural venues and experiences (museums, theaters, art shows, etc.) each semester
  • The Inclusive Excellence Symposium hosted by the Office of Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs
  • The Social Justice Spring Retreat
  • Office hours with Lorene Fisher, coordinator for Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs
  • Guest speakers and workshops

Seminar Classes

For first-year students, the USTU 10 seminar is a 1-unit pass/no pass class that meets once a week in the residence hall during the evening. This course is designed to help scholars adapt to their new college environment and to transition effectively into their important roles as college students and community-engaged leaders. Admitted Social Justice Living Learning Community Scholars will be given more information about how to enroll in the class, including a sample course syllabus to get an idea about the coursework and expectations.

How to Apply

First-year students interested in exploring their identity and enhancing their collegiate experience through a social justice lens at UC Merced are encouraged to apply to the Social Justice LLC. Students must complete the online housing application by the deadline. Select Social Justice LLC from the drop-down menu of Living Learning Communities. Once an application has been accepted and processed by the housing office, students will be sent an email to fill out a brief supplemental questionnaire to determine their ability to participate in the Living Learning Community. Once a questionnaire is submitted and reviewed, a student will receive an email indicating if they have been selected to reside and participate in the Social Justice LLC.

For answers to additional questions about the Social Justice LLC, please email Lorene Fisher, coordinator for Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs, at lfisher3@ucmerced.edu with the subject Line “Social Justice LLC Inquiry.”

If you have specific questions regarding housing, including the cost of housing and meal plans, please visit the housing website.