Residential Learning Communities

WHAT ARE RESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (RLC)?

A Residential Learning Community (RLC) is an exciting way for first-year students to merge their academic priorities with their personal and social goals. You join a RLC based on your major or a particular focus area and live among other students with similar interests and degree plans. As part of the emphasis on community, residents share common classes and have access to other academic services and programming provided exclusively for RLC members. In addition, your first-year student success course will be co-taught by a faculty member and an upper-class student known as a Peer Academic Leader. The RLC program enhances your academic and social success by creating partnerships and study groups with other students in your major starting from your first day at UTA.

WHY JOIN A RLC?

RLCs are designed to enrich the residential experience for students and connect academic and extracurricular involvement.  Students in RLCs enjoy:
• Reserved seats in important core classes
• Participate in at least two common courses with your fellow RLC members
• First year student success class focused specifically on being successful in your major
• Connections with faculty members outside of the classroom
• Enhanced program and academic opportunities exclusively for RLC students
• Students live in the same designated area of a residence hall designed specifically for RLCs
• Valuable personal experiences and advice from the Peer Academic Leader, an upper-class student mentor that also lives in the residence hall
• Historically RLC students have been more successful in their other courses
 

AVAILABLE RESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The Architecture RLC provides students an opportunity to explore what it means to be a CAPPA student and build their professional knowledge and skills to enhance their performance as architecture students. 

Location: West Hall
Partnership: College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs
Required Classes: UNIV-AR 1131 & ARCH 1341
Academic Interest: Architecture & Interior Design, & Sustainable Urban Design
 
Joining the Art & Design RLC provides students an opportunity to explore academic and career options within the field of art, connect with fellow artists and visual designers, and engage with the thriving art community at UTA and in the broader DFW metroplex. 

Location: West Hall
Partnership: College of Liberal Arts - Department of Art and Art History
Required Classes: ART 1300 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Art, Studio Art (any concentration), Art Education

Joining the Business RLC allows students to get a head start in the College of Business through the Goolsby Leadership Academy, connecting with fellow business students, participating in problem-solving activities in a business environment, and rapidly meeting the admission requirements of the College of Business. 

Location: Arlington Hall
Partnership: College of Business
Required Classes: UNIV-BU 1131 & MANA 1301
Academic Interest: Business (any program)

The Engineering RLC assists students in exploring their interests within the various engineering disciplines and helps students explore career opportunities and emerging technologies. 

Location: West Hall 
Partnership: College of Engineering
Required Classes: UNIV-EN 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Engineering (any program)
The Exploratory Studies RLC is a vibrant community of first-year students who share an interest in exploring their options to find a major that fits their interests, strengths, and career goals. 

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: Division of Student Success
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Any

The Global RLC brings together domestic and international students to explore and celebrate people and cultures around the world. 

Location: West Hall
Partnership: Office of International Education 
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Any


The Honors College RLC provides students with a community of peers to gain the most from their academic experience. Students in the Honors College RLC are immersed in a collaborative, intellectual, and close-knit social community with a focus on academic enrichment and excellence.

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: Honors College
Required Classes: UNIV-HN 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Any, must be admitted to the Honors College
The purpose of the LGBTQ+ RLC is to provide inclusive housing, while introducing students to UTA and assisting them in becoming engaged in the campus community. This experience can provide personal success in your academic experience, while providing a support system along the way. 

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: LGBTQ+ Program
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & WOMS 2315
Academic Interest: Any
 
The Men of Distinction RLC focuses on the retention and success of Black and Latino Males at UTA. Joining this RLC will allow students to gain a community of brothers and mentors who will provide them with a variety of experiences to enhance their personal, academic, and professional success. Members are expected to actively participate in MOD’s programming and weekly meetings on Fridays. Contact multicultural_affairs@uta.edu for more information.

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: Office of Cultural Engagement & Social Change
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Any
 
The Nursing RLC allows students to network with professional nurses, develop a professional portfolio, and experience expedited advising and registration. Students benefit from increased engagement with faculty and exploration of the variety of focus areas available within the nursing profession.

Location: Arlington Hall & KC Hall
Partnership: College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Required Classes: UNIV-NU 1131 & BIOL 1345
Academic Interest: Nursing
 
The Science & Pre-Med RLC provides a tailored academic experience by uniting students with similar academic interests. This experience will enhance the skills they need to innovate, learn, and discover various fields in science, centered around development in the health professions.

Location: KC Hall
Partnership: College of Science
Required Classes: UNIV-SC 1131 & BIOL 1441
Academic Interest: Biology, including pre-med, pre-pharm, pre-dental, or pre-vet
The Terry Scholars RLC provides a unique academic experience by uniting recipients of the Terry Foundation Scholarship Program. This community is made up of individuals who demonstrate leadership and academic achievement. Contact terryscholars@uta.edu for more information.

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: Terry Scholars Program
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312 
Academic Interest: Any, must be awarded the Terry Scholars Foundation Scholarship

The TLS RLC offers a specialized student experience by uniting recipients of the Texas Leadership Scholarship with a focus on developing leadership skills and elevating academic achievement. Contact leadership@uta.edu for more information.

Location: KC Hall
Partnership: Follett Student Leadership Center
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312
Academic Interest: Any, must be awarded the Texas Leadership Scholars Program Scholarship


The Women in Leadership RLC focuses on the retention and success of women at UTA. WIL members have amazing opportunities for mentorship, academic support, and developing their leadership skills.  Members are expected to actively participate in WIL’s programming and weekly Friday meetings. Contact multicultural_affairs@uta.edu for more information. 

Location: Vandergriff Hall
Partnership: Office of Cultural Engagement & Social Change
Required Classes: UNIV 1131 & POLS 2312 [FALL] + WOMS 2310 [SPRING]
Academic Interest: Any
 

HOW DO I APPLY?

Visit the University Housing website and apply online through the Housing Application system.
University Housing

OTHER QUESTIONS?

If you have any other questions, check out our FAQ page or reach out to us directly by emailing rlc@uta.edu or visiting our contact page!

FAQ email
 

HOW DO I APPLY?

Visit the University Housing website and apply online through the Housing Application system.

Apply