Learning Communities

Living Learning Communities 

A wide variety of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are available within University housing, including those that are academic and interest-based, and those that are background and culturally focused. These communities offer a special opportunity for students to live and learn with other students who share similar interests. 

Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) invites all incoming first-year students who are first-generation and/or students of color to live in a MCAE LLC, which are close-knit and dynamic community with peers committed to academic success at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. 

  • Huntley House: A community for Black men on campus
  • Charlotte’s Home: A community for Black women on campus
  • American Indian Cultural House (AICH): The first program of its kind in the nation
  • Tsev Hmoob House: A community for Hmong American students on campus
  • The Firsts: A community for first-generation students and students of color
  • CASA SOL: A community for Latinx students

These six cultural and identity-based communities are all housed together in Pioneer Residence Hall and form the larger MCAE Living Learning Community. This residential community offers students the opportunity to create connections among their specific cultural LLC while also coming together as a larger collective to engage in cross-cultural leadership development opportunities, critical conversations, and intentional academic support coming directly from MCAE’s staff. Note: all MCAE LLCs have a capacity of approximately 20 students. 

Students who are interested in one of the Living Learning Communities are encouraged to apply online at z.umn.edu/LiveLearn as soon as possible but no later than March 1. Assignments in Living Learning Communities are based on the date the completed housing application-contract is received, space availability, and whether students meet program requirements.

Living Learning Communities MCAE Living Learning Communities


Special Programs

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has a variety of special academic programs where students are able to connect and grow with their peers in a variety of academic and professional development ways! Many of these programs do not require a separate application, meaning admitted students are automatically considered for these programs.

Special Programs