The University of Oregon recently built the first new residence hall on campus since the 1960's. Integrating spaces for classes, study groups, faculty advising, informal musical and theatrical performances, dining, and living, this new hall is much more than a residence hall, it is a Living-Learning Center. The LLC has already become a hub of social and intellectual interaction for neighboring buildings, complementing them architecturally as well as academically and socially. The Living-Learning Center blurs the distinction between residential settings and academic life, providing the opportunity for more programmed events with academic connections, and promoting more frequent interaction between students and faculty.

Goals

1. Provide updated on-campus housing for first-year students,
2. Engage student residents in the intellectual life of the university as early as possible,
3. Set the stage for the next phase of renovation or replacement of existing residential facilities.

Renovation of Existing Rooms

UO Housing has been working on several different prototype rooms to maximize the space and modernize the furnishings in the existing residence hall rooms in Bean, Hamilton, Walton, Carson, and Earl.

University Housing has highly-rated dining facilities. Extensive hours, flexible services, and a wide variety of menu items (from sushi to espresso drinks) are just a few ways we provide quality meals in the residence halls. Students can choose from extensive international buffets at Barnhart or Carson Dining Centers, or individually priced items at Dux Bistro, Grab 'n Go Marketplace, Big Mouth Burrito, Fire 'n Spice Grill, or Common Grounds Cafe.

When students invite a faculty member to eat with them at one of the many residence hall venues, University Housing will pay for the faculty member's meal. This is a great opportunity to get to know a faculty member outside the classroom, talk about class work, or explore career opportunities.

Participants in Residential FIGs share classes with their hall mates fall term. They have access to some of the most popular professors and classes as an incoming student and have an easier time forming study groups and spearheading other fun activities with classmates. Statistically, FIG participants also earn better first-year grades than students who go it alone. There are approximately forty-five FIGs offered fall term for students to choose from, and about half of these are Residential FIGs. Whether students are interested in science, fine art, literature, or social issues, there is a FIG for them. A FIG consists of two regular university courses that count toward general education credits, which all students, regardless of major, are asked to complete. In addition, FIG students enroll in a small seminar called College Connections. A FIG Academic Assistant (FA) is assigned to each FIG. FAs are undergraduates who work with the College Connections instructors to lead study groups and discussions.

Currently, there is one Faculty in Residence for Bean Complex. Professor Dan Close interacts with students in the halls, designing programs of interest to them, dining with them, and serving as a general academic resource.

• Hall Government
• Complex Government
• Residence Hall Association (RHA)
• Peer Judicial Board
• Leadership in the 21st Century Class
• Jobs as Resident Assistants (RA's)
• Jobs as FIG Academic Assistants (FA's)

A multitude of social, community service, and educational programs are created each week to engage students with the campus and each other.

One of the most memorable facets of residence hall life is the opportunity to share experiences with others: one's roommate and hall mates! Every year, students report that the friendships they develop during their stay in the residence halls are the most valuable part of their experience.

Residence hall students have access to Ethernet (fast Internet service that does not tie up the telephone lines), expanded-basic cable TV with over sixty channels, local telephone service, TV lounges, sound-proof music practice rooms, 75 cent washers and free dryers, access to DVD and VHS movies, games, and sporting equipment, a comprehensive recycling program, and more, all as part of the room and board package.

Every year, residents report that housing's custodial and maintenance staff keeps the halls clean and in good repair, and they say the staff feels like family. Each year, residents host a "Thank You" barbecue for the custodial and maintenance staff.

The university provides many safety features including, but not limited to, student and DPS patrols, awareness programs, live-in staff on all halls and locked doors to buildings, halls, and room doors.