Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Residential Learning Communities
Find friends who share your interests
Think of Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) as an inside connection to friendships, fun and the kind of support that can help you be a successful student.
RLCs are made up of students who hold common interests. Those interests might be academic subjects, like math and science. They can be social, like communities focused on leadership. Or they can be cultural, like communities that emphasize diversity and international perspectives.
Activities with a purpose
RLC members live in the same residence hall and participate in relaxed learning and social activities year-round. If you choose the Natural Resource Management community, for example, you might find yourself hiking in the East Texas Piney Woods. And if you’re in the Community Service community, you might send military troops cards as part of a service project.
Not only are RLCs a great way to enhance your university experience, they can also help you better understand your classes’ subject matter while you get to know faculty and staff.
First-year Residential Learning Communities
Freshman Leadership Academy
This community is designed for students enrolled in special sections of our specialized leadership course, SFA 101. In the RLC, you’ll collaborate on major service projects to boost your leadership skills.
Requirement: Participation in the Freshman Leadership Academy
First-Year Honors
If you’ve decided to delve into SFA’s School of Honors curriculum, this community will provide an academically enhanced learning environment.
Requirement: Residents must be preapproved by SFA’s School of Honors
STEM
If you’re interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), this community will provide a supportive environment. You’ll pick up valuable study tips, be exposed to collaborative efforts of various STEM areas and gain an understanding of STEM-related fields with your fellow residents.
Requirement: Enrolled in the fall section of pre-calculus
Natural Resource Management
This community provides learning opportunities and service activities that complement a major in forestry, environmental science or spatial science.
Upper-class Residential Learning Communities
Community Service
Interested in improving quality of life for others? Want to make a difference? This RLC will give plenty of opportunities to do that.
Honors Chemistry
If you’re taking taking Chemistry 131 and 133, this group will show you how to relate chemistry to everyday life — and strengthen your lab skills.
Requirement: School of Honors criteria
International
Interested in other cultures? This RLC will introduce you to students from all over the world during social and learning activities.
Pre-Nursing
This group was designed to help students prepare for careers in nursing. Not only do you interact with nursing students during group activities, you also spend time with nursing faculty and staff.
Upper-Class Honors
In this RLC, you will share learning and social activities with other members of the School of Honors.
Outdoor Experiences
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? A true lumberjack at heart? In this RLC, you’ll enjoy the great outdoors and gain essential team-building skills.
Applying for a Residential Learning Community
There isn’t a separate process for applying to an RLC. Just follow the normal residence hall application process and indicate which RLC you wish to apply to at that point.
Learn more about applying for housing.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an extra charge to participate in an RLC?
No. You can participate in an RLC, and it’s included in your room rate.
If I join an RLC, can I still pick my roommate?
Yes, but you will need to pick from within the same RLC.
Where are the RLCs located?
RLCs are located in a specific wing within the other residence halls.