Announcing the RLCs for 2023-2024

By Eileen Roth, February 2, 2023

Apply to be in an RLC!

Announcing the RLCs for 2023-2024: 

We are also excited to share information about our Residential Learning Communities (RLCs). We have a total of 9 RLC Communities across campus. A RLC experience lets students learn, work on projects, and interact with faculty with their academic peers while also living in the same location so when it’s time for students to unwind and enjoy group social events together, they have the same built-in community.  

Residential Communities: 

FIRST Place Residential Learning Community: is open to any student who identifies as first-generation (students - and their siblings - who are the first in their family to attend college) regardless of class year. It will enable students to connect over shared experiences and provide an opportunity for support and growth by both their peers, staff, faculty and the IC community.    

Population: 1st year +  

Location: East Tower 

STEM Residential Learning Community: The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Residential Learning Community (RLC) is for first-year students who are studying in the majors of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Physics-Engineering 3-2, Math-Physics, Math, and Computer Science. Students who are considering these fields of study but are declared Exploratory will also be considered for this RLC. The goal of this RLC is to help students studying in the college’s STEM academic programs to foster community outside the classroom by receiving academic and social support through mentors, social events, and connection to our faculty associate through co-curricular engagement opportunities. The program goals for this RLC are that through participation students will:   

Population: 1st year students 

Location: Lyon Hall

Outdoor Adventure Residential Learning Community: Whether you are new to outdoor adventures or an expert in one or more outdoor adventure activities, this residential learning community (RLC) will stimulate and challenge you to gain survival and outdoor adventure skills, learn and practice leadership skills, and learn more about the environmental and cultural issues related to outdoor adventure! Outdoor Adventure RLC provides students with opportunities to attend educational and social activities/events facilitated by the staff and planned by members of the community. Events may include outdoor camping and hiking trips, outdoor adventure skills workshops, movie nights, campfire "study breaks", and practicing leadership skills.  

Population: 1 Year + 

Location: Terraces 3 

Welcome HOME! (Housing Offering a Multicultural Experience): HOME is a long-standing Residential Learning Community (RLC) at Ithaca College. The HOME Community is for students who seek to explore and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and who commit to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation for people from all backgrounds. Events offered to HOME students include social gatherings, faculty lead discussions, panel discussions, and events connected with current politics and current events in both the US and abroad.   

Population: 1st year + 

Location: Holmes  

Transfer Residential Learning Community: The Transfer Residential Learning Community (RLC) serves to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for students who are new to Ithaca College as transfer students; this living environment is rooted in a shared common experience. The RLC also provides a connection on campus through collaboration with the transfer honor society chapter of Tau Sigma and provides new students with information and resources regarding the campus community.   

Population: Transfer Students 

Location: Terrace 11 1st Floor  

Health and Wellness: The health and wellness RLC community is committed to overall wellness while balancing student life. The health and wellness RLC is about supporting your mental and physical health while at IC. Students in this RLC will have programs like Yoga night, guided mediation, hiking and more. Students in this RLC will also gain understanding of nutrition. Other program topics include healthy eating, living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, leadership opportunities, and civic engagement. As a community member, you will be invited by your Resident Assistant (RA) to take an active role in helping to shape the community through regular participation and by helping to plan community events. 

Population: 1 year + 

Location: Rowland Basement 

Substance-Free Residential Learning Community  

The Substance-Free Theme Housing provides new and returning students with an enjoyable living and learning experience where community members commit to living a Substance-Free lifestyle.  

Fall 2020 Location: Terrace 5, 1st floor  

Population: all first-year and upper year students 

Open Pages Residential Learning Community:  

A Transgender & Non-Binary RLC. The goal is to have a safe and inclusive space for non-cis identifying students and to create a supportive community on campus comprised of students that have a shared experience This RLC is especially necessary considering the lack of acceptable spaces for trans and non-binary students; gender-segregated bathrooms provide no safe options. In addition, some trans students may be willing to have roommates, but are uncomfortable with the thought of a cisgender roommate. Although the Transgender Housing Accommodation process would still exist, this option would be attractive to non-cisgender residents who wish to have a supportive trans community around them 

Location: West Tower 

Population: 2nd Year Plus