Student Created Communities

Student-Created Communities (SCCs)

Housing and Residence Life invites rising second-year students (current first-year students) to shape their on-campus experience through applying to participate in a new pilot program: Student-Created Communities (SCCs). These communities allow students to:

  • Build a community around a theme of their choice
  • Deepen their shared interests
  • Form meaningful relationships
  • Actively design their residential experience

 

Student Created Communities (SCCs) are located in Mantua Hall or similar suite-style facility

SCCs are located throughout Mantua Hall or similar suite-style facility

Students determine who participates in the selected SCCs. Participants must accept the official offer to join the SCC.

Linked Course Required for SCC Residents:

  • No Linked-Course is required

Apply now! Click here!

Application Criteria

To be considered, SCC applications must include:

  1. Theme Alignment: The SCC theme must support Gonzaga’s mission and connect to academic and/or co-curricular experiences.
  2. Community Size: Have 8–16 students (must be an even number required for housing).
  3. Roster: Include the name, address, and email for each participant – communities can have participants from multiple genders.
  4. Goals: Create 2–3 learning outcomes for the community.
  5. Programming Ideas: Propose 1–2 events for the upcoming year.
  6. Sponsor: Have a committed faculty or staff sponsor.

Collaborative Tip

Before completing this application, we encourage you to work together with your peers to discuss and develop your responses. You might find it helpful to use a shared Google Doc or Word document to brainstorm and finalize your answers. Once you're ready, you can copy and paste your responses into the application form. Collaboration can lead to stronger, more thoughtful submissions!

Application Process

  • Application Opens: November 15, 2025
  • Deadline: December 15, 2025
  • SCC Selection: January 15, 2026
  • Required Application Materials:
      • Completed application
      • Full student roster
      • Signed sponsor endorsement form (sent to faculty/staff member after application submission)

Note: You can save progress in ZagLiving, but it is recommended that you prepare responses in a separate document before submitting.

Apply now! Click here!

Post-Acceptance Requirements

Once an SCC is accepted, each member of the community must:

  • Submit an Acceptance Form via ZagLiving
  • Attend a spring welcome session (April 2026, date TBD)

Community Responsibilities

Approved SCCs must:

  • Foster collaboration among students, sponsors, RAs, and LLC staff
  • Host at least 3 programs per semester aligned with Gonzaga’s mission
  • Attend:
    •  SCC spring welcome session (April 2026, date TBA)
    • LLC Orientation (Fall 2026, date TBA)
  • Follow all university and residence hall policies

Student Leadership Role

Each SCC must designate a Community Coordinator who will:

  • Serve as liaison with Residence Life and other SCCs
  • Meet monthly with an LLC Graduate Assistant
  • Attend SCC strategy meetings each semester
  • Organize events and encourage participation amongst members
  • Submit program proposals and reflections
  • Lead community meetings
  • Assist with the room assignment process
  • Participate in spring leadership training
  • Maintain relationships with RD and RA

Faculty/Staff Sponsor Role

Sponsors must:

  • Be attend at least 1 program hosted by the community per semester
  • Participate in strategic planning meetings once per semester
  • Build relationships with students and support programming

Application Prep 

Prepare responses to the following:

  1. What is your SCC’s name?
  2. Briefly describe the community’s theme and purpose.
  3. List 2-3 community goals and how the theme/goals will enhance residential and academic experience.
  4. Describe 1-2 event/activity concepts, ensuring the events are related to theme.
  5. Provide the Community Coordinator’s name and contact information.