SophoMORE Communities

•	Map of Residence Areas
•	SophoMORE Community Application Process

About the SophoMORE Initiative:
SophoMORE is a comprehensive, campus-wide initiative including School/College specific programs targeted towards all UMass Amherst sophomores whether you're in your second year of college or you are considered a sophomore by number of credits. The goal of SophoMORE is to maximize your success during your sophomore year by providing customized support for academic achievement, setting career direction and life goals, and building important skills, such as stress and time management.

SophoMORE Living-Learning Communities (LLCs):
For sophomore students interested in enhancing their education, Residential Life, in partnership with several Schools/Colleges, has developed four exciting living-learning community options centered on specialized academic focus areas. For the 2013-2014 academic year, these include: "Creative Expressions", "Innovation and Entrepreneurship", “Technical Solutions”, and "Explore, Engage, Connect for Social Justice". These living-learning communities are not restricted by major and are open to any sophomore who is interested in one of the community focus areas.

Interested in Applying?
Application deadline has been extended to February 28, 2013. Applications are available online at https://umassamherst.collegiatelink.net/form/start/16052

Appointments Post & Group Formation Begins: March 8
Room Selection: March 11 - March 14

Who is eligible to participate in a SophoMORE Living-Learning Community?
Students who are in their second year of college are eligible to apply to live in a SophoMORE Living-Learning Community.

What will be expected of me if I sign up for one of these communities?
For students who live in one of these communities, the following expectations have been developed:

The following residence halls will house the sophomore living-learning communities for the 2013-2014 academic year:

SophoMORE: Creative Expressions
Butterfield Hall
Creative Expressions is a Living-Learning Community for students who are passionate about the arts and humanities. Whether pursuing a program of study within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (CHFA), a CHFA-related career, or simply interested in humanities subjects such as English, history, languages, philosophy or the visual and performing arts, to name a few, this community fosters conversations and networks that support your interests. Within this community, there are opportunities to take classes with your peers, attend intentional programs and events on and off campus, and enhance your undergraduate experience by connecting with key resources on campus, including the CHFA Advising Center staff and the HFA Student Leadership Board. Creative Expressions students also enjoy access to intentional study spaces, a dance studio, and a music practice room. No matter what your major or academic pursuits, this community will engage your interests and provide you with unique, unlimited opportunities to explore the campus and beyond.

The Creative Expressions Living-Learning Community spans two buildings, one designed for first-year students (Van Meter) and one designed for sophomores (Butterfield). Van Meter is a Residential First-Year Experience (RFYE) hall. Within this building, students have opportunities to join Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) linked to the Creative Expressions theme. Students also have access to undergraduate Peer Mentors who offer academic support and staff the Residential Academic Success Center located in Van Meter.

SophoMORE: Innovations & Entrepreneurship
MacKimmie Hall
This living-learning community is designed for sophomore students who are passionate about business, science, engineering, and related fields of study. Whether pursing a degree, career, or hobby within these fields, Innovations & Entrepreneurship provides students with an environment where like-minded individuals can live together and support each other in pursuit of their own "great idea." Within this community, there are opportunities to interact directly with faculty and staff members from the Isenberg School of Management, College of Engineering, and College of Natural Sciences. Students will also have access to workshops, faculty programming, in-hall advising, and one-on-one interactions with innovators and those who have experience with entrepreneurship. Innovations & Entrepreneurship students have the option of enrolling in Sch-Mgmt 292V, "New Venture Creation." This team-taught experiential course will prepare students to create and implement business plans.

SophoMORE: Technical Solutions (New!)
Hamlin Hall
Technical Solutions is a Living-Learning Community for students who are committed to innovative technical problem-solving. Whether pursuing a program of study in Engineering or other technical field, this community provides a unique opportunity for students with similar academic interests to form study groups, take classes together in the residence halls, and explore career opportunities related to their majors. Students will have opportunities to attend company information sessions, resume workshops, career fairs and other events that facilitate mentoring, retention, and incremental career planning. By residing in Technical Solutions, students will also be equipped to help motivate others in their cohorts to prepare for future careers in Engineering and the sciences.

The Technical Solutions Living-Learning Community spans two buildings, one designed for first-year students (Leach) and one designed for sophomores (Hamlin). Leach is a Residential First-Year Experience (RFYE) hall. Within this building, students have opportunities to join Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) linked to the Technical Solutions theme. First-year Engineering Major RAP residents will participate in an Engineering career seminar and four required courses with their hall-mates. Students also have access to undergraduate Peer Mentors who staff the Residential Academic Success Center located in Leach, provide academic support to all students, and offer baseline peer advising for Engineers.

SophoMORE: Explore, Engage, Connect for Social Justice
Washington Hall
This living-learning community is designed for sophomore students who want to explore and bridge commonalities and differences across their diverse social identities (i.e. racial/ethnic, gender, religious, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status). Whether pursuing a program of study in social justice or simply interested in dialogue and exploration of these issues, students will have opportunities to take classes with peers, as well as collaborate and participate in community engagement projects (on and off campus) to address social justice issues. Students will have the opportunity to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills to effectively participate in dialogue and build inclusive residential communities.

Have more questions?
If you have questions about the Room Selection process, please contact Residential Life: Student Services at 413-545-2100. If you have additional questions about these SophoMORE programs, please contact the Residential Learning Communities Office via email at rlc@sacl.umass.edu.