Second-Year Living Learning Communities

Second-Year Living Learning Communities

Residence Life offers Second-Year Living Learning Communities (SYLLCs) to second-year Tommies. This program is for those students who are interested in building a close-knit community similar to the while engaging in programs and activities tailored specifically to the community. You do not have to be in an LLC your first year to participate in an SYLLC. While some SYLLCs have recommended courses, there are no required courses, and a limited number of required activities.

You and other students in your SYLLCs will be suite- and floormates with guaranteed housing in one of the newest residence halls, Frey Hall. This hall features air conditioned single and double bedrooms and suite style bathrooms shared by 4-8 students, with private study rooms, lounge and full kitchens within each pod. You can choose up to 8 students to live with in a suite. Students who choose to participate in an SYLLC will be given housing priority in Frey Hall and bypass the second-year housing assignments process.

Students interested in an SYLLC can indicate their preference on the Second Year Housing Application. Please contact Ben Clark, the Living Learning Programs Manager, at ben.clark@stthomas.edu with any questions.

Potential SYLLCs for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

(SYLLCs must have at least 10 committed participants to run)

Aquinas Scholars Honors Second-Year Living Learning Community

The Aquinas Scholars SYLLC will build a residential community of Scholars dedicated to excellence. You will explore leadership opportunities in the Honors Program and across campus. You can expect to help welcome and mentor the First-Year Aquinas Honors Scholars LLC students and will participate in several social events and programs for the Aquinas Scholars SYLLC. You must be an Aquinas Honors Scholar to participate.

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program

Business Learning Through Service Second-Year Living Learning Community

The Business Learning Through Service SYLLC is a residential community of second-year students in any concentration within the Opus College of Business. While all Opus Business students are required to take BUSN 200, the SYLLC offers a unique way to meet this requirement through community-building and social events that will help you develop as future leaders while serving your community. This SYLLC will also help coordinate transportation to and from your service site while you take BUSN 200. Business Learning Through Service SYLLC members also have the opportunity to mentor and support the Opus Business First-Year LLC.

Recommended Course: BUSN 200: Business Learning Through Service

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with the

Catholic Studies: Polis Second-Year Living Learning Community

Available to all second-year students interested in finding deeper integration of faith, life and studies (whatever they are) with friends and peers. You don’t have to be a Catholic Studies major or minor. Members of this SYLLC will connect with the First-Year Catholic Studies Telos LLC for social and mentoring events. Discover the greater Catholic world through Mass, performing arts and events with leaders in the professions.

Recommended Course: CATH 101: The Search for Happiness

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with the

Common Good Scholars Second-Year Living Learning Community

The Common Good Scholars SYLLC will build a residential community of students who are interested in seeking to connect faith and scholarship with action for social justice and the common good. Students in this SYLLC will provide student leadership for the Common Good Scholars program, mentorship to the Emerging Scholars for Justice First-Year LLC and engage in a variety of educational, social and service events. Common Good Scholars SYLLC participants should be considering or have declared a minor in Theology and the Common Good.

Recommended Course: A 200-level course in Theology in the fall and THEO 227: Liberation Theology in the spring

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with

Psychology Second-Year Living Learning Community

The Psychology SYLLC is a residential community of second-year students who plan to pursue a psychology major or minor and want to live, study and engage with peers who share their academic goals. The Psychology SYLLC offers a unique way to connect with your classmates and faculty through learning community events and activities that support your development as future leaders in your field. Psychology SYLLC members also have the opportunity to mentor and support the PAN (Psychology and Neuroscience) First-Year LLC.

Recommended Courses: TBD

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with the

Sustainability Second-Year Living Learning Community

Open to all second-year students who are interested in developing knowledge, skills and competencies to practice a sustainable lifestyle and prepare for work in the fastest growing sector of the economy. Students in the Sustainability SYLLC live and learn in a LEED Platinum certified building, provide leadership and mentorship the First-Year Sustainability LLC and participate in a variety of social and education programs that provide a “behind the scenes” look at sustainability at St. Thomas.

Recommended Course: ENV212: Society and Sustainability

This SYLLC is offered in partnership with the Office of Sustainability Initiatives and the

Healthcare Professions Second-Year Living Learning Community

The Healthcare Professions Second-Year Living Learning Community is an opportunity for students interested in healthcare to live and build community within Frey Hall. The SYLLC will provide a chance to engage with faculty, participate in continued professional development, and attend events created for the SYLLC group.

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