Finding Community

The Richmond Endeavor, Sophomore Scholars, and living-learning communities bring together a diverse group of students across a range of knowledge, opinion, belief, interest, academic pursuit, and political perspective, as well as background. Students often cite the friendships they make and the community they found as one of the best parts of their experience. Our communities strive to be places of multiple perspectives, experiences and opinions, which enhance and enrich the learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.

The program is intentional about selecting students with varied academic interests, life experiences and backgrounds. No matter the topic of the course, a class and community are better when diverse perspectives are represented. With communities sharing floors of the residence hall with other communities and communities being in close proximity to one another, students have opportunities to interact with others of differing backgrounds, all while experiencing a shared experience.

"Living with a group of people you might not otherwise have met is an experience like no other. This is one of the things that every college student should come out of school experiencing." — past SSIR student reflection

Designed with the challenges of first year and sophomore year in mind, these communities support students through their sophomore year with formal and informal opportunities to think critically about major and minor decisions, study abroad, careers and internships, diversity and inclusion, and citizenship. Students benefit from direct and indirect connections with career advisors and other staff within student development, alumni and community partners.

"In one program, I found courses and a career path about which I am infinitely passionate, best friends, unforgettable experiences, and a mentor.” — past SSIR student reflection