Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can only apply to be a participant in up to three SSIR Communities. Faculty are looking for students who show a particular interest in their community.

An essay response should be concise yet expansive enough for you to express genuine interest as to why you want to be part of this community. You are limited to 250 words with each prompt.  You will have the opportunity in your interview to expand on your essay. 

We ask for your grade point average only as part of your entire application; there is no minimum grade point average to apply. The classes associated with SSIR are rigorous and require a committed student; however, we understand that grade point average is only one measure of academic success. If you are not satisfied with your grade point average or do not feel it reflects your ability as a student, please explain that in one of the essays.

Once you submit your application you have completed the steps that are needed until the interview process.  You will hear from the Office of Living-Learning & New Student Programs about how to schedule your interview.  

We are looking for students with a genuine interest in the topic and an open mind. We want students who will commit to the community fully. We are looking for students who want to join a community of peers who they may not know well to begin with, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, academic disciplines, and who want do more with their academics outside of the classroom.

Yes, communities are open to all. We have had many student athletes participate in an SSIR Community who successfully balance academics, the SSIR, and their athletic commitments.

Yes, students participating in Sophomore Scholars in Residence will be able to live with any other student also participating in a Sophomore Scholars in Residence community. Students from the same community or from other communities can live together. 

The SSIR cohort will live in South Court.

No. You would need to choose between participating in an SSIR or living with your friend.

A very limited number of single rooms are available in South Court (SSIR), which are given priority to students requiring housing accommodations. 

The desire for a single room should not be a motivating factor to applying for a SSIR Community.

Yes, students requiring accommodations can still participate in a SSIR or living-learning community. 

Housing accommodations are available for students whose medical related conditions or disabilities substantially limit their housing needs.  However, to be considered for such special housing, they must submit a completed disability accommodation application and documentation to the Director of Disability Services by February 1, 2025. Applications are accepted after these deadlines but may delay review.  Submitting a disability medical accommodation request does not automatically guarantee a space in University housing.

Gender flexible housing is available as an option within SSIR and Themed Communities for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students will be given more information about how gender flexible housing during their first community meeting. Students within the community interested in gender flexible housing will need to complete the online application prior to their community’s room selection date.

As with all housing options, GFH is not guaranteed.

Students within an SSIR who might have a need for GFH—especially those who identify beyond the binary, including but not limited to genderqueer, gender questioning, or trans students—should contact the Director, Living-Learning & New Student Programs, to discuss their needs and available options.

No. Participation involves no out of pocket expenses for students; transportation, lodging, food, and admission to anything as a class is included.  If financial assistance is needed, we can also discuss paying for a student’s first passort, as well as any visas that may be required for travel.  If you have any questions about this please contact the Office of Living-Learning & New Student Programs.

As a participant in the SSIR program, you will be automatically enrolled (by the Registrar’s Office) in the fall course and spring semester seminar.

If you are interested in one of the SSIR communities, you are not able to study abroad, as participating in a SSIR community is a full-year commitment.  This is a requirement of the program.