Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can only apply to be a participant in up to three SSIR or Themed 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. Past application essays ranged from 1–2 paragraphs. You will have the opportunity in your interview to expand on your essay. If you are applying to more than one SSIR or Themed Community, be sure to address both communities in your essay responses.

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 and LLCs 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.

We ask that you list how you been involved on campus thus far to try to get a holistic picture of you as a student here at Richmond. We know that many first-year students, in particular, haven’t been overly involved as they work through the transition from high school to college. We also acknowledge that, for many students, participating in a living-learning or SSIR community is a way to find their niche on campus. Feel free to explain that in one of the essays for the faculty to review.

Once you submit your application you have completed the steps that are needed until the interview process.  You will hear from the New Student and Transition Programs Team 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 or Themed Community who successfully balance academics, the SSIR of Themed Community, 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 Themed Community or living with your friend.

A very limited number of single rooms are available in South Court (SSIR) and Lakeview (Themed Communities), 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 or Themed Community 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, 2023. 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 or Themed Community 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 Associate Director, New Student and Transition 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. The program also includes paying for a student’s first passort, as well as any visas that may be required for travel.

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

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.

Students applying to live in a Themed Community may study abroad in the Spring semester. Students who plan to study abroad in the Fall semester will need to apply for the community in a future year.