Academic Programs Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Living and Learning

Neighborhood Communities

Michigan State University pioneered the model for living and learning communities. The Brody Complex, East Complex, and South Complex halls were designated as living and learning complexes in the 1960's. The living and learning community concept is based on the premise that the cultural and intellectual life of the student is enhanced when the educational process extends beyond the classroom into the environment of the residence halls. Now known as neighborhoods, the concept has been extended to include the North Neighborhood and the River Trail Neighborhood.

Each neighborhood provides an opportunity for students to relate to a smaller unit of the university and to participate in various social and cultural activities. In addition to the usual facilities of traditional residence halls, at the core of each neighborhood is the Engagement Center that includes classrooms, lecture halls, faculty offices, and health and wellness facilities. Faculty, academic advisors, tutors, and other staff support students’ overall intellectual professional, social, and personal development. A range of university courses are scheduled in each neighborhood complex, facilitating student and faculty interaction outside the classroom. More information is available at www.nssc.msu.edu.

Students in the Honors College and Academic Scholars program have the opportunity to select Honors–specific housing. James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities are highly visible, four-year, residentially-based academic programs. In addition, a range of shorter-term options addressing student academic interests have emerged. These include Residential Business Community, Charles Drew Science Scholars, College of Engineering CoRe Experience, and RISE - Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment, for students interested in the study of the environment.

Residence Education staff are committed to enhancing the living and learning experience by assisting with existing options and building strong learning communities throughout the residential system.

Additional information is available at Living and Learning at www.admissions.msu.edu/academics/living-learning.aspx.