Intercultural Living and Learning Center

Affinity housing is a widely implemented practice on college campuses across the country and is a well-documented strategy for intentional community building, engagement, and learning across campus communities.  Affinity housing seeks to increase opportunities for identity development, culturally affirming programming, and cross-cultural education. It creates a space where students who share common identity factors or interests intentionally live together to build an active living and learning community.   

Intercultural living and learning by definition involves an active engagement in the dorm community, where every member of the hall learns from others who live there as well. Intercultural living and learning is not passive, it creates relationships, hones leadership, and fosters dialogue within and across groups. 

Each of the three areas selected for the pilot ILLC affinity housing – Pan-Asian Culture, BIPOC Belonging, and Interfaith Engagement – were chosen based on expressed student interest and requests over time.   

We hope to deepen a model of affinity housing that creates a space of community, engagement, identity development, and support. We would like to better understand the potential for such affinity housing at Bryn Mawr and learn how it can help to strengthen a sense of connection and belonging on campus and beyond. 

We are seeking additional opportunities to participate in community building, deepen connections and belonging, foster dialogue, and expand opportunities for learning within and across groups.

After the first year, we will examine the impact of ILLC and consider the feasibility of possible expansion, as warranted. 

Like other affinity housing options, dorm rooms in Rhoads South are reserved for undergraduate students willing to commit to active participation in the designated affinity programming. Students may apply to participate and will be selected based on their interest and demonstrated commitment to engage in community building, identity development, and learning across campus communities. However, all students will be welcome in Rhoads South and encouraged to participate in programs and activities.   

The dining hall and common spaces in Rhoads will still be available to be reserved for activities and events regardless of whether or not students live in that dorm.

The ILLC in Rhoads South is designed for connection and learning.  Anyone who is dedicated to intercultural learning and feels committed to supporting these affinity groups is welcome to apply to live in the ILLC. All residents will be expected to be active participants in community building and dorm life and commit to engaging in programming around the focus area of their affinity floor. 

For 2023-24, Rhoads North will still be an option for all students in room draw and does not require a special affinity interest or application.

The ILLC is designed for relationship and engagement.  It is a place for learning about and celebrating identities – and it is designed to foster this learning within and beyond Rhoads South, reaching out to students across campus, regardless of where they live. Deepening relationships and learning about one another strengthens our community and prepares students to emerge from their Bryn Mawr experience equipped with powerful tools for engagement and with a deeper understanding of the world and each other. 

Faculty will be welcome to engage with the ILLC and The Impact Center looks forward to future collaborations as they unfold. 

We will have opportunities to explore possible expansion of affinity groups in the 2023-24 academic year. Watch for announcements from The Impact Center about these conversations. 

For the pilot year, we are looking for students who are able to make a full one-year commitment to community building and programming in the ILLC. Students who will be away for a semester will not be eligible to apply for the pilot year.   

Yes – for two reasons. First, because lots of people apply to the dorm leadership team (DLT) each year, not everyone gets a position. Second, if you do receive a DLT position, it will be helpful to know that you are also interested in the ILLC.   

Yes!  A few rooms are set aside for incoming first-year students who are interested in these affinity floors. More information will be available to them when housing information is sent to incoming students. 

If you would like to live in ILLC for the 2023-24 academic year, applications open Monday, March 13 and close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 17.

Applicants will be notified of their status prior to room draw – on or around Monday, March 20. 

Up to 71 undergraduates may live in the ILLC in Rhoads South, including members of the dorm leadership team.