Frequently Asked Questions

How many people will live in the SYE community? 
Is it a big deal that the CA will be a returning staff member?
What type of rooms are available on 6W Comstock?
Will residents be able to choose their own roommates?
What if I want to live on the same floor with seven other friends? 
What’s required/involved/offered?
Is there an academic requirement for the program?
I heard a rumor that HRL might be planning to require community service participation as a component of living in the community. Is this true?
What’s in it for me?
Why did Housing create this community?  All your other Living/Learning Communities are for first year students?
Is the U of M the only school doing this stuff?
Is there really such a thing as a Sophomore Slump?
To whom can I go for more information?

How many people will live in the SYE community?  36, including a returning CA and a UCrew Peer Mentor.

Is it a big deal that the CA will be a returning staff member?  Housing believes that a year of previous CA experience will make this individual more prepared to address the specific needs of second year students and that their knowledge of community and the University will enhance the experience of all community members.

What type of rooms are available on 6W Comstock? Singles and doubles, all with a private or semi-private sink room and great views.

Will residents be able to choose their own roommates? Of course, residents will select their spaces just like other residents through the room re-application process.

What if I want to live on the same floor with seven other friends?  Sign them up!  You can all sign up for the same area on the floor (as space permits).

What’s required/involved/offered? Specific program details are still in development in conjunction with two second year focus groups that have been meeting and discussing the initiative throughout this academic year.  The above-listed potential program components provide an overview of the types and scope of events and services that the planning team has deemed appropriate for this community.

Is there an academic requirement for the program?  No.  All majors will be welcome to live in the house and, at this time, there will not be a specific credit-based component of the program.

I heard a rumor that HRL might be planning to require community service participation as a component of living in the community. Is this true?  Offering community service opportunities to these residents is a component that is being discussed as a potential option for the community.  Interest in this aspect of the program was confirmed by our focus groups.  At this time, this will not be a requirement of living in the community. However, residents certainly will be encouraged and provided with opportunities to give of their time and talents to enhance the world around them.  The CA will likely facilitate a discussion regarding interest in service as a part of the initial community meetings.

What’s in it for me?  Research has proven that second year students face a variety of challenges related to transitioning out of a first year filled with many support mechanisms (Convocation, first year programs, living/learning communities, courses in common, targeted academic advising) into a year when there are higher expectations for autonomy and fewer direct support systems tailored to their needs. Additionally, second year students face the challenge of gateway or entry-level courses for their major and the establishment of deeper interpersonal relationships as they shift away from the communities supported by their first year and into a more isolating social and academic environment. 

By the way, research also has shown that the longer students live on campus, the better their overall academic performance (a.k.a. you get better grades!!).

Why did Housing create this community?  All your other Living/Learning Communities are for first year students?  Extensive research and discussions with residents have led us to believe very strongly that there is a potential demand for a community that can provide better support and resources to students beyond their first year.  We have spent over two years attending seminars, webinars, focus groups, and information sessions regarding SYE programs across the country and our students have confirmed all that we have heard. This is a unique opportunity to provide the chance for students to continue their residential experience and support their academics while living in an environment that offers connections and camaraderie unlike that of the traditional second year resident.

Is the U of M the only school doing this stuff?  Second (or Sophomore) Year Experience programs across the country are being developed to provide a bridge for students between the support of the first year and the major- and career- focused junior and senior years.  These programs are often designed to build and reinforce connections among students, build leadership experiences, allow sophomores to reinforce their confidence level, develop career skills that will be needed in the upper-class years, and engage with community service and civic engagement programs to help sophomores shift from an internal focus to an orientation based more on community-based action.

Is there really such a thing as a Sophomore Slump?  Depends on who you ask.  There is no common definition for a ‘sophomore slump’, but research has shown that second year students have higher feelings of isolation and lack of support than other students.  Sometimes students experiencing this slump don’t even recognize that they’re in it.  This community is our attempt to try to do something about this phenomenon.

To whom can I go for more information?  Ask your CA, UCrew peer mentor, RD or ARD for more information, or feel free to contact the SYE planning committee at SYE@umn.edu.  The SYE committee members are Kevin Dostal Dauer, Ben Falter, Jill Pravatiner, and Anthony Bettendorf.