Biology Living Learning Community

The Biology Living Learning Community (BIOL LLC) is a group of Biology/Biochemistry intended majors who live and learn together. Many students find the transition between high school and higher education challenging as their first-year experiences do not match their original expectations. The BIOL LLC aims to mitigate the challenges by supporting students through this transitionary period. First-year students will be housed together in the beautiful campus dorm of Ballard East and cohorted in classes to facilitate academic success. The BIOL LLC seeks to provide students with a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment but does prioritize the admission for first-generation students.

Mission

The purpose of the Biology Living-Learning Community is to help our intended biology and biochemistry students succeed at ECU, in their majors, and in their careers.

The BIOL LLC is designed to help students succeed in their academic programs, by providing a community living-learning environment. Students will participate in group development and team-building activities to foster growth. Our program provides a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to prioritize their academic performance while engaging with other responsibilities and activities such as extracurricular interests, leisure, and friends and family obligations.

The BIOL LLC will facilitate connections between students and campus resources including tutoring,  developing small study groups, and research opportunities.

 

Benefits of being part of the BIOL LLC:

  • living together in a group with a common academic purpose in beautiful Ballard East
  • having a Resident Advisor who majors in Biology or Biochemistry
  • enrolled in designated course sections with a relatively lower student-to-instructor ratio
  • experience active learning course instruction
  • additional academic support (embedded tutoring, extra study sessions…)
  • community-building activities (field trips, ropes course, BBQs…)
  • assigned mentor
  • specialized academic advisor
  • regular interactions with Dr. Ed Stellwag, the BIOL LLC director and introductory biology instructor for BIOL LLC students.

Requirements: You must…

  • be a Biology/Biochemistry intended major starting in the upcoming Fall semester
    • By changing your major you forfeit your participation in the program and may be removed from the designated courses.
  • live in Ballard East during your freshman year with other BIOL LLC students
  • take designated courses with your BIOL LLC cohort
    • making unauthorized schedule changes could forfeit your participation in the program
  • participate in BIOL LLC program activities
  • maintain a good academic standing at ECU
  • follow the BIOL LLC code of conduct as per the BIOL LLC contract

 

Application

FAQ

Campus Living

Timeline

  • You may apply for the BIOL LLC after you receive your admission to ECU.
    • You must have your Banner ID (B01XXXXXX). This number can be found on your acceptance letter.
  • Priority consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by March 14th.
  • Applicants will receive communication through their ECU email.
  • Decisions of acceptance will be made by April 1st and continue until all positions are filled.
  • Students must have their enrollment deposits paid before receiving their contract.
  • Selected candidates must complete and return their BIOL LLC contracts prior to April 15th.
  • Selected candidates must complete the math placement test(s) before registration.
  • Our office will register you for the required courses.

 

All applications are considered confidential. For questions about the BIOL LLC, please contact the director Dr. Ed Stellwag using the form below.