A new Living and Learning Community (LLC) proposed by the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Department of Political Science will begin hosting students in the fall of 2026.
The new Civic Explorers LLC, to be located in Robinson Hall, aims to introduce students to careers that promote civic engagement and build their appreciation for ways their majors, particularly psychology and political science, can prepare them for civically engaged work.
“The College of Arts and Sciences recognized that political science and psychology tend to overlap when it comes to careers in public service, civic advocacy, and legal professions,” said Professor Gina Owens, interim divisional dean for social sciences. “By creating an interdisciplinary LLC specifically geared towards these future career paths, the program hopes to create a community of like-minded students who are interested in civically engaged careers.”
The LLC’s program coordinator is Beth Cooper, teaching professor in psychology and neuroscience. She developed the program in collaboration with Jordan Peterson, assistant professor in political science. With this program, they hope to help students be academically successful while also giving them opportunities to connect with faculty and professionals and create relationships with fellow students in the LLC.
“We hope students will broaden their career options beyond what they typically think of for their major,” Cooper said. “Students will discover there are a variety of careers that draw on their interest in law or psychology.”
In the LLC, students will have unique opportunities in their coursework as well, being enrolled in two common courses: FY 101 First Year Studies and INPG 100 Special Topics: Careers in Civic Engagement. In the latter, students will get to learn about how political science and psychology majors can pursue careers that allow them to address public concerns and make a meaningful impact on their community. This class will also include field trips, guest speakers, and meetings with alumni for possible mentoring opportunities. Common courses help students build community and make it easier for students to find support when working on assignments.
The LLC will host 20 students in the fall studying any major within arts and sciences, although the program coordinators expect the program to appeal largely to students interested in pre-law, government, politics, community service, and non-profit organizations. Applications for the LLC are open.
by Sloan Docekal