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is not yet present. The // classes are added to so styling immediately reflects the current // toolbar state. The classes are removed after the toolbar completes // initialization. const classesToAdd = ['toolbar-loading', 'toolbar-anti-flicker']; if (toolbarState) { const { orientation, hasActiveTab, isFixed, activeTray, activeTabId, isOriented, userButtonMinWidth } = toolbarState; classesToAdd.push( orientation ? `toolbar-` + orientation + `` : 'toolbar-horizontal', ); if (hasActiveTab !== false) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-tray-open'); } if (isFixed) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-fixed'); } if (isOriented) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-oriented'); } if (activeTray) { // These styles are added so the active tab/tray styles are present // immediately instead of "flickering" on as the toolbar initializes. In // instances where a tray is lazy loaded, these styles facilitate the // lazy loaded tray appearing gracefully and without reflow. const styleContent = ` .toolbar-loading #` + activeTabId + ` { background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) 20%, transparent 200%); } .toolbar-loading #` + activeTabId + `-tray { display: block; box-shadow: -1px 0 5px 2px rgb(0 0 0 / 33%); border-right: 1px solid #aaa; background-color: #f5f5f5; z-index: 0; } .toolbar-loading.toolbar-vertical.toolbar-tray-open #` + activeTabId + `-tray { width: 15rem; height: 100vh; } .toolbar-loading.toolbar-horizontal :not(#` + activeTray + `) > .toolbar-lining {opacity: 0}`; const style = document.createElement('style'); style.textContent = styleContent; style.setAttribute('data-toolbar-anti-flicker-loading', true); document.querySelector('head').appendChild(style); if (userButtonMinWidth) { const userButtonStyle = document.createElement('style'); userButtonStyle.textContent = `#toolbar-item-user {min-width: ` + userButtonMinWidth +`px;}` document.querySelector('head').appendChild(userButtonStyle); } } } document.querySelector('html').classList.add(...classesToAdd); })(); Living-Learning Communities - Residence Life | ÃÛÌÒapp

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Living-Learning Communities

Each floor in van Reken Hall offers students the opportunity to live in intentional, themed communities that integrate academics, faith, and shared passions.

These communities are designed to deepen your college experience through faculty mentorship, experiential learning, and a strong sense of belonging. They are open primarily to first- and second-year students. Faculty or staff mentors partner with each floor to help students foster deep learning.

Whether you're passionate about the outdoors, social justice, or academic excellence, there's a place for you here:

SOAR Floor

For students who love the outdoors and care about the environment.

Perkins Floor

A community focused on racial justice and equity.

Honors Floor

Open to students in the Honors Scholars program.

Apply to a Living-Learning Community

Space is limited. Apply early! Priority is given to new students who apply by May 1.

  • New-to-ÃÛÌÒapp incoming students: apply via the Housing Application on your New Student Portal
  • Current ÃÛÌÒapp students who wish to return to or join the floor: apply during the room draw process in February

SOAR (Sustainability, Outdoor Adventure, and Recreation)

SOAR is for students who love the outdoors and care about the environment. This community blends adventure-based experiences with sustainability education, offering a hands-on approach to learning and living responsibly.

Highlights

  • Required courses:
    • PER 138: Backpacking and Wilderness Pursuits
    • CORE 100: Sustainability-themed first-year seminar
  • Activities include:
    • Overnight river paddling trip
    • Mid-fall backpacking adventure
    • Winter camping and skiing
    • Red River Gorge spring climbing trip
    • Sustainable living workshops and service projects

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Open to all skill levels
  • Primarily for first- and second-year students
  • Application required via Housing Application or Room Draw
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Perkins Floor

Named in honor of civil rights leader John Perkins, this floor is a vibrant, diverse community focused on racial justice, equity, and Christian community development. It’s a space for deep conversations, shared stories, and transformative experiences.

Highlights

  • Fall semester course focused on race and justice
  • Community-building through:
    • Life story sharing
    • Movie nights and discussions
    • Service-learning projects
    • Social outings in Grand Rapids

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Open to students passionate about diversity and inclusion
  • Primarily for first- and second-year students
  • Application required; priority given to early applicants

Honors Scholars Floor

This floor is home to students in the Honors Scholars Program, offering a residential component that fosters academic excellence and intellectual community. It’s a place where curiosity thrives and ideas flourish.

Highlights

  • Weekly activities like floor meetings, events, service-learning opportunities, and community meals
  • Fall retreat

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Must apply and be accepted into the Honors Scholars Program
  • Priority placement given to new-to-ÃÛÌÒapp students
  • Because of high interest in this floor, we recommend applying early

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