Unity RLC
Unity Residential Learning Community (RL) is a traditional-style, co-ed community of first and second-year students, focused on the themes of diversity and civic engagement. The RLC is housed within McLaughlin-Walsh residence hall.
The theme of Unity RLC is grounded in one of the University's fundamental values: "We cherish our diverse community and the roots that must sustain it: shared values amidst diversity, close personal relationships, effective communication, respect for others, and an engaged concern for the common good of the campus, the local community, and the global society."
Unity RLC programs and events focus on a wide range of diversity themed topics such as Social Justice, Socioeconomic status, Sexuality/Gender, Culture/Race, Religion, National Origin, and much more. The exploration, understanding, and appreciation of diversity are fostered through courses, co-curricular programming, and residential programming.
We strongly believe that exposure and understanding of different ways of thinking is essential to reaching one's potential. It is with this in mind that the Unity RLC staff plans and implements opportunities for residents to learn about a world larger than themselves, SCU or their country and then act on this knowledge for the common good.
Our community is comprised of approximately 250 first and second-year students. Unity RLC is co-ed with the exception of 2nd floor McLaughlin which is all-female and 3rd floor Walsh which is all-male. The 2nd floor of Walsh is home to the Imagine Learning Community which includes students interested in learning more about religious diversity. With traditional double rooms, Unity RLC also tends to be one of the more active, social communities on campus.
Unity RLC is consistently described as an open and welcoming place to live. Staff in Unity RLC are uniquely passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion and play a special role in shaping this welcoming environment through their daily interactions and programs. Unity RLC is one the most active communities on campus with consistently high attendance at programs and an open-door culture where residents can continue to socialize.
Every Residential Learning Community (RLC) offers several programs and events each week. Community Facilitators and Leadership Councils host floor and building-wide socials, facilitate activities to promote wellness and mental health, lead students to on-campus events, and organize service opportunities.
Traditional events hosted in Unity RLC include the Halloween Haunted House, Diwali Celebrations, Iftar dinners, and Global Coffee Hour events in partnership with the Global Engagement Office.
Theme programming often includes topics of diversity and identity. Staff host "Real Talk" discussions about current events and controversies, campus-wide panels, and presentations by local speakers and activists.
The Unity RLC staff is comprised of 12 Community Facilitators (CFs), 1 Spirituality Facilitator (SF), 1 Faculty Director (FD), 1 Assistant Resident Director (ARD), and 1 Resident Director (RD).
The Unity RLC 2024-2025 team includes:
Leadership Team
- David Hendricks, Resident Director
- Daniel Martinez, Assistant Resident Director
- Evelyn Ferraro, Ph.D., Modern Languages Department, Faculty Director
- Jennifer Saldana Luna, Spirituality Facilitator
Community Facilitators (CFs)
CFs in McLaughlin-Walsh support a floor of approximately 40 residents. All student staff on campus receive training in conflict resolution and roommate mediation, crisis response, community building, and campus resources, and are present in their community to support their residents. Students can contact their Community Facilitator or Leadership Team directly for support.
McLaughlin-Walsh Residence Hall
McLaughlin-Walsh is a three-story building with two wings, with common spaces located on each floor in the center of the building. Rooms are traditional doubles with a vanity and sink in each space. Communal restrooms, one male and one female, are on each floor. Approximately 40 residents live on each wing, with one Community Facilitator.
Unity residence hall is distinguished by its twin buildings: McLaughlin and Walsh. Rooms are traditional doubles with communal bathrooms on each wing. There are three floors, each of which includes a study/recreational lounge, a kitchen space, and a laundry room. McLaughlin-Walsh has air conditioning in common spaces only but does not have air conditioning in indivdual student rooms. One CF lives on each wing along with 30-50 residents. The Unity Commons is a large multipurpose room on the first floor. The two basement areas provide additional programming and study space.
In the space directly outside of the building, a sand volleyball court, connect four game, and cornhole set are available for student use. Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs with umbrellas provide additional outdoor gathering spaces.
Each student living in a McLaughlin-Walsh standard double, pictured above, is provided a twin XL bed frame and mattress, desk, rolling desk cabinet, desk chair, a closet, and a set of three stacking dresser drawers.
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Each RLC is coordinated by a Leadership Team comprised of a live-in Resident Director, Faculty Director, Spirituality Facilitator, and Assistant Resident Director(s). Your RLC’s Leadership Team is a valuable resource and its members can help you with both personal and academic concerns.
