Special Interest Housing: Live Where Your Passion Lives
Your living space is where you build your community and fuel your purpose. SEMO offers Special Interest Housing Communities where you can connect with classmates who share interests, academic goals, or life experiences.
In these communities, your neighbor becomes your collaborator and future colleague. Many of these communities occupy entire dedicated floors, and the Visual and Performing Arts Community takes an entire building. Study, grow, and thrive in a group of people who all share your interests.
SEMO’s 14 Special Interest Housing Communities:
- Agriculture
- Arts and Media Collective
- Business
- Business Plus
- College of Humanities and Social Science
- Cyberhawks
- Honors
- Military and Veterans
- Professional Pilot
- Redhawks Nursing
- Technology Hawks
- The Commons
- Tomorrow’s Teachers
- Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Why Live in a Special Interest Housing Community?
- Events tailored to your interests
- Instant connection with like-minded students
- Supportive environment where friendships flourish
- Smoother transition for new students
- Faculty and staff engagement beyond the classroom
- Built-in study groups and academic support
- Professional networking with peers and mentors
Each community is designed in partnership with faculty, staff, and Residence Life to enhance engagement, promote success, and help you develop the confidence to be fearless, both inside and outside the classroom.
How to Apply
To join a Special Interest Housing Community, complete the Special Interest Housing Application when submitting your housing contract. Approval is required before requesting a room in one of these communities.
Questions? Let’s connect.
(573) 651-2274
learningcommunities@semo.edu
Live with Purpose. Learn with Passion. At SEMO, Special Interest Housing is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to belong. These communities bring together students with shared academic interests, career goals, or life experiences to create a living environment that’s supportive, engaging, and built for success.
Location: Vandiver Hall – Second Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Requirement: Application approval
The Commons is a flexible housing option for students who want to live with friends or family members of the same or opposite legal sex. Whether you're looking for a single-gender or mixed-gender suite, this community is built on mutual respect and shared choice.
Note: Students in relationships are discouraged from rooming together.
Location: LaFerla Hall – Third Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Any major within the Department of Agriculture
Connect with peers and faculty through hands-on events and shared classes that support your future in agriculture.
Location: Vandiver Hall – Second Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Any major within the Holland College of Arts and Media
Live in a creative space designed to inspire and connect you with faculty and fellow artists.
Location: LaFerla Hall – Third Floor
Residents: First-year students
Major Requirement: Any BSBA major within the Harrison College of Business and Computing
Prepare for your future career with faculty-led events, networking opportunities, and shared classes.
Location: LaFerla Hall – Third Floor
Residents: Upperclassman
Major Requirement: Any BSBA major within the Harrison College of Business and Computing
Prepare for your future career with faculty-led events, networking opportunities, and shared classes.
Location: Vandiver Hall – Third Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Any major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Join a community focused on preserving culture, history, and human connection.
Location: LaFerla Hall – Fourth Floor
Residents: First-year students
Major Requirement: Majors within the Department of Computer Science
Engage in tech-focused events and build your skills alongside fellow future innovators
Location: LaFerla Hall – Second Floor
Residents: First-year and returning Honors students
Requirement: Verification as a member of the Jane Stephens Honors Program
Enrich your academic journey with faculty involvement, field trips, and service projects.
Location: Vandiver Hall – Fifth Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Professional Pilot or Aviation Management
Connect with instructors and peers through aviation-focused activities and support.
Location: Vandiver Hall – Fourth Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major/Career Path Requirement: Nursing
Collaborate with faculty and healthcare professionals in a community built for future medical leaders.
Location: LaFerla Hall – Fourth Floor
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Majors in Department of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering and Technology
Dive into hands-on learning and connect with faculty in your field.
Location: LaFerla Hall – First Floor
Residents: First-year students
Major Requirement: Any Education major
Build your future in education through shared classes, faculty interaction, and peer support.
Location: Dobbins River Campus Center
Residents: First-year and returning students
Major Requirement: Any major in the Holland College of Arts and Media
Live in a dedicated creative space where your passion for the arts is celebrated and supported.
Hear from one of our students
"My favorite thing would have to be the Learning Community housing options offered in the dorms. I lived in the Business Learning Community my freshman year and was able to meet some of my best friends. I was also able to get more involved in the Harrison College of Business and Computing. I have lived in this community for three years now and am currently serving as the RA, so I have been able to grow in leadership ability and involvement each year through this program. "
Hannah Kroencke, student
Explore Special Interest Housing
One University Plaza, MS 0055
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701