What is Special Interest Housing?
Special Interest Housing consists of communities of students where students who share a similar interest live together. There are 17 communities at SEMO: Agriculture Learning Community, Arts and Media Collective, Business Learning Community, College of Humanities and Social Science Community, Cyberhawks Learning Community, Exploratory Community, Future Medical Professionals, The Commons Community, Honors Community, Military and Veterans, Pet-Friendly, Professional Pilot Community, Redhawk Social Advocates, Sports Management Learning Community, Technology Hawks, Tomorrow’s Teachers Learning Community, and the Visual and Performing Arts Community (VPA). Each community occupies a floor or part of a floor of a residence hall, except the Visual and Performing Arts Community (VPA) which has its own building. So, imagine a fully immersive college experience where you share not only living spaces with your neighbors but also common interests like academic majors, professional ambitions, or life experiences.
Benefits of Living in a Special Interest Housing Community
Communities specialize in providing a place for individuals to thrive and build connections that last beyond the classroom and their time here at SEMO. So, what can you expect when living in a Special Interest Housing community?
- You’ll attend events organized specifically for your community.
- Meet other students with shared special interests.
- Live in a supportive environment where friendships thrive.
- New students experience a smoother transition to college.
- Connect with faculty and staff outside the classroom.
- Academic community members can take advantage of community study group opportunities.
- Establish a professional network of community members, faculty, staff, and visiting professionals.
With the help of faculty, staff, and Residence Life, each community is designed to improve engagement through social events around community themes and provide access to resources that will aid in your academic and personal success.
To apply to a Special Interest Housing community, complete the Special Interest Housing Application when completing the housing contract. An application is required for all Special Interest Housing communities and must be approved before requesting a room in the community.
To learn more, contact:
Office of Residence Life
(573) 651-2274
learningcommunities@semo.edu
Special Interest Housing Communities Fall 25/ Spring 26
The application review process for the 25/26 school year will start November 4, 2024. Processing can take up to 2 weeks to complete once received. Students will be sent an email to their Southeast email account letting them know if their application has been approved, denied, or waitlisted.
Special Interest Living & Learning Communities
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