Environmental Design

What is the Environmental Design community?

The Environmental Design Academic Residential Community (ARC) is a group of students dedicated to the creation of more equitable, sustainable, and livable human and non-human communities through the field of environmental design. 

Why should I choose to live in this community?

Design is a process of discovery, characterized by questioning, creating, testing, and evaluating. Students who choose to live in the Environmental Design ARC will learn how to create environments that fulfill human needs and potential, while being ecologically responsible and socially just. The program combines professional training with a social science lens, preparing you for the rapidly-evolving world of design.

As part of the Environmental Design ARC, you will live in community with other students interested in changing the world, take courses targeted at furthering your first-year experience, and connect with faculty and advisors to help you pick your path.

What are the community expectations?

Students in this community will live together in Kalapuya Ilihi and take several courses together throughout their first year: 

  • UGST 112: Environmental Design ARC Seminar (4 credits total. Fall: 2 credits. Winter: 1 credit. Spring: 1 credit.)
  • LA 260: Understanding Landscapes (4 credits)
  • Recommended courses: LA 301: Environmental Design Careers (4 credits), LA 328: Spring Plants 

Location

Residence Hall: Kalapuya Ilihi. We encourage ARC students to room with others who are also in the ARC to strengthen their connection to their community. However, if students are unable to find a good roommate fit within the first two weeks of roommate browsing, they will then have the opportunity to search for non-ARC roommates.

Please note that communities can be moved to different residence hall buildings if the size or need of the community changes.

For more information, contact arcs@uoregon.edu.

Who is eligible and how do I apply?

All first-year students are welcome to apply.

While priority is given to students majoring in Environmental Design, all students with an interest in design, sustainability, technology, architecture, and/or climate advocacy are encouraged to apply.

  1. Register for University Housing and select the community you prefer in the "Community Preference" section.
  2. Answer the community questions on your housing registration.

Completed community applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until May 22. Students on the waitlist will receive a decision before roommate selection opens.

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