Defined Residential Communities

Asian/Asian American
Defined Residential Community

Northeast Area: Lewis Hall

The Asian/Asian American Defined Residential Community is an intentional community located in Lewis Hall for students to explore and uplift Asian and Asian American identities and cultures and to support belonging and success of Asian and Asian American students at UMass Amherst.

Students in the community gather frequently to discuss issues of identity, social justice, belonging, and culture through intentional events, dialogue spaces, and off-campus trips.

Professional staff in this community work closely with a student advisory board, Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center staff, and faculty in the Asian/ Asian American Certificate program to coordinate events and create strong relationships. 

Disability
Defined Residential Community

Central Area: Brett Hall

The Disability Defined Residential Community is an intentional space located in Brett Hall for students to explore and uplift Disability identities and cultures and to support belonging and success of students with disabilities at UMass Amherst.

In the Disability DRC, students will gain a better understanding of campus resources, experience a range of social and educational events, and take part in building an inclusive community. Participants can expect to be involved in the decision-making process regarding events to fit the needs, social interests, and educational interests of the community.

Please note: There are a limited number of private rooms in this community. Most spaces will be double occupancy rooms.

El Barrio:
Latinx Defined Residential Community

Southwest Area: Washington Hall

The El Barrio Defined Residential Community is an intentional community located in Washington Hall for students to explore and uplift Latinx identities and cultures and to support belonging and success of students of Latin American descent at UMass Amherst.

Students in El Barrio will build connections between each other by engaging in dialogue surrounding their intersecting identities and interests; as well as collaborating with other communities who face similar social, economic, and political issues.

Students in the community gather frequently to discuss issues of identity, social justice, belonging, and culture through intentional programming and dialogue spaces.

Resources available to the community include collaborations with campus departments and organizations; including, but not limited to, the Latinx American Cultural Center (LACC) and the Latinos Unidos organization.

Harambee:
African/African American Defined Residential Community

Southwest Area: Coolidge Hall

Harambee, Swahili for “the pulling together point” or “the point at which all things come together,” is an intentional community located in Coolidge Hall for students to explore and uplift African, African American, and Black identities and cultures and to support belonging and success of African, African American and Black students at UMass Amherst. 

In Harambee, students will have opportunities to share and learn from one another’s cultural experiences and backgrounds, as well as connect over current events related to Black identity and explore intersections of race and other identities and social justice. 

Events and programs will be planned in collaboration with students, Resident Assistant (RA), the Residence Director (RD), and campus partners like the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, CMASS, and the Malcolm X Cultural Center.

Spectrum:
LGBTQIA+ Defined Residential Community

Central Area: Baker Hall

Spectrum is an intentional community located in Baker Hall for students to explore and uplift lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, two-spirit, and asexual identities and cultures and to support belonging and success of students of all genders, gender-identities and sexual orientations at UMass Amherst. 
Through programming and other initiatives planned by professional staff, RAs, and a student advisory board, this community fosters connections between individuals and exploration of intersections of identities. Spectrum students can expect to learn and explore topics such as sexual health, social justice, historical and contemporary issues, and how to be active agents of social change.

Resources available to the community include collaborations with Faculty, the Stonewall Center, and student, local and national organizations.

Bathrooms in the community are designated as gender-inclusive. All resident rooms are gender-inclusive rooms.