Defined Residential Communities

Asian/Asian American
Defined Residential Community

Northeast Area: Lewis Hall
Apply today!

The Asian/Asian American Defined Residential Community is an intentional space located in Lewis Hall for students to explore their identity and culture as Asian, Asian American, and allied students.

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

Professional staff in this community work closely with a student advisory board and faculty in the Asian/ Asian American Certificate program to coordinate events and create strong relationships through educational and social programming.

The Asian/Asian American DRC also plans regular off-campus field trips focused on culture and community-building.

Disability
Defined Residential Community

Central Area: Brett Hall
Apply today!

The Disability Defined Residential Community is a community housed in Brett Hall intentionally centered on the experiences, needs, and community among Disabled students. All students who identify as Disabled across experiences and their allies are encouraged to apply; no registration or disclosure is required.

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 as well as collaborate with other Defined Residential Communities and campus resources.

The Disability DRC aims to be a central location for all members of the UMass Disability community and be an integral part of supporting the institutional growth of the Disability community on campus.

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
Apply today!

El Barrio is a Latinx Defined Residential Community located in Washington Hall that was created to raise awareness about Latinx culture and help empower students within the Latinx diaspora.

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.

Residents will participate in programming initiatives that explore the multiple facets of Latinx daily life.

Resources available to the community include collaborations with the surrounding cultural centers 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
Apply today!

Harambee, Swahili for “the pulling together point” or “the point at which all things come together,” is an inclusive and supportive community that honors African/African American/Black identities and provides intentional space for their cultures.

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 and CMASS.

Spectrum:
LGBTQIA+ Defined Residential Community

Central Area: Baker Hall
Apply today!

Spectrum is a community that strives for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, two-spirit, and asexual students to feel safe, accepted, and empowered.

Spectrum is also a space for people who are interested in exploring their sexual and gender identities while also learning about their identity in relationship to systems of power.

Through programming and other initiatives planned by professional staff, RAs, and a student advisory board, this community fosters connections between individuals with shared identities and interests. 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.

Participants can expect to see local retreats, regional trips that explore gender and sexuality.

The Spectrum hallway has a gender-inclusive bathroom. All spaces in the Spectrum community are gender-inclusive rooms.