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Location: Witte Residence Hall (one floor) | # of Residents: 57
Types of Rooms: mixed coed floor of doubles (gender-inclusive room options available)
Essence welcomes all students who are interested in learning about the Black diaspora and impacted peoples through events, dialogue, and community-building. This community fosters a sense of belonging on campus through shared interest and engagement. The goal of Essence is to learn about traditions and culture in a respectful residential setting.
How to Join
All items must be completed by your due date (May 1 for most admitted students). You can be assigned to any learning/theme community even if you did not preference it.
- Sign your University Residence Halls contract and submit your advance payment in My UW Housing.
- Rank the Essence Theme Community first when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
- Prioritize theme communities over residence halls when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
- Complete and submit the Essence Theme Community application/agreement in My UW Housing.
- Indicate if you want a random or preferred roommate in My UW Housing, and create/join a roommate group if you have a preferred roommate(s). Make sure all preferred roommates have matching preferences.
Programming
Community Goals
- Engage students in learning about the Black diaspora
- Create opportunities for connection through shared interests
- Create an environment that prioritizes a sense of belonging
- Connect students to campus resources and leadership opportunities
Events & Activities
Examples of typical or past Essence programs:
- Opening ice cream social
- Breakfast & bingo
- Peer mentor meet & greet
- Guest speakers
- Trips to the movies
Staff
Elijah Holmes
Position title: Student Founder
