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Cornell University

Multicultural Living Learning Unit (McLLU)

Housing Location

Multicultural Living Learning Unit, Ithaca, NY 14850

The Multicultural Living Learning Unit, know as McLLU (pronounced McClue) is a community which prides itself on being a diverse community of backgrounds and ethnicities, all committed to celebrating difference and promoting acceptance. McLLU focuses on diversity in all forms including race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical ability, religion, and more.McLLU, housed in Clara Dickson Hall, was founded in 1991 by a group of students who wanted to live in a community where they could learn from a culturally eclectic group of peers - a home where everyone would be welcome to share ideas, values, and experiences. This theme of open-mindedness has endured: residents continue to create an inclusive and socially just community that allows residents to learn, listen, and share the many identities they embody.

An important part of the McLLU community is academic and social programming. All residents are invited to participate in a series of McLLU programs known as 'McLLUnity Nights,' led by residents, Cornell faculty, and staff on topics about identity, activism, expression, current events, and culture. The McLLU community also organizes occasional trips off campus. In the past, McLLU has traveled to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Explore the McLLU community page in CampusGroups.

Community features:  

  • Open to first-year, transfer, and upperlevel students 
  • 47 residents, 2 RAs, and 1 Senior RA
  • Located in Dickson Hall on North Campus, near Robert Purcell Community Center and Appel Commons 
  • Single and triple rooms arranged on a central hall on two floors of Clara Dickson Hall
  • Bedrooms contain, for each occupant: an extra-long twin bed, a closet and a bureau (or wardrobe/bureau combination), a desk and desk chair, a desk lamp, a wastebasket, a recycling bin,and floor carpeting 
  • Two kitchens, a large programming space, a TV lounge, and a study lounge 
  • Wireless Internet access 
  • Some rooms do not have overhead lighting, so residents are encouraged to bring their own floor lamp. 
  • Please note: McLLU rooms do not have air conditioning.

How to apply for residency:

 Rising junior and rising senior students may select to live in a program house as part of the fall Housing Selection process while rising sophomores can select during their General Room Selection process in the spring. New students can indicate their preference to live in a program house on their New Student Housing Application.

Out-of-House Membership information: 

Program Houses offer out-of-house memberships for Cornell community members who want to participate as non-residents. Download an out-of-house member application here.   

Dining options: 

Learn about Cornell Dining's meal plans.

Mail and packages:

Visit the Service Center website for student mail and package information.

Questions?  

For more information about McLLU, call (607) 255-5306 or email McLLU@cornell.edu