Calvin’s newest residence hall wing, van Reken Hall, is home to three distinct and intentional living-learning floors: Outdoor Recreation & Creation Care (exploring environmental sustainability and outdoor pursuits like backpacking, kayaking, skiing, rock-climbing, etc), Justice & Equity (engaging issues of identity, diversity, inclusion, and justice) and Honors Scholars (optional residential component of the Honors Scholars program).

Each floor is architecturally arranged to facilitate strong co-ed communities as well as to deepen the learning that happens there. Through learning events and community practices, students are invited to think and act more intentionally in relation to the theme of their particular floor.

These living-learning communities are open primarily to first- and second-year students, with resident assistants serving a floor community of up to 40 students. Faculty or staff mentors partner with each floor in an effort to help students foster deep learning. Space is limited and students are placed on the floor through an application process.

Application Process

New-to-Calvin incoming students should apply via their Housing Application on their New Student Portal from admissions.

Current Calvin students who wish to return to or join the floor should apply using the form below.

Priority is given to new students who apply by May 1, 2023 and current students returning to Calvin who apply before March 1, 2023.

Applications are now open for the 2023–24 school year!

Apply to a Living-Learning Community

Residence Hall Living-Learning Communities


  • Outdoor Recreation/Creation Care (First van Reken)
    • You will thrive in this community if you are interested in environmental stewardship or outdoor recreation—or if you’re somewhere in between. Whether canoeing the Pine River or tapping sugar maples around campus, your lab will be the outdoors. Your floor community will be your adventure partners and your stewardship collaborators. Caring for the world and each other are high values in this community.
  • Justice & Equity (Second van Reken)
    • Wherever you come from, whatever your race is, there is a home for you on the Justice & Equity floor. We explore the ways multiple aspects of our identities interact, as we create a thriving Christian community. You will find justice, equity, and antiracism are part of the conversation in the floor class and in the conversation by the fireplace. On this floor, you will learn about others’ stories, grow in your ability to engage and facilitate difficult conversations, participate in service-learning and activism, and take a floor class focused on diversity and inequality in the United States.
  • Honors Scholars (Third van Reken)
    • The Honors Scholars floor will feel like home if you thrive in an environment with other academically motivated people who also want the support and encouragement that comes through a committed community. Your learning will grow and deepen because of the community you make together, and fun is part of the story. Join this floor for an opportunity to grow in intellectual grace and humility while also making life-long friends.
  • Explore Further
    • The van Reken Building & Sustainable Design