What is a Learning Community?
Colleges and universities across the country are looking for innovative ways to promote student learning, student retention, and student success. One of the most successful high impact practices has been Learning Communities (LCs). Learning Communities are based on the principal that students learn very well from other students. Each LC is centered on a theme and is usually restricted to a limited number of students (20-25). Students are enrolled in 2-3 courses together and live together in the same residence hall. University faculty or staff members serve as Learning Community Coordinators so connections outside the classroom can occur throughout the first semester on campus. Building relationships with a faculty members and like-minded peers often leads to student success.
Advantages of Joining a First Year Learning Community:
- Exploring your academic and career options
- Developing leadership skills
- Organizing activities and leading committees within the Learning Community
- Connecting with a faculty or staff member in your area of interest
- Finding your passion in life
- Off campus experiences related to your Learning Community theme
- Building friendships that will last a lifetime
To promote your success in the Learning Community, you will be required to:
- Live in the residence hall assigned to your Learning Community (if living on-campus)
- Take select courses related to your Learning Community
* The LC office will pre-enroll students in the classes taken with their Learning Community. In order to remain a member of your Learning Community, you MUST stay enrolled in the one credit course, New Student Seminar, with your Learning Community Coordinator.