Reasons to Join

Facilitate Registration . Joining a learning community allows you to register for a block of courses in one step and avoid schedule conflicts and undesirable times. The courses satisfy general education, major, and professional requirements and set you on your way toward completing graduation requirements and study within a major.

Special Courses. The Learning Communities Program aims to provide you with greater insight in your course of study. Linking seminars integrate the material from your courses in new ways ands show how this content is related to other experiences and methods, different disciplines and cultures, and world-wide social and economic problems.

Develop Career and College Success Skills . The courses are designed not only to help you learn about things but also to help you develop skills and abilities that are needed for success in college and careers and to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by a research university.

Interact closely with Dedicated Teachers . Students in learning communities report that they feel more comfortable speaking up in class because they know everyone. The Learning Community faculty work together to create exciting educational experiences for their students and the program provides both students and faculty with opportunities for increased intellectual interaction and shared inquiry by including special events that bring them together in informal situations. Also, the faculty member teaching your linking seminar will be your academic advisor.

New Friends . Since students in a learning community take several courses together, you will get to know your classmates more quickly and feel at ease faster than if you were facing a new group of people in each classroom. Getting to know your classmates is one of the best ways to get adjusted to college.

Study Groups . You are more likely to study with your friends since you share several classes. Research has shown that studying with others gives you a greater chance for success.

Prepare for the Workplace . Employers look for people who are good communicators, can work cooperatively with others, and can apply their knowledge in solving new problems. The development of such skills is an intrinsic part of the Learning Communities Program.

Interactive Learning . In-class and out-of-class activities make learning fun. You will be encouraged to ask questions and contribute to class discussion--both have been proven to help you learn more. Because many of your classes are limited to 30 students, this program is particularly good for students who want a more personal approach.

Collaborative Research Projects . Course work in a learning community includes collaborative research activities. Working with other students, you pose questions, seek and understand information, build confidence in your understanding, apply your knowledge to new problems and contexts, and validate and communicate the results of your investigations. These activities develop a critical perspective on the things that you are learning in all your courses and the abilities necessary for a successful career after college.