Fall 2005 Learning Communities 

This fall over 600 first-year students are participating in 38 separate learning communities (LC) at Ohio University. A learning community is an intentional clustering of courses that a group of students (the learning community) takes in common to allow them to develop a deeper understanding of the courses’ subject matter while they build relationships and learn together outside the classroom. Students typically take two required general education courses as well as a freshman seminar. The instructor for the freshman seminar also serves as the academic advisor for all participating University College undecided students.

There are many different types of learning communities available for students interested in participating in the Fall-quarter only program. College-based learning communities are designed to meet the academic requirements of the corresponding college or specific major(s). General learning communities are designed for any student regardless of major. There are also communities that target specific populations of students, such as commuter students. Some communities also have the added benefit of the students living in the same residential area – which allows for ready study-partners or social connections.

Students in LCs have the opportunity to participate in out-of-class activities organized by a Peer Mentor who is assigned to the specific community. While these activities are optional, they increase student connectedness to Ohio University. Research has shown that participants in LCs have a higher GPA at the end of their first-year and return at a higher rate for their sophomore year than non-participants.

Learning Communities at Ohio University are a collaborative effort among University College, the Department of Residence Life, the Office of the Registrar, Business and Residence Services, Institutional Research, Vice President for Administration (Assessment), as well as the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Communication, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, and the College of Health and Human Services.

If you are interested in teaching a course within a learning community, contact Wendy Merb-Brown, brownw@ohio.edu or 740.593.1935.

Visit Learning Communities online at www.ohio.edu/learningcommunities/.