About Learning Communities

What are the benefits of engaging with the Learning Communities?

• Academic support and resources.
• Mentorship from experienced student staff who have proven themselves in their degree.
• Intentional social, academic, and professional development events.
• Increased opportunity to connect and make friends.
• Access to a network of faculty and staff who can guide you throughout your first year in college.
• Increased retention and persistence towards degree attainment.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Learning Communities program is to engage students with a meaningful network of faculty, advisors, and peer mentors related to their academic and career interests, support student academic needs and foster a sense of pride as a Highlander! We are focused on facilitating their transition to college and enhancing their learning experience through activities both inside and out of the classroom setting. The Learning Communities structure creates an environment where students can celebrate a common purpose with integrity and civility.

Core Values

Integration

Students learn best when they understand the “why”. In other words, when a student knows why a concept taught in the classroom is important and valuable, they tend to have a better time grasping the subject matter overall. Through targeted coursework and a first year seminar, Learning Communities students will become integrated into meaningful academic networks.

Community

We believe that attachment to a supportive community is critical. As learning is inherently social, the classroom environment will be collaborative—faculty, advisors, and students building and sharing knowledge. Peer mentors will facilitate online networking and study groups to enhance learning outside the classroom as well as through social events and programs.

Reflection

A better understanding of one’s self will lead to a more intentional and successful future. In a weekly seminar, students will have the opportunity to express their goals and reflect on learning experiences across their curriculum. Students will be encouraged to share and apply lessons learned so as to better inform their future decision making and goal formation.

Active Learning

We believe that students are active participants in their learning experience and therefore we encourage respectful discussion and open sharing of learning experiences. 

Diversity

The capacity for tolerating differences, building agreement that honors all voices in the community, and demonstrating concern for how others are doing are crucial aspects of Learning Communities. Our students will represent a diversity of learners, in terms of cultural background, ethnicity, gender, and learning style.