What are Learning Communities?

At Webster learning communities (LCs) are defined as communities of students on a floor of a residence hall with an academic unit tie such as communications, biology, art, or a common interest such as student leadership and service.

A LC would be approximately 15 to 20 students living together in the same residence hall and taking two - three courses together; LC courses generally revolve around a particular theme or field of study, and should satisfy the general education requirements for any major a student might eventually pursue. 

LC offer students the opportunity to enhance their learning experience by surrounding themselves with peers who share their academic interests. 

Why do we promote Learning Communities?

Social Support:

• allows for interaction with others who share similar interests, therefore developing a common commitment to each other’s personal and academic success.
• LC members live in the same residence hall with students who take some of the same courses, it is much easier for them to form study groups and get help with challenging courses.
• The first year of college is often overwhelming for first year students, but joining a LC is a great way to make friends easily and quickly in this large, diverse community.

Faculty Connections:

• In LCs ongoing dialogue with peers and educators assists students in making personal meaning of their academic experiences thus enhancing intellectual development.
• LC members have the added benefit of direct faculty contact early in their collegiate experience, making their learning experience more personalized.
• LCs enable students to develop communication and leadership skills and encourage an appreciation for lifelong learning. 

Additional Benefits:

• Research has shown that students are more successful when their academic experiences are integrated with other aspects of their lives.
• Studies have shown that across the country learning community students traditionally earn higher GPAs than students who are not in a learning community.
• Other universities have cited that the development of learning communities have had direct correlation on the retention of their students.