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Congratulations to the 2021-2022 learning community faculty!

Many of the programs and initiatives carried out by the first year experience (FYE) office cannot happen without the ongoing support of faculty dedicated to improving the first year of college for students.  One of those initiatives is the learning community program which has been in place since 2013.

Learning communities at ´ºÃÎÖ±²¥ serve as an opportunity for first-year students to share a small, dynamic group learning experience connecting two or more courses in an exploration of an interdisciplinary theme. Limited to 20 students per learning community, faculty work together in small teams as students immerse themselves in an experience designed to explore ideas and knowledge that crosses between individual course content.  Identified as a high-impact practice by the , learning communities engage students in an intentional and supportive learning environment during their first semester.

We would like to take a moment to recognize the 2021-2022 faculty that will be teaching in a learning community for the fall 2021 semester. 

"Creating A Happy Life" Reserved for exploratory students (undeclared)

• Professor James Gubbins, interdisciplinary studies (FYID 100: First Year Seminar)
• Professor Claire McCarthy, english (ENL 110: Foundations of Writing)

“Creating Positive Learning Outcomes for Men of Color" Reserved for students that identify as men of color

• Professor Lamont Simmons, social work (FYSW 100: First Year Seminar)
• Professor Steven Oliver, secondary and higher education (EDC 115: Exploring Education)

"Immersed in Wellness" Reserved for healthcare studies majors

• Professor Amy Everitt, healthcare studies (FYHC 100: First Year Seminar)
• Professor Michelle Sweeney, healthcare studies (BHS 101: Healthcare in the US)
• Professor Cynthia Hatch-Belhumeur, sport and movement science (SMS 194: Health and Wellness)

"Queer Lives, Identities, and Culture" Reserved for students that identify as LGBTQIA+

• Professor Sara Moore, sociology (FYSO 100: First Year Seminar)
• Professor Miguel Montalva Barba, sociology (SOC 110: Introduction to Sociology)

"Science for a Sustainable Future" Open to all first-year students

• Professor Sara Mana, geological sciences (FYGS 100: First Year Seminar)
• Professor Mustafa Yatin, chemistry and physics (CHE 112: Introduction to Green Chemistry)

We hope that you will join us in recognizing the faculty who are working to design these innovative learning experiences for the Class of 2025. 

Interested in learning more about the learning communities program? Curious about what linked courses could make an interesting yet fun academic experience for first-year students? Contact Franklin Chilaka, Assistant Director in the first-year experience office or visit the